Recall Alert: Toyota Tundra Headlights Are Bursting Into Flames
When you turn on your headlights, it’s probably to see in the dark. You don’t want them to burst into flames, right? Well, the Toyota Tundra might catch on fire. See if your Toyota Tundra model is at risk because a recall was issued for the halogen headlamps.
Toyota Tundra recall for the halogen headlamps due to a fire risk
About 158,500 Toyota Tundra trucks are at risk due to an issue that may cause a potential fire risk with their halogen headlamps. The Tundra models at risk include the 2018 – 2021 model years. They were manufactured between June 2017 and March 2021.
The headlights have circuits for the high and low beam bulb filaments, and they are energized simultaneously once the high beams are switched on. Toyota shared that the issue occurs under some conditions if the high beams are left on for an extended period while the truck is driving at a low speed or idling.
This could cause the bulb connector to overheat and spark a fire that may spread to other parts of the truck. It doesn’t exactly feel like a way for your Tundra to go out in a blaze of glory.
What to do if your Tundra is at risk
Toyota will begin notifying owners about the halogen recall by November 1, 2021. If your Toyota Tundra is affected by this issue, you will receive a letter in the mail. If you have any questions, you can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.
But that’s a long time to wait. You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) site here to entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can also give them a call at 888-327-4236.
Your truck will have to go to a Toyota dealership for maintenance. You don’t have to return to the same place where you purchased your truck; a local dealership will be fine.
Technicians will inspect the halogen headlight bulb, connectors, engineer wire harness assemblies, bulbs, and headlight assemblies. Any heat-damaged items will be replaced.
Is this part of a more significant Tundra problem?
In 2020 there was another Toyota Tundra recall for 183,397 trucks. This includes 2018 – 2020 models produced between February 22, 2017, and May 29, 2022. The recall involved dim front turn signals.
The front turn signals were not bright enough to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108. This issue seems minor, but if turn signals or hazard lights don’t flash brightly enough, oncoming traffic may fail to realize that a vehicle is turning. This increases collision risks.
This issue was confined to Tundra models with the LED headlight assemblies. So, it’s not related to the halogen headlights. During production, the instructions were incorrect, and the bulbs were connected to the wrong part of the wiring harness. As a result, the bulbs didn’t shine as bright as they should.
We had a hunch that the wiring harness could be causing problems. But instead, it sounds like both of the lighting issues were caused by assembly errors. We will keep monitoring the Toyota Tundra for issues and will let you know if more problems emerge.
