Anyone else miss the V8?
Toyota’s bulletproof reliability reputation has taken another blow, and the same twin-turbocharged V6 engine is to blame. Last year, over 100,000 Toyota Tundras and Lexus LX models with this engine were implicated in a recall, with Toyota promising to replace the engines of affected models. Now, another 127,000 Toyota and Lexus models—including the Lexus GX—with this engine are being recalled again, making it obvious that the company has not been able to resolve ongoing issues with this powertrain.
Related: Toyota will replace engines in 100,000 recalled Tundras and Lexus LXs
Machining Debris to Blame Yet Again
2025 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition
The 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (codenamed V35A-FTS and part of the Toyota Dynamic Force engine family) has replaced Toyota’s older V8 in several larger models. It produces solid power and torque but without the poor gas mileage of a V8.
Owners of vehicles equipped with this V6 have encountered issues like engine knocking, rough running, not being able to start, and a loss of motive power, which is especially hazardous at higher speeds. According to Toyota, machining debris left in the engine from the production process is to blame for the latest recall, just as was the case last year. The following models are affected:
- 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra
- 2022-2024 Lexus LX
- 2024 Lexus GX
The recall specifically pertains to the non-hybrid version of this engine; hybrid models are not impacted. Toyota says it’s developing a remedy for the issue and that customers will be notified by early January 2026.
Related: Why the Naturally-Aspirated V8 Engine Is So Reliable
Total Engine Failure Possible
Toyota
On Car Complaints, one owner of a 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 with the V6 experienced total engine failure preceded by severe knocking. The dealership said a repair would take 10 weeks as a complete rebuild may be required. Worryingly, this happened with the vehicle being on only 10,500 miles. On the NHTSA, the owner of a 2022 Lexus LX 600 also experienced complete engine failure and eventually sought legal assistance, after they were without their vehicle for over 150 days.
We also found a few instances on the NHTSA where certain Tundra owners experienced engine failure, despite their vehicles not being included in the original recall. This happened to one owner who had covered only 25,000 miles. In a class action lawsuit filed against Toyota, the plaintiffs claimed that the company’s previous recall efforts were insufficient.
The V6’s reliability issues are an unfortunate blemish, as we found the new engine to be punchy but also more refined than the old V8, back when we took the current Tundra for a first drive.
Given the number of cumulative sales of the Tundra, GX, and LX, many thousands of owners are bound to be affected. Here’s hoping Toyota achieves a more effective solution than it did last year.
