The Lemon Index2018 Toyota Tundra.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 51 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 14 to 16 mpg combined. The best Toyota Tundra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 100 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Tundra year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 25K miles on the car (48 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 2K–16K miles
Recalls 9
- steering 2021
An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- steering 2021
The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
- lights 2021
The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
Show all 9 recalls
- lights 2020
Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500,…
- equipment 2018
The accessory all-weather floormats may have been counted twice when creating the load carrying capacity modification label, resulting in the capacity modification label incorrectly overstating the additional weight by 1…
- electrical 2018
The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check.
- stability control 2018
Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated.
- equipment 2017
These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 227 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| TOYOTA TUNDRA PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle does not recognize the trailer braking system. Vehicle trailer braking system not working
2018 Toyota Tundra owner · NHTSA complaint 11383302
More owner reports
Toyota safety sense malfunction cruise control malfunction, trailer brake error, pre-collision system malfunction lights. Truck. Malfunction is intermittent at all speeds and driving conditions.
NHTSA complaint 11053745
Integrated brake controller not functioning. Took it to dealer a week and not resolved.
NHTSA complaint 11065975
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Tundra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Tundra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (37%), electrical (33%) and speed control (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Tundra have?
9 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota Tundra get?
14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Toyota Tundra safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Toyota Tundra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,600 and 25,800 miles. The middle report was at 7,900 miles, from 48 complaints.
Does the 2018 Toyota Tundra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Toyota Tundra cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Toyota Tundra have?
4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Toyota Tundra year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works