Toyota's Latest Engine Recall: A Deepening Problem
US vehicle safety regulators have announced a significant new recall for Toyota, targeting specific Tundra pickups and Lexus LX and GX SUVs. The action was taken after the discovery that engine debris could cause the vehicles' engines to stall or lose power unexpectedly, posing a serious safety risk on the road.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall impacts non-hybrid models built between November 2021 and April 2024, all of which are equipped with six-cylinder engines. According to documents filed with regulators, owners of the affected vehicles may experience a range of alarming symptoms. These include the engine running roughly, producing loud knocking noises, or in the worst cases, failing to start entirely.
It is crucial to note that this recall does not affect versions equipped with hybrid powertrains. This expansion adds another chapter to Toyota's ongoing engine-debris saga, which began with a nearly identical recall in June 2024. That earlier action, which also targeted the Tundra and Lexus LX, forced the company to undertake full engine replacements at an estimated cost of $300 million to $500 million.
A Blow to Toyota's Reputation for Reliability
The recurring issue presents a rare but significant blemish for an automaker renowned for its bulletproof dependability. Scotty Kilmer, a longtime mechanic and YouTube personality, told the Daily Mail that the problem is not a complete surprise. He was blunt in his assessment, stating, 'The new Toyota gas trucks are cr*p.'
Kilmer argues that the core of the problem lies in a fundamental engineering misstep. He believes that Toyota made a critical error by placing smaller, twin-turbo V6 engines into massive, heavy-duty trucks like the Tundra. In his view, these engines are simply not robust enough to handle the weight and demands of a full-size pickup. This shift occurred in 2022 when Toyota phased out its long-running V8 engines in favour of the new twin-turbo setup, a move marketed on improved towing capacity and fuel economy.
Kilmer also suggests that Toyota's legendary reliability is being undermined by a decline in component quality. He claims to have observed cheaper parts entering the company's supply chain since the pandemic, alleging that 'they were using sub-standard components to build their cars.' For consumers concerned about these engine troubles, Kilmer's advice is clear: stick with Toyota's hybrid models, which have so far remained unaffected by these recalls.
This series of recalls marks a challenging period for Toyota's new CEO, Koji Sato, who took the helm in 2023. The company has long built its reputation on an iterative design philosophy—refining proven designs rather than starting from scratch. This approach has historically paid off, with Toyota ranking third overall in JD Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study. The current engine issues, however, are putting that hard-earned reputation to the test.
