Toyota to replace over 102K faulty engines

TOYOTA will replace an astounding 102,092 faulty engines in its Tundra and Lexus LX models following a May 2024 recall that stated the units could fail because of a manufacturing defect that saw swarf left in the engine after machining.

The costly recall action affects 2022-23 Tundra and Lexus LX 600 vehicles equipped with Toyota’s VA35A-series twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.

Toyota will replace the engine with a new one at no cost to customers with those impacted to be notified over the next month.

It is understood the fitment of the new engine will take between 13 and 21 hours to complete with customers offered a loan vehicle or rental car during the repair period.

GoAuto understands the machining debris in the faulty engines is collecting within the sleeve of the front main bearing cap causing premature wear and in some cases engine failure.

According to documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affected vehicles may experience engine knocking, rough running, inability to start, and/or a loss of power.

Fortunately, there are no reported incidents of the engine seizing during operation.

It is understood the petrol-electric hybrid version of the Tundra – the one taking part in the Australian trial – is not affected by the recall. Toyota Australia has not yet advised if Australian-delivered Lexus LX models are affected.

The US-based recall applies to all Tundra models built between 2 November 2021 and 13 February 2023 (98,568 units) and Lexus LX 600 models built between 30 July 2021 and 25 November 2022 (3524 units).