About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota Tundra since 2012, 202 (9.9%) describe engine failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Tundra. The reports cluster on the 2022, 2023 and 2024 model years, and the 2023 drew the most, with 67. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 34,000 and 71,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Most Tundra engine complaints are on the newest trucks, 2022 to 2024, with the twin-turbo V6. Owners describe knocking, rough running, loss of power and engines that failed and had to be replaced. Toyota recalled a large number of these trucks because machining debris left in the engine could damage the main bearings.
How it gets fixed
The recall fix is an engine replacement on affected trucks, done free at Toyota dealers. Check the VIN for open recalls.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty an engine replacement would cost well over $10,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I am the second owner of a 2024 Toyota Tundra that is branded as a manufacturer buyback/lemon. The first owner had the engine short block replaced at around 31,000 miles due to bearing failure."
2024 Toyota Tundra
"See attached document for complaint. 100,000 Toyota Tundras have been recalled for Engine defects that require engine replacements. Toyota recall letter directed me to contact my dealer for engine replacement information."
2023 Toyota Tundra
"First engine has not failed yet, it will happen. It presents a safety defect potential stalling , engine failure, or worse. ... It is same engine as non-hybrids . build date December 2023. Cuurent milage 23k ."
2024 Toyota Tundra
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX600 vehicles equipped with a V35A engine.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles equipped with a V35A engine.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tundra vehicles equipped with a V35A engine.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Toyota has sent dealers one bulletin that mention this problem on the Tundra. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some vehicles in the market may require a short block repair, and in certain circumstances, Toyota may request a dealer to repair such vehicles with an Engine Assembly instead.
Before you buy a Tundra
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and confirm the repair was done.
- Listen for knocking at idle and under load.
- Ask for the dealer paperwork if the engine was replaced.
Questions
Which Toyota Tundra years have engine failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2022, 2023, 2024 model years. The 2023 drew the most, with 67 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 44,000 miles, and half reported it between 34,000 and 71,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty an engine replacement would cost well over $10,000.