We Finally Know Why the Toyota Tundra V6 Keeps Self-Destructing
Toyota Issues Recall for Over 100,000 Vehicles Due to Main Bearing Failures
Owners of Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles have long been demanding answers to recurring problems with main bearing failures. Today, Toyota has finally issued a recall, providing an explanation for the widespread issue.
Machining Debris Inside Engines Sparks Major Recall
Toyota is recalling more than 100,000 current-generation Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs in North America. The recall targets certain 2022-2023 models equipped with the relatively new V6 twin-turbo engine. This engine has faced significant skepticism regarding its reliability, especially when compared to the previous naturally aspirated V8 engines.
The core of the issue is the presence of machining debris inside the engines. Toyota states that this debris can lead to severe problems, including engine knock, rough running, no-start situations, and sudden loss of power while driving at high speeds. Such issues increase the risk of accidents, necessitating the recall of approximately 102,000 Tundra trucks and Lexus LX600 SUVs equipped with the V35A-FTS engine.
Detailed Explanation of the Engine Failure
Toyota elaborates that the recall specifically applies to models with the V35A engine containing crankshaft main bearings. These bearings allow the crankshaft to rotate within the engine assembly. During a particular production period, there was a possibility that engine machining debris was not adequately cleared during manufacturing. This debris subsequently contaminated the engine assembly.
The carmaker further explains, “For these engines in the subject vehicles, the pressure on the main bearings due to the engine configuration is such that, if the aforementioned machining debris adheres to the bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, failure of the bearings may occur. This can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start, and/or an engine stall. In the subject vehicles, an engine stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power.”
Impact and Next Steps for Affected Owners
The twin-turbo V6’s high internal pressure appears to exacerbate these failures, but the root cause is faulty manufacturing during a specific period. Toyota has not yet determined a definitive fix for the engine debris problem. Owners of the affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles will be notified of the recall and the proposed remedy by the end of July 2024.
This recall is a significant step in addressing the reliability concerns that have plagued the new V6 twin-turbo engines, providing some relief to the owners affected by these issues.