Toyota to Replace Engine in Thousands of Tundra Pickups, Lexus LX SUVs
Following several customer complaints and an investigation by U.S. authorities involving its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, Toyota was forced in May to recall more than 100,000 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs from the 2022-2023 model years, including 9,979 in Canada. However, no remedy was announced at the time.
As it turns out, the automaker has decided to replace the engine altogether instead of making any type of repairs.
The problem came from certain machining debris that may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced. If those debris adhere to the crankshaft main bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, the bearings can fail. This can lead to engine knocking, rough running, an inability to start or a loss of power increasing the risk of a crash.
According to a spokesperson for Toyota Motor North America, affected owners will be notified in the coming days. While dealers perform the engine switch, which is expected to take between 13 and 21 hours to complete, customers will be offered loaner or rental vehicles.
To be clear, the hybrid variant of the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 is not involved in the recall. Same thing for any 2024 model, which suggests that the problem has been dealt with at the factory.
In February of this year, 28,000 Tundras, Sequoias and LXes from 2023-2024 were also recalled after it was found that a problem with the transmission could cause the vehicles to move forward when the driver shifts to the Neutral position and the brakes or parking brake aren't applied. The fix here is an update to the transmission control unit software.
Toyota’s stellar reputation for reliability has taken a hit since the automaker eliminated the 5.7-litre V8 and introduced the new V6. Hopefully the aforementioned powertrain issues and more will be addressed sooner rather than later.