Toyota’s multiple recalls on the twin-turbo V6 engines used in the Tundra pickup, Lexus LX SUV, and other models from both brands have been stacking up. The total is approaching 300,000 vehicles that, until now, required a new engine. Toyota has just developed a clever way to inspect the engines without taking them apart, and that could save it a fortune in replacements.
3.5-Liter V6 Recalls Affecting Owners And Toyota
Toyota
So far, more than 270,000 trucks and SUVs using the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V35A engine have been recalled. The problem was potential engine failure due to damage from debris left behind during manufacturing. It could adhere to the main bearings and cause serious damage.
Until now, the fix had been a new engine. That was Toyota’s remedy for the first of three recalls, and it started replacing engines around two years ago. The new engines, and all engines built from July 2024, had some redesigned parts meant to lower the potential for damage. We assume it stepped up the cleaning, as well.
Building an extra 270,000 engines is a problem, even for Toyota, so it developed a new test. Recent NHTSA documents explain that “using inspection software, dealers will evaluate the number one [cylinder] main bearing and collect available vehicle drive data to confirm the condition of that bearing. If the inspection software cannot confirm that the bearing will be free from abnormal wear due to this issue, dealers will replace the engine. The remedy will be provided free of charge.”
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We reached out to Toyota to learn how this new test will work. A company spokesperson said that Toyota will measure “the resonant frequency of the front of the crankshaft to assess the condition of the number one main bearing.” Toyota tested “numerous” engines, both good and bad, and now it can define the sound of a good one versus one that’s not based solely on that frequency.
In short, if the engine doesn’t sound right as measured by the tool, then the truck gets a new engine.
But not all the trucks have been driven enough for the problem to appear, even to the sound test. Toyota will use drive data stored by the vehicle “to determine if there has been enough load put on the engine so that there is confidence in the assessment.” So if you haven’t driven or loaded the truck enough, Toyota knows and will replace the engine anyway.
Toyota Dealers Will Be Listening For Signs Of Trouble
2022-2025-toyota-tundra-i-force-max-trd-pro-front-3_4-2Toyota
Toyota confirmed that all owners of vehicles covered in the May 2024 recall would get an engine replacement. Toyota hadn’t announced a fix for owners covered under the November 2025 and May 2026 recalls until now, and it’s those that will need to get the test. So around 100,000 get the guaranteed replacement, and the rest are a maybe, but will be replaced if there’s a problem.
What about customers who have recall-related engine failures after the inspection found their vehicle was okay, especially if they’re out of warranty? A Toyota spokesperson told CarBuzz that the test was meant to err on the side of caution and that if it couldn’t confirm the engine will be free from related abnormal wear, then it would be replaced. But, “if owners experience an engine failure, they should contact their Toyota or Lexus dealership. Toyota takes the quality of its products seriously and is monitoring the field performance of the improved number one main bearing.”
Tundra Owners Respond
How are Tundra owners responding to this update? A quick vibe check at Tundras.com shows a mixed bag. Some cannot believe a computer can identify such a problem, while others think it’s a cop-out, a case of Toyota kicking the can down the road until engines are out-of-warranty.
But there are those willing to give it a shot, see how it plays out, and others who say using acoustics and vibrations to check for issues can be effective. In short, only time will tell if Toyota’s inspection actually works, and if owners accept it as being a viable solution.
If you’re looking for a bit of backstory, here it is. For model year 2022, Toyota delivered a completely new Tundra pickup. It replaced the 5.7-liter V8 that the brand had been using for more than a decade with an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 called the V35A.
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Not long after it went on sale, reports of failed engines due to rod bearing damage began to surface. It became a serious issue and led to a May 2024 recall where Toyota’s solution was to replace the engine in more than 100,000 trucks and Lexus SUVs. That was followed by engine changes and two additional recalls.
Sources: Toyota, NHTSA (h/t The Drive)
