Toyota Tundra Engine Recall

Toyota has significantly expanded a major engine recall for its new-generation Tundra pickup, now including an additional 130,000 trucks. The recall, which affects 2022 and 2023 models, involves the complete replacement of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine due to a critical manufacturing defect that can cause sudden power loss. This brings the total number of affected Tundras to over 160,000, making it one of the most extensive and serious recalls for the popular truck.

The Defect: A Failing Turbocharger Component

According to official documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem lies within the engine's twin-turbocharger system. A small but critical snap ring in the turbo's wastegate—a valve that regulates boost pressure—may have been improperly installed at the factory.

If this snap ring fails, the wastegate can malfunction, typically sticking open. This leads to a loss of turbo boost and a significant, abrupt reduction in engine power, forcing the truck into a fail-safe "limp mode." This creates a serious safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. Due to the potential for further internal engine damage, Toyota has determined that the most effective and reliable solution is to replace the entire engine assembly rather than attempting a smaller-scale repair.

Scope of the Recall: Which Tundras Are Affected?

The recall covers a wide range of Tundra pickups built at Toyota's San Antonio, Texas, plant from the launch of the new generation through mid-2023.

• Model Years: 2022 and 2023
• Engines: Both the standard i-FORCE 3.5L twin-turbo V6 and the hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrains are included.
• Total Vehicles: Over 160,000 units in the U.S. and Canada.

The new V6 engine, which replaced the previous generation's V8, is also used in the Lexus LX 600 and Toyota Sequoia. However, the recall has not been formally extended to these models at this time.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a 2022 or 2023 Toyota Tundra, it is crucial to determine if your vehicle is part of this recall.

1. Check Your VIN: The most immediate way to check is by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on either the Toyota Recall Website or the NHTSA's Recall Lookup Tool. These official databases provide the most up-to-date information.

2. Contact Your Dealer: If your truck is affected, contact your local Toyota dealership immediately to schedule the repair. The recall service is performed under Toyota's campaign code 24TA07.

3. Watch for Mail: Toyota began mailing official notification letters to the owners of affected vehicles in early 2024.

The engine replacement is a complex job that can take a technician over 12 hours to complete. Due to the scale of the recall, there may be a wait for parts or a service appointment. Toyota dealers will perform the work entirely free of charge and typically provide a loaner vehicle to minimize inconvenience.

Background and Community Reaction

The third-generation Tundra's move to a twin-turbo V6 was a significant change, and reports of engine trouble surfaced not long after its launch. Publications like Car and Driver documented an engine failure in their long-term 2022 Tundra test vehicle, which required a full replacement due to a turbo issue.

Online forums and social media are filled with discussions from concerned owners and busy dealership technicians. Some technicians have shared photos of service bays lined with crated engines, highlighting the massive logistical effort underway to address the recall. While owners are frustrated by such a serious issue on a new vehicle, many appreciate Toyota's comprehensive and cautious approach in replacing the entire engine.

A Deeper Dive into the Tundra Engine Problem

For those interested in the technical details of the wastegate failure, this video from a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician offers a clear and detailed explanation of the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which Toyota Tundra models are affected by the engine recall? A: The recall covers certain 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundra trucks, including both the standard i-FORCE and hybrid i-FORCE MAX models equipped with the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine. Over 160,000 vehicles in North America are part of this recall.

Q: What is the problem with the Tundra's engine? A: The issue stems from a faulty snap ring in the turbocharger's wastegate. This component, if improperly installed during manufacturing, can fail and cause the wastegate to malfunction, leading to a sudden and significant loss of engine power. To ensure a complete fix, Toyota is replacing the entire engine assembly.

Q: What are the warning signs of this engine defect? A: The primary symptoms are a sudden reduction in engine power (often called 'limp mode'), the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard, and potentially unusual noises from the engine. If you experience these issues, Toyota advises you to pull over safely and contact a dealer immediately.

Q: How can I check if my Tundra is included in the recall? A: You can check if your specific vehicle is affected by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official Toyota Recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

Q: Will the engine replacement cost me anything? A: No. As this is an official safety recall, Toyota will perform the entire engine replacement, including all parts and labor, completely free of charge to the owner, regardless of the vehicle's warranty status. Toyota may also offer a loaner vehicle during the repair.