The Reality of the 3rd Generation Toyota Tundra?

As a loyal Toyota customer, I approached the purchase of the new 3rd generation Toyota Tundra with cautious optimism. My plan was to avoid the first production year, hoping Toyota would address any initial bugs. However, the customers experience and observations have led me to a starkly different conclusion about the Tundra's reliability and overall quality.

Initial Concerns and Emerging Issues:

My cautious approach was initially validated by widespread reports of issues. Early adopters highlighted several problems:

1. Wastegate Issues: Numerous complaints surfaced about wastegate problems, affecting the engine's performance and reliability.
2. Wind Noise: Persistent wind noise from the driver's window became a common grievance, indicating potential issues with cabin sealing and aerodynamics.
3. Recalls:
- Transmission Programming: A recall addressing transmission programming flaws was issued, suggesting initial oversight in drivetrain management.
- Fuel Line: A significant safety recall concerning fuel line defects raised alarms.
- Rear Axle Loose Bolts: This serious mechanical flaw required immediate attention to prevent potential accidents.
4. Multimedia Software Issues: Users reported frequent problems with the new multimedia system, from software glitches to connectivity issues.
5. Engine Problems: The most alarming development has been the reports of major engine failures, culminating in a recent recall.

Community Feedback and Manufacturer Response:

Upon joining a community of Tundra owners, I hoped to gain insights and solutions from fellow enthusiasts. Instead, I faced hostility and defensiveness whenever I mentioned these issues. It became clear that many loyal customers and so-called experts were more interested in defending Toyota than addressing the legitimate concerns at hand.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of persistent problems, the community often dismissed these issues, claiming they were minor or that Toyota would eventually resolve them. This blind loyalty overlooks the reality: Toyota has not adequately addressed several critical issues from the initial production runs, such as the wind noise and now the more severe engine failures.

A Broader Perspective on Quality and Value:

The Toyota Tundra, like many modern vehicles, has become increasingly expensive. However, the rising costs have not been matched by an equivalent rise in quality. This trend is not unique to Toyota but reflects a broader industry pattern where manufacturers prioritize revenue growth and profit margins over product quality.

As consumers, we work hard for our money and deserve products that reflect our investment. Poor quality and unresolved issues hurt only the truck owners who depend on these vehicles for daily use and livelihood. Defending manufacturers and accepting subpar products only perpetuates this cycle of mediocrity.

Conclusion:

The 3rd generation Toyota Tundra has shown significant flaws in quality and reliability, challenging the assumption that Toyota consistently delivers superior products. The combination of high costs and unresolved issues suggests that the Tundra is no better than other brands plagued by similar problems. It is time for consumers to demand better. We should hold manufacturers accountable for delivering high-quality products that justify their price tags. Only by stop buying and refusing to accept poor quality can we drive change in the automotive industry.

The reality is clear: we should not blindly defend any manufacturer, including Toyota, Ford, GMC/Chevy and Ram for continuously raising prices while delivering subpar products. The focus must shift to ensuring value and reliability for the customers who ultimately bear the consequences of these shortcomings.

 

Post Covid living. everything has gone down in quality but brick and mortar spots because personal respect is trumping company greed

 

Don't disagree. Most manufacturers have 'good years' and not so good years. Toyota had a lot of good years of reliability and durability. Hopefully, Toyota will address the issues that have led to the current problems with the Tundra.

 

The history of (1) tells use NO MAS on (2).

 

Exactly! People buying crap, only results in the production of more crap. Consumers would be wise to demand better and employ the power of their wallets to receive it. Probably won't happen though because there are just too many who justify their purchases with excuses. I myself am guilty of some of the same behavior. However, I do plenty of repurposing, recycling, reusing to DIY quite a bit and shop garage sales, pawn shops, etc. for quality used goods at reasonable costs. As for autos, next time will be totally restored classics. I don't need or want a sixty thousand dollar pile of plastic with a dozen airbags, digital screens, eight computers, six cameras, dual climate control, etc. I only need and want a decent mode of transportation that is a step above a horse or a bike.

 

That's a lotta words. Did you buy one?

 

@Tarikah what are you going to buy then? Sounds like you've thought about this long and hard (maybe a little too hard). Hop on the F-150, ram, and GMC/chevy forums and I bet you'll find a lot of the same. Vehicles aren't what they used to be and Toyota used to be plain simple and reliable but they have joined in updating their vehicles to modem tech and it's just not the same Toyota we've all known for the last 40 years. I mean if the Toyota is the shit sandwich and the F-150 is the giant douche (south park reference) I'll take the turd sandwich. I'm happy with my turd sandwich.

Please do enlighten us and share what you end up purchasing. Maybe a second gen?

 

Lmao here come the illiterate pressed third gen owners that can't read.

 

1st post. Anything that starts with "loyal Toyota customer" .......
Reads like AI. Could be a chatGPT gaslight.

As usual though, 7 of the first 10 posts are by GEN2 owners.

 

You may be right about it reading like AI.

Not all AI is bad though, check out this AI generated classic song that should have been:

https://youtu.be/yuoFsi2iIi0?si=N7TVCp3vWe8Pdci8

 

Well in fairness the GM and Ram V8 guys only have to wait to year 3 for lifters to fail and wipe out their engines.

 

Really? I figured the forbidden glitter would find its way to the mains.

 

The reality is Toyota could have had a huge success if they would have rolled the dice, kept the 2.5 5.7 SR5, offered a 2WD TRD 7.O stroker SCSB version, and wait for it, a 1.5 ton pure black smokin diesel 4 door long bed 4X4 with a 3rd pedal!

 

this was exactly what I was going to post. We have mofos coming in from everywhere to bring the fun and games . AI for sure.

 

Do you feel better?

 

no, at least 50 more posts about truck not even owned coming

 

Bottom line, if buying a new 1/2 ton today I would throw reliability and resale out as considerations. I'd look at capability, ride, handling, economy, warranty, safety, and value (notice styling was never mentioned). Chevy/GMC are immediately out due to the tiny fuel tank. You pays yur money and you takes yur chances.

 

I bought a 2024 10 days ago. I would do it again today. I think the recall is a good thing. Was way more worried about the bearings and engine failures when they were reviewing them case by case. Now that they’ve admitted there is an issue; they’re on the hook for the fix.

 

Y'all know this is what is sounds like when third Gen Owners trucks-plain to 2nd gen owners.

 

These posts are sooo emotional.

These people need a therapist not a mechanic.

 

The creative uses of LLMs never end.

 

Who knew that even ChatGTP would become a snowflake millennial right in front of our eyes.

 

Indeed. Do you currently own a Pickup Truck? If so, what year make and model? Are you currently in the market for a new pickup Truck? For those that are, What do recommend based on your conclusions?

 

What strikes me as funny is that this was OP's first post. Yet he goes on to say "Instead, I faced hostility and defensiveness whenever I mentioned these issues."

So what gives? Previous account banned, doppelganger, or some other reason? No matter the reason, I immediately discount a post with suspect logic.

And yes I own a 2022 3rd gen with just over 25k miles. Got the recall notice a few weeks ago and don't mind that I'm getting a new free engine whenever they get around to having enough spares lying around. My previous truck was a 2002 Silverado with just shy of 300k miles. When the fuel line finally rotted out it was time for an upgrade. Overall I'm pretty happy with the Tundra. Not a huge fan of not being able to see out the back in reverse and having to rely on the camera, or out of the sides when changing lanes and relying on the indicator light in the mirror. But besides those minor things I've been pretty satisfied with it for the last two years. Toyota is making the engine issue right and I can't find much else to complain about. I'm sure I could find something if looked hard enough, but I've got more important things to do with my time.

 

I have owned a Toyota before a highlander which we put 220k miles on and was a superbly reliable suv. I bought a 24 sr5. So i have skin in the game. The reason for buying a Toyota is quality and reliability. IF they lose that there are far better brands to go with that have more bells and whistles and toyota sinks into mediocrity.
Btw i am happy so far w the truck

 

I have a 1/24 build 2024.....love the shit out of it, drive the shit out of it, and I'm actively researching the JB4 so I can drive even more shit out of it. Rock out with your cock out I say.

 

It's literally the same song and dance with every first 2 years of every generation of every make and ever model.

This is nothing new I'm that regard. Just be happy Toyota is willing to take care of it.

 

I love my truck. Had a camera fall out of the side view mirror. Replaced under warranty. Followed up on any of the recalls in conjunction with oil changes, haven't really had any wind noise issues, for & finish etc. plus I'm eventually getting a new engine at some point when my truck is most likely well beyond 50k miles. I'm pretty pleased with Toyota.