Toyota, usually a byword for reliability, has been suffering all sorts of problems with the Toyota Tundra pickup truck in recent times. Specifically, the 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 version has had lots of trouble over the past year or so. Specifically, a huge number of recalls have been happening with the 2024 model year version in particular.
The issues stem from the V35A-FTS engine, a powertrain that you can also find in other Toyota trucks and SUVs, as well as vehicles from Lexus, such as the LX and GX. A recent recall noted that 44,000 2024 model year Tundra trucks had been recalled in America, adding to the already over 200,000 that have had the same fate.
Toyota has issued statements on why this is the case. The Japanese manufacturer says machining debris left inside the engine is causing damage to a bearing, which will then lead to knocking, rough running, and even more problems. The huge number of trucks recalled does look slightly embarrassing for the company.
What has made things worse, though, is that the engines in these particular trucks were meant to be safe from the problem. Extra steps had been taken to mitigate this issue, but whatever steps were taken, they don’t seem to have been enough to put this issue to bed.
Why Toyota Tundra Pickup Trucks Have Been Recalled
The issue facing the trucks lies with the number one main bearing. Machining debris gets into the engine and damages that bearing, which then leads to the aforementioned knocks, rough running, and hard starts. In extreme circumstances, this may even lead to a total engine failure, and drivers suddenly losing power on the move.
This latest batch of engines, however, was meant to be safe from the problem. But Toyota has admitted that even with extra cleaning measures in place, some debris may still slip through the net. The good news for Toyota Tundra Hybrid owners, however, is that these pickup trucks are unaffected. There have been no recently reported instances of any of the issues facing V6 Tundra trucks.
Other factors may be playing a role in the Tundra’s problems. Some engine teardowns have revealed metal flakes in oil pans, while bearings had severe wear and damage from heat, suggesting a lack of lubrication. At the time of writing, Toyota hasn’t stated if that has been a factor, but there is enough evidence to suggest that something else is at play with the pickup trucks.
A Timeline of How Toyota Tundra Pickups Have Suffered From Recalls
The first Tundras to be recalled were back in May 2024, with 102,000 vehicles as part of that recall, including a huge number of Lexus LX vehicles. The Japanese company announced all affected vehicles would receive full engine replacements. In November 2025, another 127,000 vehicles were recalled, which, as well as the Tundra and LX, included a large number of Lexus GX vehicles. In total, 270,000 V35A-FTS V6 engine vehicles have been recalled since May 2024.