3 Minutes
Unexpected Engine Contamination Prompts Major Recall
Toyota has announced a large recall affecting roughly 127,000 vehicles after discovering metal contamination in the engine of several recent models. The recall covers the Toyota Tundra and Lexus GX and LX SUVs built for model years 2022 through 2024. This marks the automaker's second action for the same issue in less than a year; a prior recall was issued in March.
What went wrong: metal particles inside the engine
According to Toyota's statement, the problem stems from leftover metal particles from the machining process that can remain inside the engine. In modern, high-precision powertrains those contaminants can damage sensitive components, degrade performance, and in severe cases cause total engine failure.
The affected engine
The cars in the recall are equipped with Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 i-Force engine. Toyota introduced this V6 as a replacement for some V8 applications to improve fuel economy and efficiency, but the new powerplant has become a focal point for quality concerns.
Owner communication, repairs, and safety
Toyota said engineers are still investigating the precise root cause and that a final repair procedure has not yet been announced. Affected owners will receive notifications over the coming months. The company pledges that all recall-related repairs will be carried out free of charge.
- Estimated vehicles involved: ~127,000
- Models: Toyota Tundra, Lexus GX, Lexus LX (2022–2024)
- Engine: 3.5L V6 twin-turbo i-Force
- Reported incidents: none so far
"We are actively investigating this issue and will notify owners as soon as a remedy is available," Toyota said in its press release. Notably, Toyota reports no accidents or injuries linked to the fault to date. The automaker also confirmed that 2025 and 2026 models of the Tundra and Lexus variants are not affected by this specific problem.
Market impact and brand reputation
For a brand prized for quality and durability, repeated recalls on a new engine family risk eroding customer trust. Toyota's move to downsized, turbocharged engines is in line with industry trends toward better fuel economy and emissions, but quality control of machining and engine assembly will be essential to restore confidence.
For owners and potential buyers, the immediate takeaway is to watch for official notifications, avoid neglecting engine warning signs, and expect free repairs once Toyota finalizes the remedy. We'll continue to monitor updates on the recall, technical fixes, and any departmental changes at Toyota aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Leave a Comment