Hybrid Unit Leak

Noticed what I thought was engine oil spots on the driveway yesterday. However, after ‘sampling’ the spots and checking the engine oil fluid level it’s not engine oil. Part of it was red (trans fluid) and some appeared to be gear oil. The smell test didn’t indicate one or the other, smelled like a mix. It appears to be coming from the front of the vehicle because there’s fluid streaks on my cat plate. So I called my local dealer yesterday, dropped it off last night, and they started diagnosis this morning at 7:00AM. They hadn’t called by 11:00AM so I called to see if they figured out what was leaking. Just over 10k miles, 2023, 1794 Hybrid. Dealer has changed the oil twice so far and nothing has come up before. When I called, the advisor checked with the shop and it turns out the “hybrid unit” between the engine and trans is leaking. The replacement part number for the hybrid unit has been discontinued and they opened a “TAT,” which she said is a “Toyota Assistance Ticket” since they can’t find a replacement part number. She added that the truck shouldn’t be driven since they don’t know how much fluid remains, and what rubbed me raw was, according to them, it’s a known problem with hybrid units! She doesn’t know yet when a replacement might be available. Has anyone else had this issue or know anything about it, such as a TSB?

 

I have nothing useful to add but I'm here for moral support. What an unfortunate situation. Will they get you a loaner vehicle or comp a rental?

 

If they have to keep it more than one day, yes, loaner provided!

 

So they are saying that a hybrid unit that is on a one year old track has already been discontinued (and the tundra hybrid has only been out for three years) and will likely have to source this from a used truck or an aftermarket provider? Wow......

 

Update:
They called this afternoon and said Toyota provided them with an updated part number and the replacement hybrid unit was ordered, along with other necessary parts, like gaskets. However, one of the gaskets is currently unavailable, they called it the “turbine gasket.” I was told 400 were being delivered to their Kansas warehouse and once there, one would be shipped to my dealer. Until then, my truck sits in the shop. They did give me a loaner until my truck is fixed, or rental as they called it, but there’s no charge for it. It’s a 2024 Tundra SR5 with less than 1k miles. Nice truck, but it just reinforced my correct decision to go for the upgraded 1794. My 1794 is so much nicer with a lot more features I miss already. I’ll provide updates as this progresses. Again, has anyone else had this problem?

 

Guys, this is a new issue, and OP sounds like he might provide some good info on the way it's handled. Try not to get the thread locked, please.

 

On track> My thinking is that the "replacement part number" was discontinued as in the actual part number, not the actual physical part. The dealer needed the new part number to be able to order the actual part. Things happen like this all the time. Not a big deal.

 

Main thing>>>>>> Is this the first reported incidence of this leak happening? Are there others out there or is this an outlier?

 

Outlier

 

Seems to be. I haven't seen this particular issue pop up here before until the OP brought it up.

 

I think this has happened before many months ago, not too sure which thread but it sounds familiar. I can't find a TSB for this so probably a rare occurrence.

 

I feel like I read someone else on the site mentioning a leak from their hybrid unit as well. Or, maybe it was a leak from where the hybrid unit mated to another part.

 

TI’ve been trying to find a parts schematic showing the hybrid unit but I don’t have access to the factory manuals, only what I can find on parts web sites and those don’t show it. Can anyone else provide a schematic showing this part so I can have a better understanding of what’s involved? I’m a lifelong gearhead with experience rebuilding engines, carbs, and lots of other fun car/truck/motorcycle modification stuff but this hybrid animal is new to me. Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Oh, forgot to mention that I searched this forum also but no cigar….

 

https://youtu.be/bkXiYiGWZnE?si=yzo7USuoCW0CZP1_
Start at 7:30 min to hear more details about the electric motor.

@ryanwgregg have you seen a schematic of the hybrid unit?

 

Thank you! I’ve watched many of his videos before but admit I didn’t think of this hybrid Tundra review for an explanation of the hybrid unit. And, he gives a very good explanation. Now I know the fluid spot on my driveway was indeed trans fluid. When I go to the dealer to get my repaired truck back I’m going to ask some specific questions about the failure, where it was (case crack?) or seals (permanent?) or what else could have caused the failure. Once I know this I’ll be sure to pass it on for everyone else. As always, this forum is the best I’ve seen for the free exchange of useful and valuable information about the Tundra.

 

Update, again!
Called today to check the status of the parts and was told the replacement hybrid unit delivery is scheduled for March 20th!!! And the date could change to be later. They also said they’re still waiting for gaskets and O-rings. Seems like this part is having issues if the demand is so great they can’t satisfy the need for replacement parts. Has anyone seen a TSB on this issue yet?

 

Or it's not expected to fail so spares on warehoused in large quantities.

Oooor its because a hybrid unit in a new truck makes money, vs warranty work on a truck they already made money on.

Take your pick because it's all just speculation. Unless you were explicitly told the reason?

 

Lemon law. I would at least talk with a lawyer in your state to see. They usually provide a free consultation.

 

They haven’t given me a reason yet but the service advisor said the hybrid unit leak is a “known problem.” I have a lot of questions when it’s finally fixed. Such as specifically where the leak started and why after just 10k worry free miles. I’m also going to contact my state consumer protection agency to see what my options are. They gave me a loaner but it’s a base model Tundra and I sorely miss some of my truck’s options that cost a lot of money, like heated seats and steering wheel when it’s in the low 20’s here, the automatic side steps, etc. If they get the parts by March 20th my truck will have been in the shop and not drivable over 40 days!

 

Another update:
Dealer service department called me back on the 29th after another query for the parts delivery dates. The original date for the replacement hybrid unit was March 20th but they now have all the parts except one new turbine gasket, two are required. The expected delivery date for that gasket is either March 3rd or 4th. If that holds true, I should get my truck back next week, far sooner than they originally expected. Again, lots of questions when I pick it up!

 

OP,
It seems that, not many on this forum, even if the dealer claims that is a common issue.
I am sorry about your miss happen and thank you for sharing. Is another thing that we have to keep an eye on it.

I been looking over the owner manual and can not find anything about replacing that fluid. Now, that we know that could leak,, that means it require replacing.
Anyone has any idea how often and how much ?

Thank you

 

They didn’t say it was a “common” problem but it is a “known” problem. Fluid changes for the hybrid unit will be one of the questions.

 

For those with hybrids, is it not plumbed with coolant lines?

 

Thank you for correcting me, quite different.
Maybe you can get the answer to the question from them. I will call the dealer as well Monday.

Good luck
Thank you

 

It happened to mine last week as well. Took 2 days to get new replacement parts and 6 hrs to do the job. And apparently it was the first time they were replacing hybrid unit. It’s terrible to have a ‘23 truck that leaks in your driveway at -25celsius. I wonder if it’s a common occurrence for colder climate ?

 

My leak also happened in the cold, second week of February in Pennsylvania.

 

Finally got my truck back last week but my two daughters were home from college for spring break so I haven’t had time to report. When I went to pick it up I went right to the service manager to ask questions. He seemed agitated that he had to deal with a customer, and it wasn’t my attitude, I was polite and simply wanted details about what happened. Every time I asked a question his demeanor worsened. The answers I got were vague and it got to the point where I knew he wasn’t going to provide much information. Very frustrating. Then I asked if he could take the charge off the invoice for the requested oil change. He asked if I bought the truck there and I told him no, your sales staff couldn’t find one I wanted, but I have purchased three new Toyota’s and two used vehicles over the years from his dealership. I also told him they had my truck for 28 days waiting for parts. Wow, he gave me $15 off! A$$hole. I haven’t provided feedback for the service yet but other than the free inspections or warranty work they will not see another dollar from me. They are not the same dealer I had good experiences with in the past.

The hybrid unit price alone was $1787.09! I added up the prices for the other parts from an Toyota online parts dealer and the cost for the parts for this repair came to $2,036.67. Parts only, no labor. The invoice for the repair follows. There was an oil change and they performed the trans recall, which was only a software update. They were still waiting for parts for the fuel line recall. Note that the tech stated it is a “known issue.” Oh, the tech also sat in the white leather drivers seat and got oil/grease on the seat back. I didn’t see it until the next day. Fortunately it came off with leather cleaner.

 

Anyone know the weight of the hybrid battery?

 

My 2022 tundra 1794 HV has had the same situation occur at 48000 miles. Under warranty, but has been 3 weeks now. Parts delays, including gaskets & seals, along with motor generator replacement. Keep you posted.