Common Problems with 3rd Gen?

Hello all...
I'm seriously looking at a 2016 Tundra xspX 4x4, 5.7L engine; approx 45K miles, one owner. Before I commit, I'd like to know if there any known issues/problems with the Tundra that I should be aware of.

I currently have a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4, automatic trans. I like the Tacoma quite a bit EXCEPT for the gosh-awful problem these Tacomas have with the trans... constantly "hunting", can't maintain normal highway speed without shifting up/down/up/down; hanging in a lower gear; etc.

It's a well-known problem in the Taco world, and it's driving me to the point of getting rid of the thing. But I'd just like to get a little advice before I dive back in to another Toyota.

Thanks!

 

From what I have heard on gen 3's:

-Cam tower oil leaks, usually not awful but a nuisance as well as expensive repair.

-Audio system substandard and not cheap to upgrade.

Overall great trucks!

 

Check the sticky for the cam tower leak. I've only had mine for a year, so I haven't noticed any real issues, but some are noticing that the rear diff is starting to seep some like the 3rd gen Tacomas do. Doesn't really hinder the driving or cause any issues, but it really shouldn't be.

 

Hey, thanks for the info! I guess I need to look into that cam tower thing.

 

Hey, thanks for the info! I'll try to find that cam tower sticky.

 

Not all problems affect every truck, so there will be folks who do not have the problems and others who will. But the truck does have some inherent problems that come up, like the cam tower leakage. The ones I have had: The front brakes have some kind of inherent flaw that acts somewhat like a warped rotor but may be some kind of pad buildup. The 5.7 engine has been known to use excessive oil at times, which seems to be a piston ring location problem. Mine never used a drop and then started using oil around 35k miles. A lot of cars and trucks are having this same oil consumption problem and I have read that it is tied to manufactures putting the piston rings too close to the top of the piston in an effort to get a cleaner burning fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, but it cooks the oil on the rings and makes them stick. I can and will post what I have read if someone doubts me. There are lots of folks who have other complaints (gas mileage, radio, etc.), but I don't consider those are inherent mechanical problems and I only listed the mechanical problems that I have had (and have read that lots of other folks are having the same problems). Having written all of this, the Toyota is still the truck with the least problems. I would buy the truck again if I wanted a half ton truck (I may move down to something smaller next time though). By the way, I only buy Toyotas and have for many decades.

 

Hey, thanks! Great info.

 

I ordered pretty much a full component system upgrade for around $150 from Crutchfield. Rockford Fosgate's Prime series is their affordable line and they sound good imo.

 

So what does $150 get you?

 

Only real problem I have had is the constant desire to spend more money on mods, other than that no issues

 

Both front/rear door speakers and tweeters plus center dash speakers.

The center speakers were Kickers.

 

And here I thought I was the only one with the brake issue...

 

It's a money pit.... for mods that is!

I have had the rear differential gasket replaced at 15k miles and little weep from cam tower but not enough to warrant opening top end up. I hear factory batteries tend to die early too. 2018 and up have brake controller issues for some, mine was flashed and seems ok now but cant install a plug and play P3 aftermarket controller due to harness change (requires splice somewhere).

Seems like a solid truck and I hope to see 200k miles without anymore issues other than typical wear items like brakes, etc...

 

Mine feels like the right front brake and it sort of comes and goes and get worse and then less worse at times. I am not worried about it for now. Same for the oil consumption. At one oil change interval I put like 2 quarts between the changes. This last time was not nearly as bad (maybe 3/4 of a quart).

 

For all of you inquiring minds out there, here is an excerpt about the oil consumption issue in case you thought I was full of it (see below): http://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=108


3UR-FE Engine Problems and Reliability
The 3UR-FE is the most reliable and durable engine for all UR engine family. The Toyota made over 1.3 million kilometers of durability testing for this engine. In reality, the 3UR-Fe can run more than 400,000 miles (650,000 km) smoothly with regular maintenance with using high-quality fuel and oil.

But nothing is perfect and this engine too. The 3UR-FE has a problem with coking of the piston oil rings which caused high oil consumption. After that, the oil consumption increases over time. To avoid this problem, use only the recommended high-quality oil and watch the oil level. The 3UR-FE crankcase ventilation system sensor fails hugely often, and electronic throttle system ETCS-i is not as reliable as it should be. The problem with water pump is also found in this engine. Like other UR engines, the 3UR-FE has a leaking water pump with short life about 60,000 miles (100,000 km).

 

I have 2016 tundra trd and NO problems at 60k miles . rear diff leak, yes but nothing major, covered under warrenty, no towercam leaks. AND yes the mods are the expensive ones. did trd pro exhaust, trd pro front grill, mgm hood buldge, black front and rear end caps.

 

I have a 2017, 4WD. Bought in December of 2016. It now has 52,200 miles on it. Not one single problem. No oil. Nuttin'. Still have the original battery.

I've had 6 brand-new-off-the-lot Toyotas. The engines don't fully seat, in my experience, until around 60,000 miles. So the truck you're interested in likely still has a ways to go just to fully break in, including the transmission. If everything else meets your criteria I'd jump on it like a drunk freshman sorority girl.

 

Turned 50k on my 2016. I need a front turn signal bulb as of today. Replaced tires, and battery a while back. I have a pile of uninstalled mods .

 

did you have to add an amp for those speakers

 

No I didn’t add one. Probably wouldn’t hurt to upgrade the stock one.

 

2017 Limited CM coming up on 36K miles. I bought it brand new. Just tires and a few scheduled oil changes over the last two years for me. Truck has been absolutely perfect from day one. I plan on keeping it for 5 more years and then handing it off to my son at a bargain basement price so he has a solid vehicle through college and his first several years in the workforce. It’ll have about 100K miles on the clock when he gets it and I fully expect it’ll last to at least 250K without any significant repairs.

 

What does that mean?

 

2014 here almost 74k miles no issues no cam tower leaks, still stock brakes and rotors. Not everyone will have the same issue, it’s mostly reliable, the stereo is fine for me I don’t need a fancy sound system. I love my truck.

 

My rear end is sagging about 1" lower on the left than right. Toyota says it's aware of it and states it's normal, caused by the larger gas tank (according to techie working on my truck)

 

This is really good to read since I am just about to bring my baby home and I am considering warranty, I think she will be alright

 

I don’t believe what Toyota is telling you. I’ve measured height at all 4 corners with a nearly empty tank and again with a completely full tank. Full tank drops the rear less than 1/2 inch. My remedy for a close to perfect level truck. I run a 1/2 inch block rear driver side. Front driver has 2, 1/4inch shims. Passenger 1, 1/4 inch shim. This is all in conjunction with Icon shocks all around and boss rear shackles at the 1” setting. She measures damn close to the same height on all 4 corners now.