Toyota has announced a major safety recall affecting approximately 280,000 vehicles worldwide, including popular Tundra pickup trucks and luxury Lexus LX600 SUVs, due to a potentially dangerous engine fault that could lead to complete power loss while driving.
The Hidden Danger Inside Your Engine
According to the Japanese automotive giant, manufacturing debris may have been left inside the engines during production. This contamination poses a serious risk as loose particles can interfere with crucial engine components, potentially causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly.
The affected vehicles include:
- Certain 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models
- Select 2023 Lexus LX600 SUVs
What Toyota Owners Need to Know
Toyota is taking immediate action to address the safety concern. The company will begin notifying affected owners by mid-February 2024, with dealerships performing thorough inspections and necessary repairs completely free of charge.
Vehicle identification numbers for the recalled trucks are available through Toyota's official website and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall database.
Previous Safety Issues
This isn't the first safety challenge for Toyota's flagship pickup. In 2023, the automaker recalled over 150,000 Tundras due to potential axle shaft failures that could similarly result in loss of vehicle control.
The recurring issues highlight the importance of rigorous quality control in modern vehicle manufacturing, particularly for models featuring complex hybrid powertrains.
Immediate Steps for Concerned Owners
While no accidents or injuries have been reported related to this specific defect, Toyota advises owners to remain vigilant for any unusual engine behaviour or warning lights. Vehicle owners can check their VIN status through official Toyota recall channels to determine if their vehicle is included in this safety campaign.
