I Have a Fleet of 5 Toyota Tundras and None of Them Burn Oil Except This Common Place

When it comes to owning a truck, one common concern is whether it burns oil. If you're a Toyota Tundra owner or thinking about getting one, you might be wondering about this too. A member of the Toyota Tundra Facebook group, Jonathan Thomas, recently asked if anyone's Tundra burns oil. The general answer is yes—modern vehicles do burn oil, but how much they burn is the real question.

Let’s explore this topic a bit deeper by looking at what some owners have experienced. Gregory Senn, who manages a fleet of five Toyota Tundras ranging from 2014 to 2021 models, shared his insights. He made a surprising claim: none of the trucks in his fleet burn oil, despite having a wide range of mileage. However, there’s one place Tundras commonly lose oil, and it's not what you might expect.

Understanding Oil Burning in Modern Vehicles

Before we get into Gregory's comment, let’s talk about why vehicles burn oil in the first place. Every engine uses oil to lubricate its internal parts, but some oil can get past the piston rings and into the combustion chamber, where it burns along with fuel.

The amount of oil a car burns can vary, but it's usually minimal in newer engines. In some older or high-mileage engines, however, oil consumption might be more noticeable. Here’s some useful advice about what to do if you suspect that your car or truck is losing too much engine oil. One reason modern engines may burn a bit of oil is that they use "low-tension" piston rings. These rings are designed to create less friction, which improves fuel efficiency, but can also allow a small amount of oil to slip by and burn off.

That said, most Toyota Tundra owners don’t report major oil-burning issues. And, as Gregory Senn pointed out, his fleet of five Tundras doesn’t burn oil at all. So why is that?

"No, and it’s not normal. We have a fleet of 5 Tundras 2014-2021 at work and my personal truck is a 2019 Tundra and not a single one of them burn oil. Mileage vary from 40k-300k miles on them. The only 'common' place a tundra loses oil is the cam tower leaks they get," Gregory replied in the discussion.

His trucks reportedly not burning oil might surprise some people because, as mentioned, modern vehicles do tend to burn a small amount of oil. But Gregory’s fleet seems to defy the norm. So, if oil burning isn't an issue, what is?

The Common Issue: Cam Tower Leaks

While Gregory’s fleet doesn’t experience oil burning, he did mention one area where Tundras can lose oil: the cam towers. A cam tower is part of the engine that holds the camshaft, which helps control the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. Over time, these cam towers can develop leaks.

A cam tower leak isn't the same as burning oil. Instead of oil slipping into the combustion chamber and being burned off, a leak causes oil to seep out of the engine itself. This can lead to a slow loss of oil over time, and if not addressed, it can become a bigger problem. The good news is that a cam tower leak is relatively easy to spot. You may notice oil stains under your truck or see oil pooling around the engine bay.

How Common Are Cam Tower Leaks?

According to Gregory, cam tower leaks are a "common" issue in Toyota Tundras. But just how common are they? While not every Tundra will experience this problem, it's something that Tundra owners should be aware of, especially as their vehicles age or accumulate high mileage.

If you notice that your Tundra is losing oil but aren’t seeing any signs of oil burning (such as blue smoke coming from the exhaust), it’s worth having the cam towers checked. In some cases, the issue might just be a gasket that needs to be replaced.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Cam Tower Leak?

If you suspect that your Toyota Tundra has a cam tower leak, it’s important to get it looked at by a mechanic sooner rather than later. While it may start as a minor issue, letting it go for too long can lead to more serious engine problems, as the leak could worsen over time.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Oil spots under your truck
• Oil smells coming from the engine bay
• Visible oil on or near the cam towers

If you notice any of these signs, take your Tundra to a trusted mechanic to have it checked out. Catching a cam tower leak early can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

The Bigger Picture: Tundra Reliability

Despite the potential for cam tower leaks, the Toyota Tundra remains one of the most reliable trucks on the market. Owners frequently praise its durability and longevity, with many trucks reaching well over 200,000 miles with few issues.

Gregory’s experience managing a fleet of Tundras backs up this reputation for reliability. The fact that none of his trucks burn oil—even with some having over 300,000 miles—shows just how well-built these engines are. However, like any vehicle, routine maintenance is key to keeping a Tundra running smoothly for years to come.

In the end, while oil burning can be a concern for some modern vehicles, the Toyota Tundra doesn’t seem to be one of them, at least according to Gregory’s experience. His fleet of five Tundras proves that oil consumption isn’t a major issue, even for trucks with high mileage.

The only common issue he pointed out is the potential for cam tower leaks, which can cause oil loss. While this might sound alarming, it's something that can be easily addressed with regular maintenance and careful monitoring.

If you’re a Tundra owner or considering buying one, keep an eye on those cam towers, but rest assured that the Tundra remains a solid, reliable truck that can go the distance.

What Is The Industry Standard For Oil Consumption?

Oil consumption standards vary across manufacturers, with each having its own definition of what's considered acceptable. Generally, some oil consumption in modern engines is normal, but the amount can differ significantly by brand. For example, Volkswagen and Audi have recently declared that burning 1 quart of engine oil every 650 miles is normal for their vehicles, which is on the higher end. General Motors, on the other hand, considers 1 quart every 2,000 miles acceptable, while Ford suggests that consuming 1 quart every 1,000 miles is within their standard. These varying thresholds reflect differences in engine design, piston ring tension, and how manufacturers balance oil use with engine efficiency. While some oil consumption is normal, excessive loss can still signal potential engine issues that should be addressed.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.