10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,434 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Toyota Tundra electrical problems

electrical problem

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2017 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jan 092023

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intermittent failure of the integrated trailer brake controller system. System indicates a frequent intermittent fault indicating a wiring or connection issue that disables the signal to activate the trailer brakes resulting in no trailer braking. Vehicle and trailer are available for inspection. I was travelling down a 6% grade mountain (Arizona SR87 MP224) an exhibited a loss of trailer brakes. Taking the trailer to the dealer on flat level service experienced intermittent loss of trailer brakes. Toyota Integrated Brake Controller (IBC) intermittently and randomly indicating a fault in the trailer wiring. -??Rapid clicking of the IBC-??s electrical relays. -??In fault mode, the IBC disables the trailer brakes. -??Sometimes the IBC works perfectly for miles and then goes into fault mode for an unknown reason. -??Sometimes, the IBC goes into fault mode just plugging the trailer into the electrical socket without even taking the truck out of drive or depressing the brake pedal. -??All external trailer lights include turn signals are functioning normally. Examination and diagnosis to date: -??Toyota IBC was removed and replaced with a Tekonsha P3 brake controller using a Tekonsha wiring harness adapter to plug directly into the Tundra-??s wiring harness used by the original Toyota IBC. The P3 is giving the error as brake circuit short-circuit, overload. -??The travel trailer is a 2022 Jayco 212QBW, dual axle. -??I brought the trailer to the dealer I purchased it from to have the brake system checked for faults. I-??ve attached a copy of receipt from the dealer service department. In short, they examined the following and concluded the issue was with the Tundra. - The trailer wiring was physically examined with no deficiencies. - Trailer connected to the dealer's Chevy Silverado and driven around town with no faults. Toyota dealership claims they can find no fault with their tester. They would not use my 7-pin tester that also exhibits the same problems.

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

problem #23

Jan 272023

Tundra

  • miles
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10170730-9999.pdf It is this issue. I just bought my truck at 83000 miles and toyota would not fix it since it is 3000 miles over the emission warranty.

- Johns Creek, GA, USA

problem #22

Dec 202022

Tundra 8-cyl

  • miles
As I am driving down the pickup loses power/ has no power. Was driving down the interstate and trying to make it up the Harbor bridge I could only go 40. Then try to pass a semi that (BAD DRIVER) was dangerously close, I could not even pass him. Not to mention people were angry at me and getting defensive. There were no warning lights, I took it in immediately. It has been inspected by my secondary warranty I purchased. ( Tripple Diamond 1-833-909-0015 or 1-844-526-0415 our policy # is [XXX] under [XXX] -So I take it to the Toyota Dealership in Corpus Christi Texas, They then tell me it is my Secondary air pump (both Sides) and Valves including Gasket, Air Tube, Pump Assembly, air, (2 both sides)/inlet, Air pump(1) and valve set, emission (1) That was on 12-16-2022 (it has been there since) this will cost me $3,205.38 out of pocket. But the real problem is that there is a long waiting list of people waiting for this same part, so no one can get it. Many people with the same problem last I called I was 44 people in line. I only have 75,000 miles on my truck, and still have the same tires That are in great shape (I rotate them) So for this to happen seems strange, I take special care of this truck. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bayside, TX, USA

problem #21

Jun 232022

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving at night, the front lights of the vehicle turn off randomly. Been driving on an highway at going at 75mph and randomly the headlights shuts off. Happened 4 times in the past year.

- Ithaca, NY, USA

problem #20

Jan 092022

Tundra

  • miles
Headlights, taillights and all dash and interior lights go out when using turn signal at night. My and others safety has been put at risk due to the loss of headlights and taillights when engaging the turn signal. Those in my truck as well as those in surrounding vehicles are at risk because of the lack of exterior illumination while driving. Toyota dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem as the technicians do not work at night to drive the truck in the dark when headlights would be in use. Vehicle has not been inspected by any third parties just the dealership. There were no waring or messages or other symptoms of the problem before the failure. Problem first appeared in January 2022 and has occurred on over 6 occasions before truck was taken to dealership in February 2022. Truck was taken to dealership after lights went out at 70 MHP when signaling to exit highway at night.

- Cranberry Township, PA, USA

problem #19

Dec 302021

Tundra

  • miles
Integrated Brake Controller (IBC) not sending sufficient power to electric dual-axle travel trailer brakes producing weak if any braking ability. On the approach to the first red traffic signal, there was zero braking from the trailer requiring full braking from the tow vehicle risking a crash. The IBC is providing no warning or failure indicators to the user. The vehicle and IBC are available for government inspection. The travel trailer in use is a 2022 Jayco Jay Flight SLX8 212QBW. While towing a 5,000 pound dual-axle travel trailer for the first time since I purchased the truck brand new from Toyota in 2017, I attempted to setup the IBC. Instructions say to set Type, which I set to electric brakes matching the trailer, then adjust the gain up while travelling around 25 miles per hours. When lock up of the trailer brakes occur, reduce the gain slightly to prevent full lock up. At a Gain of 10 (10 is the maximum), I could not achieve brake lock up and could only obtain weak trailer braking. The trailer was tested with a different tow vehicle and there were no problems obtaining lock up at mid-range gain. I had Toyota inspect the software updates to the IBC on January 14, 2022 and Toyota advised the IBC is up to date on its software and functioning correctly. The Tundra is out of factory warranty, but since I did not own a travel trailer during the warranty period, there was no way for me to test the IBC before going out of warranty.

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

problem #18

Aug 282021

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Right headlight leveling motor failed causing headlight to point at the ground. I now have limited night time visibility on a 13,000 mi. vehicle. Toyota does not offer a replacement part nor do aftermarket sellers. A Youtube video of one of these dismantled motors shows a cheapest of the cheap device. Auto manufacturers should not be allowed to use cheaply made items to point headlights! Dealer refused warranty and wants $500+ for a new headlight that will last 13,000 mi. When the left side fails, I will no longer be able to drive at night. This is beyond absurd that a manufacturer is allowed to use the cheapest parts possible on a safety device such as a headlight.

- Otis, MA, USA

problem #17

Mar 282021

Tundra

  • 27,000 miles
The headlights and the interior lights turn off when I use the turn signals. This has happened several times since I had the truck, the last time this happened the lights were off for about 5 minutes. The truck is being looked at by the dealership but they can't recreate the issue. This is a safety problem

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #16

Dec 042020

Tundra

  • 18,000 miles
While driving at night and the lights are on auto, pressing down for the left signal the headlights go out and the dash becomes dim as if I am driving during the day which im not. The vehicle is moving when the lights go out. Please find a resolution because this is dangerous and could cause others to collide with me while on the road.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #15

Dec 202020

Tundra

  • 23,500 miles
Trailer brake controller does not work and it almost caused a crash. Now it does not even shows up on display as if truck is not even equipped with this module. Extremely scary and dangerous when towing 6000ib behind you and your trailer brakes fail to engage. Internet is bussing with Tundra owners with same issue.

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #14

Nov 262020

Tundra

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2017 Toyota Tundra 1794 crewmax, during winter months in South Carolina - the headlights, tail lights and internal instrumentation will turn off when turning left or right with turn signal engaged. This only happens with the lights in the auto position and not in the manual position and the issue occurs at night intermittently while the vehicle is in motion!! sometimes the lights just flicker and sometimes they go off and stay off. I have almost ran off the road twice when this has happened. It happens more frequently with cooler temperatures. I have had this issue for over a year now trying to get Toyota to fix it. This is a known issue that Toyota doesnt want to fix unless they can duplicate this issue in the shop, in which they usually cant. There are many people online complaining of the same issue, on forums. This is a saftey issue that needs to be fixed asap.

- Aiken, SC, USA

problem #13

Nov 172020

Tundra

  • 14,000 miles
Automatic headlights shut off when turn signal is used. It happens intermittently, but frequently. I have had this happen multiple time at speeds ranging from 10 mph to 80 mph but it only seems to happen when the automatic headlights are on and the turn signal is activated.

- South Jordan, UT, USA

problem #12

Aug 262020

Tundra

  • 25,350 miles
When enabling the rear defroster (and side mirror defrost), I heard a loud pop, and noticed smoke under the passenger windshield wiper. The windshield had cracked (presumably from the heat differential), and the wiper started to melt on the windscreen. There appears to be an electrical short directly under the windshield (and under the passenger wiper) that is related to the defroster. This occurred when the vehicle was stationary, and cold (morning startup).

- Townsend, DE, USA

problem #11

May 072020

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 23,200 miles
When operating the vehicle with the headlight stalk/selector on "auto", the dash lights and headlights suddenly go totally black or out. I'm able to turn the lights back on by moving the selector to "on". the problem is it happens and sometimes you don't know all of your lights are off when driving, especially in the city with other bright lights. This can be very dangerous. This has happened several times, so I no longer use the auto function on my stalk...too dangerous.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #10

Feb 232020

Tundra

  • 14,550 miles
I have a 2017 Tundra and when I use my turn signal it makes my headlights and my dash lights go off. I have researched this on the internet and found a stream that this is a problem with a lot of these Tundra's are having this issue. My lights have gone out when driving at night and this is a safety hazard. I have include a link to a blog of a ton of other owners that are having the same issue. This needs to be look into before someone is killed. Https://www.Tundra.com/threads/auto-headlights-shut-off-with-turn-signal.22968/

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #9

Jan 192020

Tundra

  • 24,000 miles
Driving at night with headlights on in auto position all lights shut off as if the switch was turned to off. This happens usually when turning. A tap on the turn signal stalk / headlight switch brings them back. Impossible to recreate. This is very dangerous. This happens monthly.

- Lake Wales, FL, USA

problem #8

Aug 012017

Tundra

  • miles
Dashboard gauges do not illuminate during the day when the headlights are off. Because of this, it can be very difficult (or impossible) to read the gauges while driving in shady areas, especially while wearing sunglasses.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #7

Dec 122019

Tundra

  • 32,000 miles
When the signal stalk is placed on auto and it is clearly dark outside the headlights will intermittently turn off when putting the left turn signal into place. The lights will come back on when the signal stalk is back in the neutral position. This has happened while in motion, stationary, and at different outside temperatures. However, I have noticed this occurs more when the temperature is in the 40's.

- Indian Land, SC, USA

problem #6

Jan 032020

Tundra

  • 31,000 miles
Headlights flash or turn off when using the turn signals. Dash lights also dim. Seems to happen when I use the left turn signal. Has happened several times. If I turn the switch to the off position then back they have turned back on.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #5

Jan 032019

Tundra

  • 29,000 miles
With the headlight switch selected to 'auto' and when engaging the turn signal to the left durning night driving, all exterior and interior lights would go black until turn signal switch is moved to the on the position. Vehicle was taken local Toyota dealership service department to remedy the issue. Initially, this dealership thought it was the light sensor located on the dash of the truck and replaced it using a warranty claim. Almost immediately (next day), the vehicle repeated the same initial failure over 3 times in an hour. I made an appointment with that same Toyota dealership but upon arrival I was met with resistance due to a previous warranty claim for the same issue. They advised me if I wanted the switch replaced, it would be totally at my expense. I left that dealership and proceeded to another Toyota dealership who replaced the switch at my expense. The replacing of the switch has solved the lights going out while driving during the night. I've read on several truck forums that this is a known issue by Toyota but they haven acknowledged it. Luckily, I can afford to replace my switch to ensure my family is safe in this vehicle but my submission here is for those that can't afford the replacements and need Toyota to issue a recall to fix this serious but inexpensive issue.

- Desoto, TX, USA

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