Lawsuit Alert: The Toyota Tundra Is Literally Facing Heat
Things haven’t been going so well since the Toyota Tundra was redesigned. Its reliability rating dropped, and it rolled out with a few serious recalls related to fire risks and electrical problems. Now, the 2022 – 2023 Toyota Tundra faces a lawsuit as a result.
2022 – 2023 Toyota Tundra lawsuit alert due to fire risks
Over 170,000 Toyota Tundra models are facing a massive lawsuit due to potentially dangerous fire risks. Seriously, the complaint is 27 pages long. It involves Tundras manufactured between November 2021 and July 2023.
The class action alleges that the fuel lines in 2022 – 2023 Tundra trucks rub against the brake lines, leading to fuel and vapor leaks.
This issue is related to an improper design, internal routing, fastening, or production of fuel lines that causes them to run against the metallic brake lines, which leads to wear and tear.
Because fuel is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor form, this is a severe problem. It’s also could be harmful to the environment as thousands of gallons of gas are wasted.
Reportedly, the fuel line system may malfunction within the first two years of ownership, but the average fuel line should last during the vehicle’s entire lifespan.
Toyota issued a recall to correct this issue for free, but it only involved adding fasteners to some fuel lines. This case alleges that this is an insufficient fix because of the sheer amount of fuel and brake lines running through tiny pathways.
There is no mention of replacing impacted fuel lines or rerouting the fuel line to prevent coming into contact with other components. Fastening the fuel line to the point where it rubs against the brake line may not prevent it from rubbing in other areas.
Allegedly, Toyota doesn’t know where the problem is truly located, and without a more comprehensive recall, the fuel lines may continue to fail.
How reliable is the 2023 Tundra?
J.D.Power gave the 2023 Toyota Tundra a reliability score of 70 out of 100, which doesn’t promote the most confidence. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while scores between 81 to 90 are above average.
The Tundra is only one point away from falling into the below-average category. Also, these scores are based on issues that actual drivers reported in previous model years. The 2021 Tundra received an 86.
So, since the redesigned Tundra debuted in 2022, its reliability ranking has dropped by 16 points. But the 2022 Tundra has seven recalls, and the 2023 model only has five, so it could indicate that the Tundra is turning things around.
Older Tundra models have a reputation for long-lasting durability. Reaching over 300,000 miles isn’t uncommon. Only time will tell if the new generation can keep up.
2024 Tundra: What’s new?
So far, there’s no word of fire risks related to the 2024 Toyota Tundra, so that’s a positive update. Other than that, it’s primarily a carryover model with a bit of trim and appearance package shuffling.
The TRD Off-Road package is now available with the Platinum grade. It includes a black grille, mirror caps, window surrounds, and a colored-key surround.
You can add the Nightshade package to the Limited trim for even more darkness. Plus, the 12.3-inch digital guage cluster is standard with the Limited model.
The head-up display isn’t bundled with the air-leveling suspension anymore, and a 3.0-inch lift kit is available on every model but the TRD Pro, which has its own unique suspension upgrades.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue tracking this lawsuit. A larger recall could emerge. Be sure to take your Tundra in for service if your model is involved. As of October 20, 2023, there are no updates about the lawsuit to share.
