Toyota Tundra Engine Problems: What Owners Should Watch For

Toyota Tundra engine problems, including the ongoing V6 recall. Learn the causes, symptoms, and what to do next.

According to Toyota, it recalled over 250,000 vehicles because initial factory cleaning updates failed to remove all manufacturing debris from affected engines. Toyota Tundra owners driving 2022–2024 third-generation trucks with the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engines are among those affected. Machines can fail; even manufacturers can make unintentional mistakes. But when something goes wrong, awareness can make all the difference. As a user, knowing your car's status helps you respond appropriately before the situation worsens. 

In this blog, we break down what critical information Toyota Tundra owners need to know, including: 

  • What's Causing Toyota Tundra Engine Problems?
  • Timeline: How the Recall Has Expanded
  • Warning Signs to Watch For
  • Is Your Tundra Affected? How to Check
  • Toyota's Current Remedy Approach
  • What to Do If You Notice These Symptoms
  • Are There Other Common Tundra Engine Issues Beyond the Recall?

What's Causing Toyota Tundra Engine Problems?

Manufacturing debris is clearly the root cause of Toyota Tundra engine problems, left inside certain V35A engines. 

According to Toyota's submission, during manufacturing, some debris is unintentionally left uncleared and becomes the primary culprit contaminating the engine's crankshaft main bearing.

When the crankshaft main bearing is affected, it can develop a rippling effect that accelerates bearing wear or failure. It doesn't stop at bearing failure; the effect can progress to knocking, rough running, a no-start condition, or loss of engine power while driving. 

Toyota has expanded the recall scope in three major waves, progressively covering additional V35A engine production periods. 

Timeline: How the Recall Has Expanded

Toyota announced the first recall in May 2024, and it has since expanded to 2026. The table below explains it at a glance. 

1. May 2024: First Recall

Toyota recalled certain 2022–2023 Tundras equipped with the V35A engines on May 29, 2024. The remedy was a free engine assembly. 

2. Recall Expands in November 2025 

On November 6, 2025, Toyota launched a campaign to recall an additional 2022-2024 Tundras, as well as certain Lexus LX and 2024 GX vehicles. The recall covered 126,691 vehicles cumulatively. 

The second wave of the recall is essential because Toyota's investigation found the problem wasn't limited to the production range covered by the 2024 recall. Meanwhile, Toyota continues its investigation. 

3. May 2026: Investigation continues: Another 2024 Tundra Expansion

On May 20, 2026, Toyota announced another expansion that covers 43,566 additional 2024 Tundras equipped with the V35A engine. 

Toyota's investigation found that engines from later production showed the same wear pattern on the #1 main bearings. 
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Infographic table detailing Toyota Tundra recalls (24V-381, 25V-767, and 26V-320) listing recall dates, affected years, vehicle counts, and descriptions of changes due to engine debris.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Because engine-machine debris can damage the #1 main bearing and potentially lead to engine knocking or failure, you need to know these warning signs so you can spot them. The fundamental warning signs are

  • Knocking noise: An abnormal metallic knocking noise can indicate a bearing issue (according to Toyota's findings). 
  • Rough running: When the engine doesn't run smoothly as usual but now runs rough, hesitant, and shaky. 
  • Sudden engine shutdown or loss of power: In critical cases, the engine may fail to start, or the truck can lose motive power while driving—which can be highly dangerous at high speeds. 

Is Your Tundra Affected? How to Check

As a Tundra owner, the best way to check whether your vehicle is affected is to use your 17-digit VIN rather than relying on the model and year. 

Simple steps to do it: 

  • Find your VIN: It's typically on the driver's-side dashboard/windshield area or in the vehicle documents. 
  • Run the VIN through Toyota's recall database - Toyota's official lookup
  • Check the NHTSA recall database as a second verification option. 

Toyota's Current Remedy Approach

Toyota's remedy for the Tundra engine recall has evolved from replacing every affected defect to first determining the root cause - no.  #1 main bearing wear. 

As you can see in the original recall in May 2024. It was a no-cost replacement. 

Since then, over 77,000 of the 102,000 vehicles covered by the first recall have been repaired with engines using an improved No. 1 main bearing.   

How does it happen? 

The new remedy Toyota developed (V35A Crank Bearing Inspection) is an accelerometer and diagnostic software to measure the crankshaft resonant response. 

The system inspects and identifies abnormal wear of the No. 1 main bearing without tearing the engine apart; if it can't find the fault this way, engine replacement becomes the ultimate solution.   

What to Do If You Notice These Symptoms

If you notice any engine defect-related symptoms, don't wait for an official recall letter to take action. 

  1. Don't treat usual knocking or rough running as normal. If it persists and causes knocking, stalling, or sudden power loss, get it inspected promptly. 
  2. Contact a Toyota dealer. Give them your car VIN and explain the symptoms. You will get a response pretty soon. Whether it's a recall-qualified issue or not, you will know. 

Are There Other Common Tundra Engine Issues Beyond the Recall?

Unfortunately, not every Tundra Engine complaint indicates a main bearing recall. 

Below is a checklist to help you tell for yourself, even before a professional inspection. 

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Infographic titled "Additional Tundra Engine Issues: What Owners May Notice," formatted as a dark blue table with yellow accents. It lists five distinct engine concerns—Turbo/wastegate problems, Oil-filter sealing leak, Oil leaks/seepage, Normal high-mileage wear, and Cooling-system problems—alongside what owners may notice and important distinctions for each.

Conclusion

The Tundra V6 engine recall has been a critical and evolving issue. But those who stay informed, watch for early symptoms, and take the right action can keep their vehicle safe and protect their wallets.   

If you want, the Regal Repair Team can help diagnose your vehicle and tell you whether it's a recall-related issue. Contact us here.  

FAQ

What is causing the Toyota Tundra engine recall?

Incomplete cleaning of engine debris during production. 

How many Toyota Tundras are affected by the engine recall?

Over 250,000 Toyota Tundras are affected by the engine recall. 

What are the warning signs of Tundra engine failure?

Warning signs include a knocking noise, rough running, sudden engine shutdown, and loss of power.  

How do I check if my Tundra is included in the recall?

Run your Tundra's VIN through Toyota's recall database - Toyota's official lookup

Will Toyota replace my engine for free?

Yes, if it is covered and qualifies for a recall. 

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