I Traded My Tundra Platinum For a 1794 Edition, But It’s Blowing Black Smoke and Something Feels Off

There’s something deeply satisfying about upgrading your truck, especially when it’s to a higher trim with all the bells and whistles. For many, moving up represents the pinnacle of comfort and style. But every now and then, even a dream upgrade can come with an unexpected twist. Jorge had just traded in his well-loved Tundra Platinum for a new 1794 Edition, a move that should have been all reward and no regret. But the excitement of getting behind the wheel of a more luxurious trim quickly turned into confusion and concern when he noticed black smoke coming from the muffler. Here's how he put it in the “2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” Facebook group:

“Hey guys I have a question about a trade I just made from my Tundra Platinum to 1794 edition. I noticed it was smoking black, and the muffler was carrying black smoke. Any ideas from you guys? I don’t think it’s normal.”

It’s not every day you hear about a new truck owner discovering smoke signals from the exhaust recently after a new purchase or a trade like this one. And while exhaust discoloration might sound like a small cosmetic nuisance, it can actually be the sign of something much more serious going on under the hood.

What Does Black Smoke Really Mean?

To those familiar with the inner workings of combustion engines, black smoke from the tailpipe typically signals that the engine is running rich. This means there's more fuel than air in the combustion chamber which can result from a variety of causes: faulty fuel injectors, a clogged air filter, malfunctioning sensors like the mass airflow sensor (MAF), or even turbo-related oil burning. While turbocharged engines offer great performance gains, they can also introduce additional failure points that naturally aspirated engines don’t have to deal with.

Ok enough with the geek talk. It is worth mentioning though that Jorge’s post doesn’t specify whether his new 1794 Edition is a hybrid or standard gas model, but either way, seeing black smoke on a brand-new Tundra is cause for concern.

One story that adds fuel to the fire is a case where a 2024 Tundra started smoking at just 11,000 miles and was bought back by Toyota. This kind of outcome might seem extreme but it demonstrates that some owners are facing legitimate, unresolved issues with newer models. Some serious enough for manufacturer intervention.

Other Owners’ Thoughts

When Jorge posted his question to the Facebook group, the comment section contributed with varying opinions and advice. And while not everyone agreed on what the issue could be, the discussion opened a window into how common or uncommon this type of problem really is.

Logan Russell commented, “Never seen an exhaust that didn’t have that.”

At first glance, Logan’s take seems to suggest this is nothing out of the ordinary. But the very next comment challenges that assumption and adds valuable nuance.

Manuel Martinez replied, “I’ve got a 5.0 V8 F-150 with 182K miles, and the muffler is as clean as porcelain. One of my buddies has a newer Power Boost 3.5 with less than 50K, and his muffler is already black. That just goes to show turbo engines burn oil if they don’t have a catch can. Funny thing is his truck’s a hybrid and still only gets 17 mpg. Mine does 16!”

Manuel’s comment does two things. First it introduces the notion that hybrid powertrains with turbochargers may not be as clean or efficient as people assume. And next it underscores the importance of preventative measures like installing a catch can to reduce carbon and oil buildup, which is a popular mod that many truck owners swear by. This advice is echoed by owners who feel that Toyota Tundra models still offer long-term value when properly maintained.

Rahul Reddy chimed in with a more diagnostic approach, saying, “I only use 87 in my 2022. Zero issues and no build up like this over 72k miles. You might have failing catalytic converters. Does the black build up smell like carbon or oil?”

Rahul’s suggestion points us toward the emissions system and specifically the catalytic converters. If these components aren’t doing their job properly, unburned fuel or oil vapor could easily be making its way through the tailpipe. That would explain both the visual smoke and possibly a change in smell or performance.

Ylad GC added, “I never have that carbon build up to my exhaust in my ‘24 Limited Night Shade. I always put 87 and no problems at all.”

Ylad’s comment reaffirms that not all Tundra owners are facing the same issue and brings us back to fuel quality and consistency. His clean exhaust helps confirm Jorge's original theory that this isn’t something that should be considered normal across the board.

And then comes a startling report from Tony Volpe: “Your cylinders are filling up with oil. It happened to my ‘24 Capstone twice. They replaced the short block both times.”

Now that’s not just a warning, but a huge wake up call. I don't want to add on to the fire by saying something is wrong with Jorge's truck, but having a short block replaced twice under warranty isn’t just rare. This suggests that there may be larger underlying issues that Toyota needs to investigate further. Tony’s story shares similarities with another 2023 Tundra owner who went in for a simple oil change and ended up getting a whole new engine.

Is This the Same Tundra Legacy Owners Trust?

For long-time Toyota owners, this can be tough to swallow. The Tundra has a reputation for bulletproof reliability, and many drivers stick with it because of how long these trucks can last. Some owners, like one who held onto his 2007 Tundra for 276,000 miles until the 2025 finally won him over, built their trust in the brand through years of consistency.

And let’s not forget the stories of people who used to swear by Chevy until their first Toyota Tundra changed everything they knew about trucks. These are more than just anecdotes, they are testimonials to the Tundra’s long-standing image as a truck you could buy, drive, and forget about because it just worked.

Then there are the owners who say, I bought my 2024 Tundra brand new and I’m at 24,000 miles with no issues. These stories help balance the narrative and remind us that reliability hasn’t disappeared, it’s just not always guaranteed.

What Today’s Truck Problems Reveal

From my perspective, these stories all paint a very real and evolving picture of what truck ownership looks like today. Technology has advanced, engines have grown more complex, and the line between performance and reliability is blurrier than ever. What makes Jorge’s story compelling isn’t just the smoke, but the fact that even new vehicles from trusted brands can come with uncertainty baked in.

And that’s why open discussions like this matter. They pull back the curtain on what manufacturers rarely advertise and help owners spot red flags before they turn into warranty claims. Now we know the Tundra has suffered its fair share of problems in recent times as I mentioned, but the different experiences from different owners suggest that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to reliability even with such a reliable brand like Toyota. Each truck tells its own story and it’s up to us to listen carefully to what they’re trying to say.

What Tundra Owners Should Keep in Mind

• Black smoke from your exhaust, especially on a new vehicle, is never something to ignore. It could point to deeper engine or emissions problems.
• Comparing your vehicle to others in the community can reveal whether an issue is common or an outlier worth deeper investigation.
• Catch cans and fuel quality both play a role in reducing carbon buildup over time, especially on turbocharged engines.
• If you see something abnormal, don’t wait. Document everything and get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Early intervention can make all the difference in warranty claims.
• Even reliable nameplates like the Tundra aren’t immune to issues in newer generations. But staying informed and plugged into owner communities can help you navigate these situations with confidence.

Do You Think This Is Normal?

In your opinion, is Jorge’s truck signaling something more serious because of this smoke? Or do you think it’s normal?

And have you ever dealt with unexpected smoke or exhaust issues on a new truck? What ended up being the cause in your case?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this mystery in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Gallery and the “2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” public Facebook group.