In May, Toyota announced a recall for 102,092 vehicles due to frequent engine failures in their twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engines used in the Tundra pickup and Lexus LX 600 SUV. The company discovered that the issue stemmed from a manufacturing process where the oil passages weren’t cleaned properly after machining, leading to metal shaving debris circulating in the engine’s lubrication system. This resulted in clogs that could cause problems in the oil pickup tube or main bearings, ultimately leading to engine failure.
The recall affects 98,568 Tundras and 3,524 LX 600s, with Toyota offering to replace the engines in all affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. Vehicles built between specific dates are included in the recall, with at least 824 engine warranty claims already linked to this issue. While there have been no reported injuries related to the problem, the number of affected trucks has caused significant inconvenience for owners.
Interestingly, the problem was first identified when a vehicle with the faulty V35A engine stalled in March of 2022, leading to an investigation that revealed seized crankshaft main bearings. Subsequent engine failures in July of the same year prompted Toyota to update its engine cleaning process to prevent further issues. Despite the update, Toyota has decided to replace engines built after the cleanliness process was revised as a precautionary measure.
Overall, Toyota’s proactive approach to addressing the engine contamination issue demonstrates a commitment to ensuring customer safety and satisfaction. The company’s willingness to replace engines in all affected vehicles, regardless of when they were built, reflects a dedication to quality and reliability in their products. Moving forward, Toyota will likely implement stricter quality control measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.