The necessity for action regarding the frequent breakdowns of its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engines, utilized in both the Tundra pickup and the Lexus LX 600 SUV, became evident in May. Toyota investigated potential solutions to enhance the situation, but the ultimate resolution for customer satisfaction involves the replacement of their engines with new units. This recall impacts 102,092 vehicles, comprising 98,568 Tundras and 3,524 LX 600s. Toyota has confirmed the replacement of engines in all affected vehicles free of charge.
Regretfully, Toyota, renowned for its unwavering dependability, faced a challenging situation. The Japanese automaker attributed the issue to an oversight in the manufacturing process, where the oil passages were insufficiently cleaned post-machining. This oversight led to metal shavings contaminating the engine’s lubrication system, leading to blockages. Whether these debris cause complications in the oil pickup tube or the main bearings, an issue is inevitable, resulting in engine failure.
The recall encompasses all Tundras manufactured between November 2, 2021 and February 13, 2023, along with Lexus LX 600 models produced from July 30, 2021 to November 25, 2022. Toyota has not reported any injuries associated with this problem, which is positive, but it has affected numerous trucks. Recall documents reveal a minimum of 824 engine warranty claims associated with this issue.
Toyota learned of the potential problem back in March 2022, when a vehicle equipped with the faulty V35A engine stalled. The investigation into the engine failure revealed seized crankshaft main bearings. In July of the same year, two more engines were found with damaged bearings. Consequently, Toyota identified it as an engine contamination concern and updated its engine cleaning process. Interestingly, Toyota has opted to proactively replace engines produced post the cleaning process enhancement. It seems a precautionary measure to ensure no further issues arise. Toyota appears regretful over the situation.
