Really stupid stuff Toyota did (or didn't) do on the Gen3

I love the truck, but like most things, the manufacturer did something stupid. Some are dumb and some just defy all good reason. No particular order. Chime in if you have any to add.

Maybe Toyota will read this and fix some of these things.

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12 speaker, 1200 watt JBL sound system that is not loud enough to listen to with the windows down. Yes I boosted it a little with Carista, but ended up having to buy an inline amp to put behind the unit. I had the premium sound on my Gen2 and it was just as bad. I put an aftermarket in it and I could access the "gain" setting and was able to get decent sound out of it.

1 touch button to open all of the windows and moonroof, but no one button close.

No climate control in the app when remote starting. The sole purpose of remote start is so the truck is comfortable when you get into it. I don't always remember to set the heat, seat and steering wheel heaters.

Cannot just get into the truck after remote start and drive away. It automatically shuts off. I guess our old company pilot now works for Toyota. He could not understand to have one engine running and his checklists done. That way when I get there and hop into the plane he could kick off the second engine and away we go. He was not capable of that. We have to sit there while he does finishes his checklist. He must work for Toyota.

If all windows are not fully closed, it will not remote start.

The GD thing slams on its brakes if you back up or pull up with the door open. I mean it sounds alarms and SLAMS on the brake. Same goes for backing up with a trailer. I know there is a cut off button for when towing, but there are at least two processors that know that there a trailer behind it. Why not have the system turn off the back up crap automatically when a trailer is attached.

Feel free to add.......

 

They should have added an app so you could immediately return the very truck you find so unimpressive. With a use fee of course for the inconvenience.

 

All the buttons by the drivers left knee should be right under the left vent on the dash.

All the AC controls should be in the multimedia display.

 

You obviously didn't read the first paragraph. Or the first three words of my post. You go ahead and drive it with things you don't like. I'm going to try to get Toyota to fix the little things.

 

I read what you said. Good Luck.

Edited to ask if you could get the V8 option added. That would make most of the pre Gen3 owners happy and many of the Gen3 owners.

 

But MOOOOOM! They started it!

 

No, that's what we've been fighting against for the last 5+ years.

 

ya agreed I like the buttons , no way do I want to dig through the menus, Toyota got that right !!

but I’m with him on the buttons down on the left side being the wheel, move those up where I can see them ffs, old tundra was the same

 

For a guy that loves his truck, you sure do complain a lot about it. And Toyota won't read this or give a flying FK if someone pointed it out to them.

Just enjoy it or dump it and buy something else

 

Just when it was getting good.

I took OP as constructive. I agree you should be able to close the moonroof and set the climate controls remotely. I don’t know if any vehicle lets you do that but those are on my wish list.

If Toyota is looking for feedback… the rear bumper.

 

Weren’t you the guy complaining about mud flaps or something trivial?

yup, well close- https://www.tundras.com/threads/wheel-well-liners-wth-toyota.107130/

 

Yup.........and did Toyota [ever] listen?
lol

Don't even get me started. Enjoy the show.

 

I just found out yesterday about leaving something open and remote start not allowed to work. Bogus.

Less tabs. I see all these upgrades folks do and there are alot of pieces to remove. Like the back bumper. My goodness there is alot to remove just to replace the reverse light assembly.
Maybe next add two engine options. I sure love a V8 and more under rear seat storage.

 

A handful of people on an enthusiast forum can complain until they are blue in the face and the net effect will be exactly.....squat.

I mostly* agree with the frustrating items OP listed.
Some of them are really stupid on Toyota's part.
I've either learned to work around them, ignore them, or otherwise come to terms with them.
None of them individually or in total outweigh the positives of the rest of the truck.
YMMV.

Oh yeah...lack of recovery points.

edited*

 

Wait, you can "boost" audio with Carista? First time I've heard of that capability.

 

Needs an indicator when the friction brakes are applied, rather than just the charging system on the hybrid. Just a little red light somewhere.

 

... ... Maybe under "Instruments: Displays & Nav". --> "Speaker Volume"

 

That system, even with help from Carista, is never outputting 1200w. Sorry to say, that sound system is a bit of a turd. My sub outputs almost no bass, and I am being kind. The front door speakers carry all the lows. How could they get it so wrong…smh

 

I bought a little BeatSonic amp that is plug and play. It will get the trunk bumping. All you have to do is take out the little recessed area above the head unit (The thing with the cigarette lighter socket in it) Connect two harnesses. And push it down in a space that is back there.

It sounds pretty damn good. It has a gain adjustment on the outside that I am running about half way. It definitely boosts the base and overall volume with no distortion. A pretty good solution to fix a disappointing "1200 watt" stereo.

 

I honestly find it strange comment somehow surprising as I vividly remember blasting (and I mean - at almost max volume level allowed by the truck's system) our tunes with all the windows down and sunroof open while cruising on a local Beltway at about 67 - 70 mph this past fall, within weeks of purchasing the truck. It literally felt like we're hearing only the musing and nothing else (wind, traffic, etc). It was VERY loud and obviously not sustainable for a long time but at that very moment it felt spectacular. Music source was some high base / energy tune off of iTunes streaming via wireless CarPlay.

I think I've seen a thread on Reddit discussing JBL audio quality and some of the tips listed there were - if I remember correctly: 1) disabling "Surround" sound option under "Sound Settings' in the Tundra's entertainment sytem; 2) disabling sound equalizer options in iTunes (applies only if this is your music source). It's probably too late since you already invested in the amp but something to look into for folks still disappointed in the stock JBL system.

 

My favorite toyota feature on the 3rd gen is how they built in so much animosity into the essence of the truck. Took all of 1 post to bring it out and OP didn't even mention broken seat panels or grenading engines lol.

 

I have a 2nd Gen and a new 3rd Gen.

Objectively, the 0.00000000000000000001 watt LED interior lights they put on these things is pretty annoying. Why not keep the old style that allowed us to plug in whatever? Further, why are they tied in to a super finnicky ECU thing? I got some bad front lights which caused the whole truck to shit itself. I had to disconnect the battery and reset...just because of some damned map lights. Extra special fun because my truck had 35 miles on it and the thought of having to tow it to the dealership was really twisting my nuts. My second gen, I just plugged in new bulbs.

They need to move the autostoptart button to near the gear lever.

The button panel near the left knee is dumb. I can't see if my heated steering wheel is on unless I duck to see the light.

The headlights and auxillary lights suck ass. WHY? My 21 Highlander had amazing lights. This has junk.

 

I guess I’m just poor white trash and think this truck is light years ahead of my old truck not saying it’s perfect but not enough to really complain about anything.

 

I agree with the heated wheel button- swap it with one of those lane departure warning buttons. I shut that off and havent used it since. - but yeah have to duck around my wheel to find the switch- would be nice to hit it with my thumb right on the wheel like GM has it

Remote start- keep it on when I open a door- frustrating to have it warming up then shut off when you go to load kids- main reason I wouldnt pay for the app.

The reflector low beams are not awesome- fogs are pathetic, reverse lights are awful first major mod will be fog swapout and a DD hitch pod. - also why make the headlights CANBUS?! I get exclusivity but oh man can we let the people who want to mod have an easy life? especially a brand that is known for it.

Tiny front cupholders in an SR-5 - alot of wasted space between the cupholder and console. the larger aftermarket ones look awesome but I really dont feel like tearing apart my whole console to swap it out.

Bumping the hazards when grabbing your phone.

Display 'off' mode- a way to turn the screen off but keep things running in the background.

Tighter fitment around the tailgate- some huge gaps and openings where you can peek in a bit / lets moisture and dust in too

Carpet in the wheel wells and the fiber skidplate under the engine - TF is that about?

 

LOL I thought it was just my fat hands bumping the hazards more than I should. Glad someone else has the same complaint.

The carpet in the wheel wells is just for sound dampening. I believe GM+Chevy do the same. And i might be wrong, but I believe you can turn off the center display. I think I remember hitting that setting while fumbling around one day. Dont remember for sure.

 

Hehe, is dumb. My wife 2018 jeep grand cherokee has that same material. Maybe do a plastic liner with felt behind it.