Follow us today...
The third-generation Toyota Tundra was supposed to be the "World Beater."
While a total engine failure at 24,000 miles would drive most owners to the lemon law lawyer, this Tundra owner’s experience reveals the high-stakes gamble Toyota is making to save its reputation.
When Toyota ditched the legendary, naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 for the high-tech, twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 (V35A-FTS), the truck community held its breath. Reliability has always been the Tundra’s North Star, but recent months have tested that reputation with high-profile engine failures and a massive safety recall.
Today, a new story is surfacing from the front lines of the 2023-2026 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook forum that highlights both the fragility of the new powertrain and the absolute masterclass in customer service Toyota is deploying to save its brand image.
The "Death Knock" at 24,000 Miles
Alex Lemoine, owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited, recently shared a harrowing experience that is becoming an all-too-familiar script for some Gen-3 owners.
“I have a 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited with 24,000 miles," Lemoine reported. "I heard a loud engine knocking when I started it up yesterday, then it stalled. It was dead.”
For any truck owner, especially one who likely paid north of $60,000 for a "Limited" trim, this is the ultimate nightmare scenario. A complete engine seizure at just 24,000 miles, well within the powertrain warranty but far short of the "300,000-mile" expectation Toyota fans have lived by for decades.
What’s Happening Inside?
The failure Lemoine describes a loud knocking followed by a stall is symptomatic of the main bearing failure that triggered Toyota’s massive recall earlier this year. The issue stems from machining debris (specifically metal shavings) that may not have been fully cleared from the engine during the manufacturing process.
When these shavings circulate through the oiling system, they can cause the main bearings to seize. This leads to the "knock" (the sound of the crankshaft hitting the bearing) and, eventually, a total engine stall. While Toyota has identified a specific production window for the recall, reports like Lemoine’s continue to surface, leading many to wonder whether the scope of the issue is broader than initially admitted.
The "Golden Handcuffs" Service Strategy
While a dead engine is a disaster, Lemoine’s reaction wasn’t one of anger. In fact, it was surprisingly positive. Why? Because Toyota is currently executing a "Total Care" strategy to prevent a mass exodus of truck buyers.
“The Toyota dealership came and picked it up with no issues and put me in a 2025 Tundra TRD,” Lemoine noted. “It’s supposed to take up to 3 months until I can expect to get my truck back with a new engine.”
This is the "Value Gap" that separates Toyota from its domestic competitors. By immediately upgrading the customer into a brand-new 2025 TRD model as a loaner, Toyota turns a three-month waiting period into a prolonged "extended test drive" of their latest and greatest equipment.
Key Takeaways from the Dealer Response
- Frictionless Recovery: The dealer handled the towing and logistics without pushback.
- The Upgrade Incentive: Putting a 2023 owner in a 2025 TRD loaner keeps the owner in the "ecosystem" and softens the blow of the 90-day wait.
- The Transparency: A 3-month lead time for a crate engine is significant, but by setting the expectation early, Toyota avoids the "where is my truck?" frustration.
The 2022-2023 Recall Context
It is important to remember that Toyota has already issued a recall for approximately 102,000 Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles from the 2022-2023 model years. The remedy? A full engine replacement.
However, the logistics of replacing over 100,000 engines are staggering. In some cases, the replacement is a "cab-off" surgery, where the entire body of the truck is lifted off the frame to access the powerplant. This is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized dealer training and a steady supply of new "short blocks" or "long blocks" from Japan.
Is the 2025 Tundra the "Safe Bet"?
Lemoine being placed in a 2025 loaner is significant. Toyota has stated that for the 2024 and 2025 models, the machining process was corrected to ensure no debris remains in the engine blocks. If you are a prospective buyer, the 2025 model year represents the "cleaned up" version of the Twin-Turbo V6.
By the time Lemoine gets his 2023 back, it will essentially have the heart of a 2025 model. For many owners, a "zero-mile" engine on a truck with 24,000 miles on the odometer is actually a net gain in long-term value, provided they can deal with the three-month inconvenience.
Toyota Turns Lemons Into Lemonaid
The viral nature of Lemoine's post highlights a fascinating divide in the automotive world. If this were a Ford or a Ram, the comments would likely be flooded with "I told you so's." But because it’s a Toyota, the conversation centers on the quality of the fix rather than on the machine's failure.
Toyota’s willingness to eat the cost of a 2025 loaner and a $20,000+ engine replacement is their way of buying back the "Quality, Durability, and Reliability" (QDR) badge they’ve worn for 40 years.
For the Tundra audience, the story here isn't just that the engine failed; it's that Toyota is making it almost impossible for the owner to be mad about it.
What do you think? Would you be satisfied with a 3-month wait if it meant a brand-new 2025 loaner and a fresh engine? Sound off in the comments below.
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 Alex Lemoine
Follow us today...
