Toyota has announced to The Drive that approximately 102,000 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs equipped with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine will be receiving replacements. Previously, it was acknowledged that machining debris could enter the engine, potentially causing severe issues such as knocking, rough operation, failure to start, or even complete shutdowns. The number of reported engine failures has surged in recent months, and Toyota plans to notify owners soon, with communication expected to occur in “late July 2024,” according to their official release.
In May, Toyota initiated a voluntary safety recall, confirming that machining debris was the identified issue following a thorough investigation. At that time, the company indicated that an official solution would be forthcoming. Speculation suggested that full engine replacements would be necessary, as dealers have been engaged in comprehensive disassemblies to return the vehicles to functionality. This process demands careful attention and considerable labor hours; online images of these operations show engine parts occupying entire service bays.
Owners affected by the recall will receive the necessary engine replacements at no charge.
It is crucial to understand that this recall pertains solely to gas-only Tundra pickups manufactured during the 2022 and 2023 model years, along with Lexus LX vehicles from the same timeframe. The hybrid versions of the Tundra, which pair the same V6 engine with a battery and electric motor, are not included in this recall, and there is currently no information on whether they will be added. Most of these hybrid models remain under warranty for the powertrain, so while Toyota may still cover necessary repairs, there is no certainty regarding the provision of new engines.
Tundra owners can verify whether their vehicles are part of the recall by visiting Toyota’s website or by entering their Vehicle Identification Number or license plate details at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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