“I’m Terrified of That Tundra V6”: Why a Former 245,000-Mile Toyota Tundra Owner Says His 2021 Ram Reliability Has Him “Heading Back to Toyota”

He traded a legend for a lemon, but is returning to Toyota a gamble when the "fix" is a whole new engine?

Imagine trading in a legendary truck that never missed a beat after 245,000 miles, only to find yourself plagued by anxiety with its replacement and longing for that old-school reliability. Patrick is facing this exact crossroads as he weighs the risk of jumping back into a new Tundra despite a massive engine recall that has shaken the truck world.

In a recent post shared with the 2023-2026 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook community, Patrick Schmitt highlighted growing concerns about the reliability of the modern twin-turbo V6 and the difficult choice between trusting a recalled engine or returning to the proven V8 platform. He says,

“I had a 2010 Toyota Tundra, and sold it with 245k miles. It was crazy reliable. I bought a 2021 Ram, but I'm worried about its reliability. I want to buy a Tundra again, but I'm terrified of that V6. It's definitely not good. So, I’m heading back to Toyota for the last years of the V8 or for the same price buying a newer V6 under the Toyota motor recall. The question is, do you really think the V6 with replacement motors will match the V8 reliability? Is anyone with replacement motors having them blow up after they’ve been replaced?”

Toyota's Reputation Takes a Massive Hit

The shift from the legendary 5.7L V8 to the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 has been anything but smooth for Toyota. In my 30 years as an automotive reporter, I have never seen a manufacturer's "Quality, Durability, and Reliability" (QDR) badge take such a public beating as it has with the Toyota Tundra V6 engine recall problems. The industry's gold standard for truck longevity has been compromised by a manufacturing defect in which "machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine during production," which can lead to catastrophic main bearing failure, as detailed by Consumer Reports in its investigation into Toyota's massive engine recall.

I have covered this saga extensively, and the data suggests that for long-term owners like Patrick, the older V8 models remain the gold standard. In fact, my own analysis shows that the 2021 Tundra remains the last of the truly "bulletproof" trucks for buyers who cannot afford to gamble on a first-generation engine design.

Our Personal Take: The "Replacement" Gamble

When a manufacturer replaces a "short block" under a recall of this magnitude, the expectation is that the truck will return to its former glory. However, a major concern for Toyota Tundra V6 reliability is that the twin-turbo setup's sheer complexity leaves little room for error. Industry experts have observed that "the recall is unusual because of its scale and the fact that it requires a full engine replacement," a sentiment shared by automotive journalists at The Drive, who emphasize the logistical nightmare this poses for dealerships.

In my own research, I have uncovered disturbing accounts that suggest the "remedy" might not be foolproof. I recently shared the story of a Tundra owner whose engine blew up just 6,000 miles after a recall replacement, signaling that whether it is a factory defect or a dealership installation error, the risk remains significantly higher than it ever was with the 5.7L V8.

What I Tested: Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra Reliability

In my years of testing these two heavy hitters, I have found that they offer two completely different "flavors" of disappointment when they fail. The Ram 1500 is the undisputed king of the "showroom test." It has the best ride quality thanks to its link-coil rear suspension and an interior that feels more like a Mercedes than a work truck. However, the Ram's Achilles' heel has historically been "death by a thousand cuts." While the Tundra faces one massive, headline-grabbing engine disaster, the Ram often suffers from chronic electrical gremlins, Uconnect screen freezes, and the dreaded "Hemi tick" in older 5.7L models.

If you are looking at a used Ram 1500 vs. a Toyota Tundra, the math changes at 100,000 miles. My experience shows that the Ram's air suspension and complex active aerodynamics are prone to costly repairs as they age. On the other hand, the Tundra, specifically the V8 models, tends to stay mechanically sound even if the interior tech feels like it belongs in 2012. Patrick's move from a 245k-mile Tundra to a Ram likely felt like a massive upgrade in comfort, but that anxiety he feels is the trade-off for a platform that hasn't historically matched Toyota's "forever truck" reputation.

Furthermore, the resale value is a major factor I always tell my readers to consider. A Tundra will typically retain its value far better than a Ram. If you buy a Ram, you are paying for the experience of the drive today; if you buy a Tundra (at least a V8 one), you are investing in the truck's value ten years from now. With the current Tundra V6 engine recall, however, that gap is closing as buyers become wary of newer Toyota models.

V8 Simplicity vs. V6 Complexity

During my decades in the automotive industry, I have driven over 500 test cars, and the difference between these two generations of Tundra is night and day. The old V8 was under-stressed and over-built. The new twin-turbo i-FORCE V6 is highly efficient and powerful, but it relies on tight tolerances and high pressure. If you are searching for reliable used trucks, you have to decide if you value 20 MPG or the peace of mind that comes from a naturally aspirated engine.

For Patrick, the choice between a used 2021 V8 and a 2024 V6 is about more than just the price tag; it is about "starts every time" vs. "waiting for a loaner." If you go with the V6, you are essentially betting that Toyota's second attempt at building your engine is better than the first.

What Tundra Owners Are Saying

The community is deeply divided on whether to trust the new platform. One user on Reddit highlighted the anxiety of owning the new model, stating, "$60k is way too much to 'hope' your truck doesn't break down and leave you on the side of the highway," which you can read in the full discussion here.

Another owner shared a much more positive experience after their swap, mentioning, "New engine is smoother and idles better. Plenty of power. Didn't have any problems and now have a new engine," found in this Reddit thread.

Key Takeaways

• The V8 remains the reliability king: If you plan to keep your truck for 245,000 miles as Patrick did, the 2020-2021 models are the safest bet.
• Recall fixes are ongoing: While Toyota is replacing engines, the long-term durability of these "new" blocks is still unproven.
• Complexity matters: The twin-turbo V6 is a sophisticated machine; it requires more meticulous maintenance than the old 5.7L.

The Jury Is Still Out On the New Tundra 

Patrick’s dilemma is one shared by thousands of Toyota loyalists. While the new Tundra offers better tech and fuel economy, it has yet to prove it can go the distance without a major internal failure. If you are someone who keeps a truck for a decade, that 2021 V8 is looking better every single day.

It's Your Turn: Have you had a Tundra engine replaced under the recall, and what was your experience with the replacement engine? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

Next Up: Check out how one owner is navigating the recall process with a surprisingly positive outlook on Toyota's customer service despite a total engine failure: Read the full story here.

Denis Flierl is a Senior Reporter at Torque News with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. Having served as a professional test driver and industry consultant for major automakers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Tesla, Denis provides a "boots-on-the-ground" perspective that goes beyond standard reporting. Since joining Torque News in 2012, he has specialized in cutting through market noise to deliver data-backed analysis and real-world owner stories. His work focuses on navigating the transition to EVs and the shifting automotive market.

Have a tip or question for Denis? > Engage with him directly on LinkedIn for industry analysis, or follow his latest updates on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides. You can also find his latest car features on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Toyota and Ram