Over 100K Lexus LX 600s & Toyota Tundras Recalled Due to Potential Engine Failure
Oof. Machining debris left in the engine during assembly could cause engine failure in 2022 and 2023 model-year vehicles.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Toyota is recalling 102,092 vehicles. This includes 98,568 Toyota Tundra pickups and 3,524 Lexus LX 600 SUVs. The recall impacts 2022 and 2023 model year vehicles. Machining debris left in the engine during the manufacturing process could lead to a potential engine failure. The engine in question is the V35A, which is the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. The remedy for this issue is still under investigation. The Tundras impacted were built between November 2021 and February 2023. The LX 600s impacted were built between July 2021 and November 2022.
Toyota and Lexus are known for their reputation of building incredibly reliable vehicles. It is unusual to see such a large and potentially serious recall like this. Toyota first received a complaint in March of 2022 of a vehicle equipped with the V35A engine that stalled. An investigation revealed that the crankshaft main bearings had seized. Further investigation revealed that debris could be present from the engine machining process. According to the recall documents “the pressure on the main bearings due to the engine configuration is such that, if the aforementioned machining debris adheres to the bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, failure of the bearings may occur.” There have been no reports of injuries or crashes as a result of this engine failure recall.
Warning Signs
If your engine is affected by this recall you may experience engine knocking, rough running, and an engine that will not start and/or an engine stall. A stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power and increases the risk of a crash. The Toyota Tundra is also offered with a hybrid powertrain that uses the V35A V6 engine. However, the hybrid model is not included in this recall. NHTSA notes that if a hybrid vehicle experiences an engine failure, it will still have “some motive power for limited distances” and the driver will be warned with audio and visual messages. So it is not as big of a safety concern, however, you are still going to have a seized engine which is far from ideal.
Notification
Dealers were notified of this recall on May 30. Dealers have been instructed to not sell any vehicles currently in inventory that are under this recall. Owners will be notified between July 15 and July 29 and will be contacted again once a remedy has been found. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 24TB07/24TA07 and 24LB04/24LA04. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Reimbursement Plan
Toyota estimates that 824 warranty claims on the engines in the subject vehicles have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition. If a vehicle owner has already paid to have this condition remedied the notification letter will instruct how they can seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan. Once a fix has been found owners will be provided with a repair free of charge under the Toyota warranty.
Images: Toyota; Lexus
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