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Imagine this: You have already endured the stress of a major engine recall, only to have your brand-new replacement power plant fail catastrophically just months later. While the initial dealership experience left much to be desired, the following account highlights a dramatic shift in service quality and a surprising technical diagnosis that every Tundra owner needs to hear.
Tristan Corriveau on the 2023-2026 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page says:
“Here's an update on my 2022 Tundra's recalled engine blowing up.”
“I first sent it to the Toyota dealership near me (at the time of the breakdown), and the service was mediocre at best. They did not want to open the engine for diagnostic, and it took one week for them to make contact with the first dealership that installed the recall (Toyota St-Jerome) a few months back in the first place.”
“After the Toyota St-Jerome dealership was aware of the issue, they quickly towed it directly to their lot to take charge of it. Which was great.”
“The diagnosis: broken cam in the head. They told me it was probably due to a defect in the part, so nothing was due to "bearings."
“They lent me a Toyota Corolla while everything was going on, which was good since I live 370 miles from the breakdown and dealership location.”
“The service director there was super transparent and nice throughout the issue. They serviced my brakes and even filled my windshield washer fluid while changing the engine.”
“It did not cost me anything on my end since the recalled engine has a warranty for 1 year and a few thousand kilometers after the recall, they told me.”
“Thank you to Toyota St-Jerome for their great and quick service.”
“I went to pick it up today, and the truck feels great and is in good working order. Just today, I did 370+ miles, and nothing is out of the ordinary. The truck is running very nicely and even better than the older engine.”
The Toyota Tundra Engine Recall Nightmare:
After spending three decades in the automotive industry, I have seen every kind of mechanical disaster imaginable. However, the current situation surrounding the 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra engine recall for twin-turbo V6 failure is one of the most complex sagas I have ever covered. We initially thought the fix was simple: replace the short block, clear the debris, and get back on the road. But as the story of Tristan Corriveau illustrates, the "remedy" is creating its own set of technical hurdles.
When I found the account of this Tundra engine failing after a recall replacement, it raised a massive red flag. We are no longer just talking about machining debris from the factory; we are now looking at potential defects in the replacement components themselves. Tristan’s case involved a "broken cam in the head," a failure distinct from the main bearing issues that sparked the initial recall. This suggests that the high-pressure environment of the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 is pushing even the "fixed" components to their absolute limit.
For those keeping a close watch on these developments, I recently detailed Tristan's journey in my report, I Already Had My 2022 Tundra SR5 Engine Replaced Under Toyota's Recall; Now 6K Miles Later, Here We Are, which serves as a sobering reminder that a new engine does not always mean a permanent solution.
Navigating the Dealership Minefield
In my thirty years of experience, the biggest variable in any recall is the human element. Tristan’s experience with two different dealerships is a perfect case study. The first shop was hesitant to even perform a diagnostic on the Tundra's engine after the breakdown, leaving him stranded for a week. The second shop, Toyota St-Jerome, stepped up with transparency and speed.
If you find yourself in this position, my advice is to advocate for yourself immediately. If a service department refuses to open an engine or provide a loaner, escalate the issue to Toyota Corporate. You are driving a flagship vehicle that costs a premium; you deserve premium service. Interestingly, some owners are finding that the 2022 Toyota Tundra replacement engine warranty provides a safety net, but only if the dealership accurately documents the failure as part-related.
To understand the full scope of why these engines are failing in the first place, you should read my analysis on The 2 Toyota Tundra Engine Problems and Where the New Engines Are Coming From. Understanding the logistics of these replacements helps you ask the right questions at the service desk.
Recommendations for Tundra Owners
1. Document Everything: Keep a log of every mile driven after an engine replacement. If you notice a change in idle or a slight "tick," record it on your phone.
2. Oil Analysis: I recommend performing a Blackstone oil analysis at 1,000 miles on your new engine. This can detect early signs of metal shavings before another catastrophic failure occurs.
3. Establish a Relationship: Find a transparent "Service Director". As we saw with Tristan, a good director can be the difference between getting a loaner car and being left on the side of the road.
The transition from the V8 to the V6 twin-turbo was always going to be a leap of faith for the Toyota faithful. My concern is that these Tundra V6 engine reliability issues are tarnishing a decades-long reputation for "bulletproof" trucks. For a deeper look at the long-term implications for the brand, check out my article, Toyota Tundra Engine Recall: Is the Fix Making Things Worse?, where I break down the engineering risks involved in these massive rebuilds.
Key Takeaways for Owners
- Replacement engines carry a 12-month warranty: Ensure your dealership confirms the specific mileage and time limits for your new block.
- Not all failures are due to bearings: Camshaft defects are appearing in some replacement units, indicating a possible secondary quality-control issue.
- Dealer choice matters: If your local shop is "mediocre," it is worth towing the truck further to a reputable "Master Certified" service center.
What Tundra Owners Are Saying
The sentiment on the ground is a mix of frustration and relief for those whose trucks are finally running right.
On Reddit, one user noted: "It’s frustrating to see 'new' engines failing, but at least Toyota is swapping them without a fight once the diagnostic is done." Reddit r/ToyotaTundra
Another owner shared: "I’ve had my replacement for 4k miles and so far so good, but the anxiety of a breakdown never really goes away." Reddit r/Tundra
Conclusion
Toyota is currently in a race against time to prove that the Tundra remains the gold standard for durability. While Tristan’s story ended on a positive note with a truck that "feels great," the path to get there was unnecessarily stressful. My 30 years in this business tell me that Toyota will eventually iron out these kinks, but for now, owners must remain vigilant, demand transparency, and keep a close eye on their "new" engines.
It's Your Turn: Have you had your Tundra engine replaced yet? If so, has the truck performed better or worse since the swap? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.
Next Up: Are you worried about the resale value of your truck following an engine swap? I take a look at how these major repairs are affecting the used market and what you can do to protect your investment. Will the Toyota Tundra Recall Ruin Your Truck's Resale Value?
With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.
Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tristan Corriveau
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