Dealer visit checklist
2023 Toyota Tundra checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 7.7x more owner complaints than other 2023 trucks
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Toyota Tundra problems to check
- Twin-turbo V6 is a newer platform and some early owners have reported turbo boost irregularities and check-engine codes related to the VVT-i system
- Infotainment audio amp failures have been documented on higher trims, sometimes requiring dealer reflash or hardware replacement
- Rear suspension clunks and squeaks, particularly on SR5 and Limited trims, have surfaced on owner forums and TSBs
- Fuel economy in real-world towing scenarios falls noticeably short of EPA estimates, adding unexpected fuel costs for heavy haulers
- 10-speed automatic transmission can exhibit hunting or hesitation when cold, though most cases resolve with software updates
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles that may be equipped with a Toyota genuine accessory tonneau cover.
- TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, and Sequoia Hybrid vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles equipped with a spray-on bed liner accessory.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Lexus LX600, and 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrid vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $45,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away