2013 Toyota Tundra Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2013 Tundra most often describe engine oil leaks around the cam tower seals that drip onto the exhaust, and air injection pump failures that trigger warning lights and reduced power. Steering and vibration complaints also appear, many reported at low mileage, while fuel-economy and hard-start reports cluster higher in the odometer range.

1. 1
   Engine

   Air injection pump failure / check engine light

   • 12 complaints (14%)
   • median 98,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
   • owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 2017–2024

   Complaints describe the check engine light coming on and diagnosis of a failed or moisture-contaminated secondary air injection pump or valve. Owners report hard starting, rough running, reduced power or limp mode, and repair estimates in the thousands; some mention that earlier model years had a related recall or customer support program but their truck was not included. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 130,000 miles, often after several years of use.

   What to check: Ask whether the air injection pump and valves have been replaced, and have a pre-purchase scan done for stored codes related to the secondary air system. Confirm the check engine light is not on at start-up.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On two different occasions I was driving my Tundra on the freeway at approx. 70 MPH. My truck lost power and I almost caused accidents on both instances since I could not accelerate past 40 MPH. I had to manage my way out of the freeway to a safe place. 2two diagnostics were performed and I received codes p0418, p1604, c1241, p2445, p2441. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11362059, filed 2020-09, 58,000 miles

   “Driving on interstate the truck all of sudden looses power and. Dash warning lights come on and I have extremely hard time getting truck to side of road safety without power. Took to shop said I had air injection pump water intrusion and it was common issues with most of Tundra they have recalled early years before mine and it's a $4000 bill my truck has 120000 miles on it. Please help”

   NHTSA complaint #11206369, filed 2019-05, 120,000 miles
2. 2
   Steering

   Steering vibration, noise and fluid leaks

   • 37 complaints (44%)
   • median 34,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (29 state mileage)
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2013–2025

   Owners describe vibration through the steering wheel and gas pedal at certain engine speeds or under load, abnormal noises from the steering column or intermediate shaft, and power steering fluid leaks. Some complaints mention low fluid, a failed seal, or a steering rack quoted for replacement, and a few say the dealer called the vibration normal. Reported from very low mileage (a few hundred miles) up to about 142,000 miles, with vibration cases often under 15,000 miles.

   Recall 21V920000

   What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for seepage around the steering gear and rack. Test drive at highway speed and under acceleration to feel for steering-wheel vibration or unusual noises.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I was pulling into a parking spot when my power steering went out. I checked the fluid and the fluid level was low. I called Toyota customer care and they sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle and deliver it to the nearest dealership. While loading the truck, a seal popped on the steering arm and fluid started leaking out. Springhill Toyota is not honoring my manufacture or extended warranty because I have added heavy duty coil springs to support my road armor bumper I installed for extra protection. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10554809, filed 2013-12, 15,500 miles

   “I took my 2013 Toyota Tundra in for a routine 55,000 mile service and they informed me that the steering rack is filling with fluid and I could have it sieze up on me while driving. I purchased all warranties good until 2020 but they feel this design flaw should be covered by me the consumer. I was quoted $3000.00+ for the repair. I bought this truck after putting 100,000+ on 2006 Tundra with nothing close to this is repairs. What is going on? The steering can sieze up, and this isn't a recall? Why would I buy another Toyota? …”

   NHTSA complaint #11051621, filed 2017-11, 55,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Cam tower oil leak onto exhaust

   • 10 complaints (12%)
   • median 49,058 mi at 4.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2015–2022

   Owners describe engine oil seeping from the cam tower seals, often on both sides of the engine, and running down onto the exhaust manifold or heat shield. Complaints mention a burning oil smell, smoke from under the hood, and oil visible on the engine block; several say a dealer diagnosed the leak and performed a major reseal, while others report the dealer denied the leak or that repairs were not covered outside warranty. Reported from roughly 11,000 to 130,000 miles, with several cases noted between 23,000 and 65,000 miles.

   What to check: Look for oil residue and dark staining on the exhaust manifold and heat shield, and check for a burning smell after a drive. Ask whether the cam tower seals have been resealed and whether any related repair is documented.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I would like your help in assessing the possible danger from an active excessive oil leak from the cam tower on the 2013 Tundra. This relatively new truck leaked oil all over the engine without my knowledge until I brought it in for service. I was told this could have lead to an auto fire and since I am a disabled senior this is terrifying. A brief review of the internet literature shows that this leaking cam tower seal is a common problem and can happen repetitively because of a manufacture defect in the cam tower cover and seals. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10676450, filed 2015-01, 11,321 miles

   “Continuous oil leak from cam tower onto exhaust manifold. Dealer denied the issue even though the signs are very obvious. A call to Toyota to got me no where. They denied the issue like the dealer. There is oil on the engine block and also the exhaust manifold is black from the all of the oil dripping. After driving for awhile the car smells like it's burning. There is a very real potential for fire. The issue appears to be widespread. A quick internet search can find extensive examples. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10758974, filed 2015-08, 43,117 miles
4. 4
   Fuel system

   Rough running and hard starts (fuel/ECU)

   • 6 complaints (7%)
   • median 55,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2013–2020

   Complaints describe hard starting that takes several attempts, rough idle, loss of power, and lower fuel economy, with owners linking it to fuel pump or ECU calibration issues. Some mention a prior software reflash that did not resolve the problem, and others report the dealer could not identify a lasting fix. Generally reported between about 25,000 and 90,000 miles, with several cases above 50,000 miles.

   What to check: Start the truck from cold and note whether it catches immediately or needs several tries. Ask whether any ECU reflash or fuel pump work has been done, and check for records of repeat visits for the same symptom.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Toyota dealer and Toyota technical support are unable to fix the problem associated with t-sb-0058-13. This is the second time within 3 months or so that I have taken my 2013 Toyota Tundra in for this fix. Fuel economy drops on average of 30-40%. Toyota refuse to acknowledge that this is an issue, and is refusing to cover costs associated with fixing this recurring problem. This has been stated as a software gliche, and there are no parts to replace. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11076846, filed 2018-03, 90,000 miles

   “Ecu problem. Since june 2018, I have started to see decreased mpg (avg 9 mpg, 50/50) and vehicle exhibiting high alc. Density % when fueled with e0/e10 gas. No DTC codes, but extended crank exhibited, poor performance and shifting observed. This is a flex vehicle. Fuel trims were way into negative and I have called Toyota and filed a case when this happened, but was out of warranty by 2 months.(called aug 2018) vehicle had 55k miles. They said its up to the dealership to remedy the issue. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11256330, filed 2019-09, 55,000 miles

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on oil residue around the cam tower and exhaust, stored air-injection codes, and steering or seat hardware play. Service records showing reseals, pump replacement, or software updates are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.