2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Toyota Tundra represents a significant redesign for Toyota’s full-size pickup truck. Engine options include a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) producing 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version of the same engine (i-FORCE MAX) producing 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Tundra’s bold styling, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options, particularly the hybrid. Common complaints often center around fuel economy, some aspects of the infotainment system, and initial issues related to the new platform.

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (i-FORCE)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+ depending on labor and parts availability.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX)

• High Voltage Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the hybrid system, reduced power, failure to start.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and possible replacement of hybrid battery components or the entire battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and warranty coverage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable clunking or jerking during gear changes, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Squat
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive rear-end sag when towing or carrying heavy loads.
  • Solution: Upgrading the rear springs, adding air helper springs, or installing a weight distribution hitch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the solution.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update to the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Blind Spot Monitoring, Parking Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, intermittent failures, or complete loss of functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, depending on location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion in wiring, causing electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the corroded or damaged wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Bed Bounce/Vibration
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable vibration in the bed, particularly when driving on rough roads or at highway speeds.
  • Solution: Adding additional bed mounts and dampening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Poor Placement of the Sensor on the Front Bumper
  • Description/Symptoms: When driving during winter conditions, snow/ice can accumulate on the sensor, causing the sensor to read incorrectly.
  • Solution: Relocating the sensor or cleaning the sensor before each drive.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 if cleaning the sensor before each drive.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Creaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or other interior components.
  • Solution: Locating and tightening loose fasteners, adding sound dampening material, or replacing poorly fitting parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity and location of the noise.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, while a significant improvement over previous generations, has exhibited some common issues. Engine problems range from turbocharger failures in the non-hybrid models to high-voltage battery issues in the hybrids. Transmission problems may be solved with a simple software update, however some owners have experienced more serious internal issues. Electrical issues such as infotainment system glitches and sensor malfunctions are also prevalent. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine or transmission replacements, can be quite costly.