Toyota Tundra's Engine Replacement Left It Running like a 1980s Truck with a Missing Spark Plug After Dealership Repair; Original Blow-up Incident Included
Toyota Tundra Owners Continue to Face Engine Issues Despite Recall
Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, has been reporting on the ongoing issues faced by owners of 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundras with the base i-FORCE engine. Despite a large recall by Toyota to address engine failures caused by manufacturing debris, some owners are still experiencing persistent problems even after their engines have been replaced.
The recall, which affects approximately 100,000 Tundras, involves a complete engine assembly replacement. However, some owners have reported recurring issues such as grinding noises and warning lights, like low oil pressure, shortly after repairs. This has resulted in trucks being sidelined or requiring further diagnosis and repair, causing long repair backlogs at dealerships due to the extensive time required for each engine replacement (13–21 hours).
The recall currently excludes 2024 and 2025 models, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid variants. Some reports and a class action lawsuit assert that similar engine issues occur in these excluded models. The lawsuit criticizes Toyota’s recall scope as insufficient and alleges ongoing safety risks, lack of timely remedies, and potential consumer law violations.
Independent reports from Toyota owner communities and reviewers indicate that while Toyota has made progress with the recall and repairs, some owners remain concerned about engine reliability, and the full resolution of issues is still uncertain.
Chris, a Tundra owner, is one of those affected. Despite his engine being replaced under the recall, he continues to experience poor engine performance. Chris is in a frustrating position due to stonewalling from both his dealership and Toyota Corporate. In an attempt to seek resolution, Chris should consider joining forces with other similarly affected Tundra owners to collectively pressure Toyota for a resolution.
It's important to note that a recall fix doesn't always equate to a complete remedy for consumers when manufacturers fail to stand by their products. In such cases, Chris should seek independent, third-party evaluations of his truck's current condition. Additionally, he should document all communications, repair attempts, and diagnostic reports, as this could be crucial if he decides to explore legal avenues, including lemon law provisions in his state.
As the situation unfolds, it may suggest a deeper, unresolved issue beyond a simple engine swap for Tundra owners who've undergone engine replacements. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
- The ongoing engine issues faced by Toyota Tundra owners, despite the recall, could potentially impact the reputation of the automotive industry in the eyes of consumers, raising questions about quality assurance in vehicle manufacturing.
- With Tundra owners still encountering engine problems even after the finance-intensive recall, they might seek assistance from industry regulators in transportation, as the lack of a comprehensive solution could potentially bring forth consumer law violations and a potent threat to the automotive finance sector.
