My 2023 Toyota Tundra’s Engine Started Knocking at 30K Miles, and I’m 2 Months Outside the Recall, Now the Dealer Says I Can’t Get a New Engine

Is Toyota trying to save money by not providing Tundra owners with a completely new engine, but instead replacing some parts? 

According to Aaron Michael, a 2023 Toyota Tundra owner, on the Tundra Owner's Facebook page, he states that the Toyota dealer wants to replace some parts on his failed engine with 30,000 miles rather than providing a completely new engine.

Michaels says, "The engine in my 2023 Toyota Tundra started knocking at 30,000 miles. So, off to the Toyota dealership it went, where they found metal shavings in the oil filter and metal particulate in the oil pan." 

Under the Toyota Tundra engine recall, Toyota announced that it would replace 102,292 V-6 engines in 2022 and 2023 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX models. Toyota estimated the Tundra recall would cost between $300 and $500 million. Check out my complete report here on the Toyota Tundra engine recall.

Is Toyota Trying To Save Money? 

However, some Tundra owners, like Michael, are saying that Toyota dealers are not providing them with a new engine and will only replace the damaged parts. 

Michael should be getting a completely new engine under the recall, but that's not what the Toyota dealer told him.  

He says, "The service advisor put in a TAS (Technical Assistance Service) with Toyota, to which they replied, 'tear down the engine, inspect, replace damaged parts, and reuse nondamaged parts." 

"They said that my truck is like two months outside the recall window."

Aren't All Failed Tundra Engines Covered Under the Recall?

This is the first I've heard that Toyota is not covering all 2022 and 2023 Tundra engines that failed. However, new information suggests that this may be the case. 

Sean Whelan, a Toyota technician, says Toyota told him the same thing with this customer's 2023 Tundra truck. 

"Same here with this 2023 Tundra engine; they WILL NOT give you a crate motor. We create a TAS case, and basically, they tell us to order everything that is needed and can be proven to be damaged. The only thing reused in all of this were the heads."

How Many Toyota Tundra Owners Are In This Situation?

It's unlikely that many 2023 Toyota Tundra owners will be completely unable to get a new engine due to being "outside the recall window." 

While the recall has specific production date ranges (November 2021 to February 2023), some 2023 Tundras built outside this window might still be eligible if they fall within the broader scope of the issue. 

Here's why a "recall window" might not be the most accurate way to look at this:

• Not time-based: The recall is based on potential engine damage, not a specific timeframe.
• Expanded scope: The recall initially focused on vehicles within a specific production date range; however, discussions have been held about potentially expanding the recall to include additional vehicles.
• Complete engine replacement: According to some sources, Toyota is replacing engines in all recalled vehicles, not just those with visible damage. 

What Should Toyota Tundra Owners Do?

To determine if your 2022 or 2023 Tundra is eligible for an engine replacement, it's best to: 

• Check your vehicle's VIN: Use Toyota's VIN checker to see if your vehicle is affected by the recall.
• Contact your local Toyota dealership: They can verify if your vehicle is eligible and guide you through the process.
• Inquire about the potential for a wider recall: If your Tundra was manufactured outside the initial production date range, ask about the possibility of expanding the recall.

It's important to note that the recall is ongoing, and further developments or updates from Toyota may be forthcoming. 

Cynthia O'Brien, a Toyota employee, says, "It's expected that the recall will be extended even if they rebuild yours. If they extend the recall, then you will also get a new engine. I've replaced just the block on a couple, and they had no further issues. When the recall was issued, their truck was in it."

Michael asks, "Is this a little insider information on them expecting to extend the recall? I might feel better, but I'm still super hesitant. This is the 2nd warranty issue I've had. The first issue was that the head unit went out, and they had my truck for two weeks while they addressed the problem. After this is done, I will have passed Washington's 30-day lemon law period. I was looking at getting into a 25 or 26 when they come out, but now I'm like, maybe not."

Cynthia responds, "That's not to say it's insider insight by any means, but they are having us report every single bad one, and they will continue to investigate and will likely extend the recall."

How Long Are Tundra Owners Waiting To Get New Engines?

Wait times for a new Toyota Tundra engine replacement can vary significantly; however, dealerships typically aim for a 30-hour turnaround once the truck is in the shop. However, some reports indicate that wait times for the engine itself can range from 2 to 3 months and, in some cases, even longer, especially if a dealership has a backlog. 

Do Owners Get A Loaner Vehicle?

Some dealers are reporting that Toyota may only cover loaner vehicles for three business days, encouraging dealerships to expedite the process. 

Conclusion:

Michael says, "This doesn't quite sit right with me as the trucks that have the recall are getting new engines without any issues, but Toyota is rebuilding my engine, replacing only the damaged parts."

"Who do I need to call to try and see if they will agree to a crate engine? Does anyone have experience with this situation?"

Michael and other Tundra owners should call Toyota Customer Service:

If the dealership is not forthcoming or willing to pursue the engine replacement, Tundra owners should contact Toyota's customer service department directly (800-331-4331). When you call, explain the issue and request a review of the case. Be prepared to provide your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any relevant documentation related to the recall and your engine issue. 

It's Your Turn

Have you experienced an engine failure in your Toyota Tundra? Did it fall within the recall window, and if not, did Toyota cover the new engine? If so, we encourage you to share your experience by clicking the red 'Add New Comment' link below. Your experience matters and can help other Tundra owners in similar situations.

Check out my Toyota Tundra story: I Walked Into the Toyota Service Department and Was Shocked, It Was Toyota Tundra Engine Replacement Day

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl