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2017 Toyota Tundra Electrical Problems

26 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

26
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2020Dec 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (26)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2023

Your trailer brake controller is intermittently failing to send the signal that activates your trailer brakes, leaving your trailer without braking power—a serious safety issue when descending hills or in emergency stops. The system rapidly clicks and disables the trailer brakes at random times, sometimes immediately when you plug in the trailer. The trailer's wiring and brakes tested normal on another truck, suggesting a wiring or electrical connection problem in your Tundra. A technician will need to inspect and repair the trailer brake controller wiring harness and connections in your truck's electrical system.

NHTSA #: 11506168
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2025

Your headlights randomly shut off, usually when you use the turn signal, leaving you without visibility at night. This intermittent issue is hard to reproduce consistently, making it difficult for a dealer to diagnose and fix. The problem may involve the headlight wiring, relay, or control module that manages both the headlights and turn signals.

NHTSA #: 11634722
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

Your truck has an issue covered in Toyota's technical service bulletin, but the dealer won't fix it because your vehicle is 3,000 miles beyond the emission warranty coverage limit (which typically ends at 80,000 miles). You may need to pay out-of-pocket for the repair, or contact Toyota customer service to request a warranty exception given the minimal mileage overage.

NHTSA #: 11505200
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2023

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).

NHTSA #: 11502320
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jun 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11470990
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11451372
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11448201
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2021

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.

NHTSA #: 11431940
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2021

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

NHTSA #: 11408278
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2021

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.

NHTSA #: 11394309
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2021

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.

NHTSA #: 11389707
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11377261
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11375162
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2020

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).

NHTSA #: 11351357
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: May 2020

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. *TR

NHTSA #: 11326124
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2020

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.TUNDRAS.COM/THREADS/AUTO-HEADLIGHTS-SHUT-OFF-WITH-TURN-SIGNAL.22968/

NHTSA #: 11311594
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11300378
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11299242
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11296798
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11296817
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2019

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.

NHTSA #: 11186951
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RODENTS DAMAGED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE BY EATING THE SOY-BASED WIRES. THE DEALER (MODESTO TOYOTA, 4513 MCHENRY AVE, MODESTO, CA 95356, (209) 529-2933) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING AND THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS AN EXTENSIVE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 11162335
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN THE WIPER SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERT OGDEN TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 8721 W EXPY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78552, (956) 622-4384), BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO SPARTAN TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 5701 S PENNSYLVANIA AVE, LANSING, MI 48911, (517) 394-6000), BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1808292570. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA #: 11128554
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2018

MICE ARE ABLE TO ENTER THE AIR VENTILATION SYSTEM FROM A LARGE GAP AT THE ENDS OF THE AIR INTAKE GRILL BELOW THE WINDSHIELD, ONCE IN, THEY ENTER THE CAB AND DASH AREA. THESE MICE WILL DAMAGE THE WIRING AND CAUSE A VEHICLE SYSTEM FAILURE (BRAKING-POWER-AIR BAG, ETC.) I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER ROCHESTER TOYOTA AND TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (800-331-4331). THE DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A ISSUE AND ONLY SUGGESTION WAS TO PUT A SCENT IN THE CAB TO DISCOURAGE THE MICE. THIS IS SERIOUS MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT NEEDS A RETRO FITTED AIR INTAKE GRILL TO CLOSE OFF IT'S CURRENT GAP THAT ALLOW MICE TO ENTER THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. I HAVE INSTALLED STEEL MESH TO COVER THESE LARGE GAPS (PHOTOS ATTACHED). A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE ISSUED.

NHTSA #: 11080895
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2017

TL* THE CONTACT'S PARENTS PURCHASED A 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A VEHICLE SUDDENLY CUT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION OF SUDDEN STOPS WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THE DRIVER REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS AND TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE SAFETY SENSE FEATURE WAS SUPPOSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY DUE TO OBJECTS (VEHICLE) BEING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AT A FAST RATE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE DAMAGE AND WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND ARM AREA, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED OR ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE DEALER WAS INFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

NHTSA #: 11041800
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2017

ON JULY 8, 2017 WE HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW 2017 TUNDRA. WE TOW A 24 FT. RV TRAILER AND WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR THAT REASON. ONE OF THE FEATURES THIS VEHICLE HAS IS THE INTEGRATED BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TOWING. AS WE WERE HEADED HOME ON STATE HWY. 42 NEAR COOS BAY, OREGON, I NOTICED BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE PICKUP. I WASN'T SURE WHAT HAPPENED. I STOPPED AS SOON AS I COULD AND I COULDN'T LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE. I LATER LEARNED THERE HAS BEEN MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE FAULTINESS OF THIS INTEGRATED BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLER. I WANT THIS ISSUE FIXED SO I CAN BE ASSURED OF A SAFE TRIP WHEN TOWING MY RV TRAILER WITHOUT THE FEAR OF HAVING NO TRAILER BRAKES WHEN I NEED THEM OR HAVING THEM LOCK UP FOR NO REASON. THANK YOU

NHTSA #: 11005192

Other 2017 Toyota Tundra Issues