# Toyota Tundra check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 74
- **Most complaints:** 2023 (24)
- **Related recalls:** 8
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 74 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Tundra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2023** model year (24). There are **8 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read.

## Toyota Tundra check engine light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 1 | 51 | 2% |
| 2016 | 1 | 120 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 78 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 100 | 3% |
| 2019 | 5 | 74 | 7% |
| 2020 | 2 | 47 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 24 | 4% |
| 2022 | 16 | 432 | 4% |
| 2023 | 24 | 412 | 6% |
| 2024 | 15 | 351 | 4% |
| 2025 | 3 | 141 | 2% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Toyota Tundra recalls related to the check engine light

**[26V320000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V320000)** (2024 models, reported 2026-05-20): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 23, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final...

**[25V767000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V767000)** (2022-2024 models, reported 2025-11-06): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026.

**[24V381000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V381000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2024-05-30): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between December 17, 2024 and February 19, 2025.

**[24V125000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V125000)** (2022-2024 models, reported 2024-02-21): Unexpected vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the transmission control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2024.

**[23V566000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V566000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-08-10): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will install protective materials and a clamp on the fuel tube, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 6, 2024.

**[22V445000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V445000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-06-23): Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle flange nuts, and replace any damaged axle-related components if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 15, 2022.

**[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2020-11-04): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be...

**[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-01-13): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020.

Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Toyota Tundra owners report

- "I was driving about 50 MPH and suddenly my check engine light came on and the truck died and would not start. I was told that the engine failed and will need to be replaced." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Tundra, complaint filed 2024
- "No check engine or other lights were illuminated before or after this. The truck had a terrible noise when I tried to restart it, but it would not turn back on" -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Tundra, complaint filed 2026
- "The check engine light and reduced power indicators have displayed throughout both incidents. The service manager has yet to explain why this is happening in the engine system. As of today, I cannot find a recall on the truck when I use the VIN." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra, complaint filed 2024

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the check engine light means

The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common)
2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common)
3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common)
4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Toyota Tundra check engine light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 related recalls (26V320000, 25V767000, 24V381000, 24V125000, 23V566000, 22V445000, 20V682000, 20V012000) covering 2018-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Toyota Tundra years have the most check engine light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Tundra model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 24 for 2023. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Tundra with the check engine light on?

Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked.

### How do I check if my Toyota Tundra has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Toyota Tundra warning lights

- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-tundra): 7 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-tundra): 47 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-tundra): 13 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/toyota-tundra): 11 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-tundra): 28 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-tundra): 14 complaints

## Check engine light on other models

- [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints
- [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints
- [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints
- [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints
- [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints
- [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints

## Toyota Tundra

- [Toyota Tundra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-tundra)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-tundra
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
