In June 2024, Toyota recalled about 102,000 Tundra and Lexus LX models built in the 2022 and 2023 model years due to an engine issue. At the time, the company said it had no solution. That has since changed: It will replace the engine in affected vehicles.
The recall, which is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall number 24V-381, only applies to non-electrified Tundra variants, which use a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 offered with 348 or 379 horsepower depending on the trim level. The optional hybrid system is built around a 3.4-liter V-6, but that engine is not included in the campaign at the time of writing. The six-cylinder is the only engine available on the current LX. A total of 102,092 vehicles are affected by the recall, but the issue is only found in about 1% of them.
“Some machining debris may not have been removed from the engine during manufacturing,” according to the Japanese brand, which can lead to main bearing failure. The consequences are quite serious: this problem can cause knocking, misfiring, failure to start or engine failure. The latter symptom increases the risk of accidents. It is unknown whether any accidents or injuries are linked to this problem.
Several Tundra owners have filed complaints with NHTSA detailing a problem similar to the one described by Toyota. One claims the engine made “pulsing/mechanical noises” before shutting down. Another claims the engine stalled on an exit ramp and couldn’t be restarted. Several of these reports indicate the “check engine” light came on before the engine shut off. No engine problems have been recorded for the LX.
Toyota’s solution is simple: It will replace the engine in affected vehicles. The company plans to notify customers of affected vehicles via mail by the end of July 2024, and it notes that the Tundra models affected by the recall were manufactured between November 2, 2021, and February 13, 2023. If you own an LX model, it is part of the recall if it was manufactured between July 30, 2021, and November 25, 2022.
