Two days ago I came across a discussion in the Toyota Tundra Enthusiasts forum, where the owner of a 2021 Nightshade edition Tundra believes the clips holding the hood scoop are faulty and has had it replaced once before under warranty. The service department is refusing to cover the replacement again, possibly because the warranty has expired.
Forum member, named Nmjameswilson, writes:
Has anyone had their front hood piece pop out when semi trucks pass? I had this happen immediately after I bought it and had it replaced. Now it is doing it again and the service department will not cover it with the extended Toyota warranty. The clips that hold it popped out and only one is still attached. I am guessing I am not the only one with this issue. I might just add bolts myself. I have the 2021 Nightshade model BTW.
The problem, which causes the hood to bulge out while driving, has sparked a heated debate among Toyota Tundra enthusiasts, with many demanding answers and solutions from the automaker. Interestingly, this happens, when semi trucks pass the pickup truck.
Victims of the bulge report feeling helpless as their trucks' hoods seemingly develop a mind of their own, popping out and refusing to stay in place. The issue has raised concerns about safety, durability, and Toyota's commitment to quality.
One of the forum members responded to the original poster and wrote, "I've seen it happen on trucks with modified bulges to fit light bars, but personally haven't seen it on a normal truck. That said... I know you're not alone as I have seen a handful of Tundras in the world without hood bulges at all."
Dealerships' lackluster responses, dismissing the problem as a design quirk, have only added fuel to the fire. Owners are banding together, sharing their experiences and searching for a fix. Some have resorted to DIY solutions, while others await a manufacturer recall or official fix.
You can try replacing the clips and see how it goes. Be careful tightening the 3 bolts to reinstall it. Too tight and it will snap the speed nut mount. That's how at least one Toyota Tundra owner said he "probably broke his."
Adding bolts themselves might be a solution, but this is not recommended as it might alter the hood and potentially void the warranty. It's always best to consult with a mechanic before making modifications to the vehicle.
What would you do in this case? Have you ever had your truck's hood pop as bigger semi trucks passed it? Please, click the red link below to write your comment and join the discussion.
Speaking of Toyota Tundra's Nightshade Edition, also look at all 8 Toyota NIghtshade vehicles.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Comments
I have no issues on my…
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I have no issues on my Tundra.
Yes. I ended up replacing…
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Yes. I ended up replacing all the plastic pins on my Toyota Tundra and it didn't do it again.
It would happen on my Tundra…
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It would happen on my Tundra. But I modified mine and placed a light bar inside. I had to bolt mine down with slip on nuts. My guess however is the dealer never replaced the clips and probably just pressed it back in with the damaged originals. I reccomend purchasing new clips and reinstalling.
This happened to my 2016…
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This happened to my 2016 Tundra 1794 Edition .
It’s a simple permanent fix by using thin 3M double-sided tape slid under the plastic trim.
I repaired mine 3 years ago and still holding strong.
Not that your comment is…
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In reply to This happened to my 2016… by Dave (not verified)
Not that your comment is without value, but it should be noted that your ‘16 Tundra and the ‘21 discussed in the article are two different trucks. Your ‘16 Tundra 1794 and my ‘23 Tundra 1794 TRD Off Road share nothing other than a name. I buy a new Toyota (usually a 4Runner Limited, but waiting on a’25) every few years. Bought our Tundra in August ‘23. It currently has 5,XXX miles. The front end is crap, the tires have been replaced once already and is getting ready for round two, the clear protective film has all had to be replaced because it peeled off, and the body line symmetry is an atrocity. Funny thing is, 4Runners are built in Japan. No issues for over a decade. ‘23 Tundra built in Texas. Chrysler has better quality control with automatic transmissions than this Tundra got. (Yes, I’m a retired dealer technician, and was with Toyota for 4 years.)
WOW I was just trying to…
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In reply to Not that your comment is… by M Russell (not verified)
WOW I was just trying to share my issue wit everyone not to get talked down to.
I have a 2017 tundra crewmax…
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I have a 2017 tundra crewmax that did the same thing it’s called the (hood bulge) this is a well known problem with the tundra! I personally took mine off & reinforced all the clip mounts with JB weld & then used new factory clips with a little felt tape over the clips for a tighter fit. Pop it back in, tighten the 10 mill nuts & it has never popped back off yet! We will see. Hope this helps.
I have a 2015 Toyota Tundra…
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I have a 2015 Toyota Tundra Crew Max and I was trying to remove the front scoop so i could install marker lights and after taking out the bolts and the clips broke. But with my $200 deductible at the dealership I just got some clear Epoxy mixed it up and waited till it got a little thick and then spread the Epoxy all over each clip. After drying I was able to reinstall the scoop.
So far so good no problems but I'll be buying a replacement from Amazon.
I had a 2014 Tundra that had…
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I had a 2014 Tundra that had the very same problem. Obviously Toyota didn't resolve that issue if it's still happening on 2021 models. Come on Toyota wake up.