2023 Toyota Tundra

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 Toyota Tundra have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 165 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The vehicle is affected by a manufacturer safety recall # 25TB14 related to the engine. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash. Because of this I have stopped driving the vehicle. According to the recall, The manufacturer has stated that the fix will require replacement of the engine assembly, but the remedy is not yet available and no expected remedy or repair time is given. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer, who confirmed that the recall applies but could not perform a repair, provide a timeline, or confirm that the vehicle is safe to drive while waiting for the remedy. The manufacturer acknowledged a manufacturing defect and the possibility that the issue could occur without warning. There is no clear safety guidance from the manufacturer, and no loaner vehicle provided. The concern also remains that the vehicle could unexpectedly lose power or stall, putting the driver and others at risk.” (NHTSA Complaint #11723990)

Other Systems

The 2023 Toyota Tundra has generated 72 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I am reporting a recurring safety issue with the power windows on my 2023 Toyota Tundra. Specifically: 1.The driver-side window and front passenger-side window have stopped moving partway during operation. The window halts halfway, the window becomes stuck and cannot be closed even when attempting to push the window up manually with my hands. 2.The problem has occurred with two separate windows on the same truck. 3.This behavior has occurred under normal operating conditions and appears similar to reports from other 2023 Tundra owners, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing defect. 4.The issue could pose a safety risk, as the window may trap fingers, limbs, or objects unexpectedly, or fail to close during adverse weather or security situations. Actions Taken: •I have taken the vehicle to a Toyota dealer for inspection and attempted repairs. •The dealer has documented the issue in service records, but the problem has occurred in a different window. Additional Notes: •I am aware of multiple owners experiencing the same issue with 2023 Tundras. •I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate the potential defect and assess whether a formal recall or safety advisory is warranted.” (NHTSA Complaint #11724434)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2023 Toyota Tundra have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 69 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “The vehicle ofter hesitates for 1-2 seconds when accelerating from a stop or a slow roll. This has almost caused an accident on several occasions when trying to get out into traffic.” (NHTSA Complaint #11722500)

Engine & Cooling

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 Toyota Tundra have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 69 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “See attached document for complaint. 100,000 Toyota Tundras have been recalled for Engine defects that require engine replacements. Toyota recall letter directed me to contact my dealer for engine replacement information. I have been to Toyota of Cedar Park, Texas three times just to find out if there is a schedule that will let me know when my truck will be serviced for engine replacement. The answer was no. More questions and no answers. How many have been completed to date? Are the 2022 Tundras completed? No answer. Any idea as to when my engine will be replaced? No answer I contacted the Toyota Brand Engagement Center in Plano, Texas. My notice stated that if I needed further assistance to contact them. They could not answer any of my questions and did not know when a remedy would be available. A loss of drive power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. Why would the NHTSA allow 100,000 vehicles with defective engines to operate on the road with the risk of crash? The issue was identified in 2022 or four years ago. Why does the Toyota letter say we will notify you again when we identify a remedy. The remedy has already been identified by Toyota of Japan. They have approved replacements of engines. How long is a reasonable time for consumers to have to wait to resolve this issue? I do not feel confident driving a vehicle that can lose power at any time. Automakers have more rights that consumers. I paid a premium for this Toyota Truck. No new trucks should be allowed to be sold until these defective trucks are repaired. In my last visit to the dealership they offered me $27,000 dollars less than what I paid for my truck. I think the devaluation is due to these recalls. As stated earlier, I write this letter because Toyota has failed or is unable to remedy two defects within a reasonable time. I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA to hold Toyota accountable for these defective engines. I would like to know when my engine is going to be replaced.” (NHTSA Complaint #11722262)

Fuel System

Fuel and propulsion system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks, or power loss — all substantial impairments of use and safety. The 2023 Toyota Tundra has generated 54 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Add a stoplight or stop sign at a full and complete stop…. I pressed down the accelerator and nothing happens for about a second and a half… When it finally does respond, it jumps as if it was struggling to get into gear and popped itself… However, then it goes right back to normal.. But the slow starting happens very often. Definite lag when punching on the gas.” (NHTSA Complaint #11712270)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Toyota Tundra

The following 13 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Toyota Tundra by the NHTSA or Toyota. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2023 Toyota Tundra:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Toyota to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Toyota must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2023 Toyota Tundra qualifies as a lemon under California law, Toyota may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Toyota pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Toyota willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2023 Toyota Tundra Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Toyota a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Toyota dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Toyota pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Toyota a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2023 Toyota Tundra Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2023 Toyota Tundra as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Toyota pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Toyota is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2023 Toyota Tundra?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.