Toyota Tundra owners are voicing increasing concerns and frustration as the highly-regarded pickup truck faces significant engine problems. Reports of engine failures are becoming more frequent, leaving owners like Damien stranded and questioning the reliability they once associated with the Toyota brand. Damien, a 2022 Tundra owner, experienced a sudden engine failure that has drastically depreciated his vehicle’s value, rendering it almost worthless. His story is not unique, highlighting a wider issue that Toyota is struggling to contain.
This situation stems from a major recall affecting over 100,000 Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX SUV vehicles equipped with the V35A twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine. This isn’t a minor fix; it’s a large-scale engine replacement program that signals a serious blow to Toyota’s long-standing reputation for vehicle dependability. The recall has caused considerable disruption and anxiety for Tundra owners, many of whom purchased the truck expecting bulletproof reliability.
Toyota’s reputation, built on decades of producing dependable vehicles, is undeniably facing a significant challenge. The 3.4-liter V-6 engine recall is a prominent example of the issues surfacing, prompting many to question if the automaker’s famed reliability is in decline.
Damien Broomes, a concerned Toyota Tundra owner, contacted us to share his distressing experience with his 2022 truck. His account, along with other Tundra owners’ testimonies, paints a concerning picture of the current reliability challenges plaguing the vehicle.
Imagine driving down a busy road, the peace of mind of owning a Toyota truck settling your nerves, your young daughter safely buckled in the back. You chose a Toyota Tundra precisely for its safety and reliability, a vehicle you could trust to protect your family.
Then, without warning, your truck’s engine falters, power diminishes, and it dies completely in the midst of traffic. Suddenly, you’re forced into an emergency maneuver, pulling over to the side of the road while cars whiz past, a dangerous and frightening situation.
This scenario is far from ideal, escalating quickly into a parent’s worst nightmare.
Adding to the stress, your daughter in the backseat senses your panic and starts to cry, amplifying the already tense situation. Now, safety concerns are compounded by the distress of a child, turning a mechanical failure into a full-blown family crisis.
A call to your wife, a frantic explanation, and the added worry of arranging a pickup while stranded – this is the reality Damien faced. Followed by the inevitable call to a tow truck, the mounting frustration becomes palpable.
This harrowing experience is precisely what Damien endured. Here’s his account in his own words:
“This is incredibly concerning. I own a 2022 Toyota Tundra. Last Friday, I suddenly lost engine power while driving on a main street at a decent speed.”
“My four-year-old daughter was in the back seat. I immediately called the dealer, who, coincidentally, had called me the week before.”
“My primary concern was the safety of my children and myself. Hoping for a solution, I thought about trading in the truck for a new one.”
However, Damien was met with another shock when he received the trade-in offer for his malfunctioning truck.
“The dealership offered me a mere $35,000 for my truck, which I purchased just two years ago for $60,000,” he explained, highlighting the significant financial loss due to the engine issue.
Adding insult to injury, the Toyota dealership then proposed selling Damien a used truck for the original price he paid for his now-faulty Tundra.
“Then, they offered me a pre-owned truck also at $60,000,” Damien stated, emphasizing the unreasonable situation he found himself in.
Faced with an undrivable truck, Damien was left with limited and unappealing options. His wife needed her car for work, leaving him with these choices:
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- Sell the Tundra back to the dealership at a loss of $25,000.
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- Trade in the devalued truck and purchase a new vehicle, incurring further financial strain.
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- Wait for the engine replacement, a process that could take months, leaving him without a usable truck.
“My question is: Why should I bear the financial burden when the dealership sold me a defective vehicle? This isn’t my fault; it’s Toyota’s mistake. I’ve been to the dealership numerous times for various recalls and software updates; I even had to replace brake pads and rotors in less than two years.”
“As a loyal Toyota customer for 10 years, Toyota should stand by their customers and not expect us to foot the bill for their manufacturing defects. This is certainly not the customer service I expect from Toyota.”
As previously reported regarding the Toyota Tundra recall, the engine replacement procedure is lengthy and complex. Toyota estimates each engine replacement to take between 13 to 21 hours.
With over 100,000 vehicles requiring engine replacements, Tundra owners are facing substantial delays and long waiting times to get their trucks repaired.
Tundra owners are essentially left “holding the bag,” dealing with depreciated assets and significant inconvenience.
As Damien’s experience illustrates, and as other Tundra owners are discovering, engine failures severely impact the resale value of these trucks, even before the recall repairs are carried out.
Here are further accounts from Toyota Tundra owners who have encountered similar engine issues:
Chris R. – “Owned a 2023 Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid. The first engine failed at 19,500 miles. The dealership kept it for 2.5 months and replaced the short block. Three weeks and 500 miles after getting it back, the second engine failed. I got rid of it last weekend. Don’t accept anything less than a brand-new crate engine. You’ve been warned.”
Mike H. – “I have a 2022 Tundra SR5 Crewmax that had an engine issue in early July. Driving in ‘sport mode,’ when pulling into traffic, the RPM quickly went to 5-6,000, and instantly the check engine light came on, and I lost power.”
“Fortunately, no cars were approaching, and I managed to steer to a side road. I turned off the truck, waited five minutes, and restarted it. A warning appeared on the infotainment screen to contact the dealer.”
“Since then, I’ve noticed occasional ‘hiccups’ or slight knocking sounds. I’m waiting for the official recall notice. I have to drive it to work daily as I have no other vehicle.”
“I hope Toyota does the right thing and restores its reputation by improving quality control and learning from these mistakes.”
Walter Sysun – “Great article! I own a 2022 Toyota Tundra Platinum, affected by the engine recall.”
“Between the engine and fuel line recalls, my truck has been out of service for almost 8 months! Based on your article, it could be nearly a year. Toyota refuses a buyback and claims the recall isn’t covered by Massachusetts Lemon Law. I have a loaner, but it’s not comparable to my truck. Toyota cannot provide a definitive engine replacement date!”
“It’s unacceptable to pay for a truck I can’t use and be kept in the dark by Toyota.”
Conclusion
Toyota Tundra owners like Damien are in a difficult position, stuck with trucks needing engine replacements and facing months-long waits. The value of their trucks has plummeted, leaving them financially disadvantaged and deeply frustrated.
This situation is far from ideal for Toyota to place its loyal customer base. Is Toyota’s once-unassailable reputation for reliability declining? Many signs suggest a significant drop. This issue follows closely on the heels of other quality concerns, such as the Toyota Tacoma transmission problems.
One expert notes, “Toyota is Desperately Trying to Stop Their Brand Image From Taking a Straight Dumpster Dive, Now The Tacoma Transmissions Are Failing.”
Your Turn
Have you experienced engine problems with your 2022 or 2023 Toyota Tundra? Share your story in the comments below.
Image: A Toyota Tundra at a dealership service center, indicative of the toyota tundra recall engine situation.
