I Walked Into the Toyota Service Department and Was Shocked, It Was Toyota Tundra Engine Replacement Day

The massive Toyota Tundra engine replacement, affecting a staggering 102,292 vehicles, is in full swing at Toyota dealers nationwide. 

Chris Hernandez, who owns a 2024 Tundra pickup, was at a dealer in Georgia and saw a jaw-dropping sight when he walked into the dealer's maintenance shop. I found this on the Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page, and he says. "It's Tundra Day."

Picture owning a 2024 Toyota Tundra since December, and you're at the Toyota dealer for your first scheduled oil change. You talk to the service advisor, who tells you it will take about an hour.

You grab your laptop out of your truck and sit in the waiting area while your truck is being serviced. After 30 minutes, you get bored and walk into the shop to see how your truck is progressing. Then you are shocked.

There are three Tundra Trucks in a row, and their engines are being replaced. You are stunned and ask the service tech walking by why all these Tundas are getting new engines. He tells you there is a massive recall, and 100,000 2022 and 2023 Tundras are getting engine swaps for new power plants.

You hadn't heard about this or may have been reluctant to buy a new 2024 Tundra. You like your new pickup, but you are now concerned. How long will your engine last?

Before we proceed with this story, watch and see how Toyota is actually handling the engine replacement in the second part of this video from the Torque News Youtube channel.

What are other Tundra owners saying?

Here are a few relevant comments. 

Ganesh Ramoutar 

I just had my 2022 1794 swapped out at 50k. I didn't have any issues prior. I got the Toyota recall letter, and the dealer confirmed it needed to be replaced. They ordered the engine, delivered within 2 weeks, and completed the swap in 2 days. Put me in a loner Tundra. Also mentioned is that the brakes only squeak from the park to drive at very low movement. Toyota replaced the pads and rotors in the front and rear at no charge.

Various points of view to go on and on over. It's hard to prove a point, though, when the Manufacturer doesn't help fix a major issue and your expensive vehicle is just sitting. I have had a co-worker waiting for a 2023 GMC Sierra engine for 6 months; no loaner has been provided, and no ETA on the engine. Toyota stands behind its product and warranty. Truck drives like new.

Ray Perron

I watched a time-lapse of a tundra engine change, with lots of ups and downs with the lift. It looks like quite a job. Those techs are gonna be pros once this is all said and done. Just like the techs that did the Tacoma frame swaps back in the day.

Denis Vienneau

What a disappointment coming from Toyota. Now, all other brands could laugh at Toyota. I checked my 1794 2023 Hybrid, and there is no recall. I'm worried that it could come after the warranty is up.

Steven Bui

I dropped mine off over the weekend. I expect a call tomorrow or Wednesday to get mine back—2022 with only 32k on it. I wish I could have put on another 30 before I got the letter.

Chris Carter

I have a 24 TRD pro, nothing but issues. First, there was a sensor problem with the 4WD, and then the radiator cracked simultaneously, and the power issues started. After 3 times to the dealer with the power issue, they finally are replacing a head. I filed the lemon law with Toyota and am waiting on their decision, but I also have an attorney. It's been almost 2 months that they've had the truck this time.

Lørd Drakkon

I'm still waiting on mine. I dropped it off a month ago for a new engine.

Chris Gove

I'm Glad I kept my 2021 Tacoma. I went to buy a 2025 Tundra, and another guy bought it one hour before. Not all Tundras are bad. Toyota is honoring this big mistake they made. We need to wait a few years and let them figure this mess out.

Deven Alcantara

I wish my 2023 Tundra had an engine failure. The dealership has had mine for 5 months and can't figure out what's wrong with it. In-house techs can't figure it out. None of the 4-5 checklists the corporate tech division sent out have resolved the issue. A master tech has been out 3-4 times to work on that specific truck and hasn't made any progress.

What is the Tundra Engine Issue?

If you want to delve deeper into the issue, you can find my previous report here. 

Toyota is replacing engines in 2022 and 2023 Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles due to a manufacturing defect. This is Toyota's largest and most expensive recall in history. 

How many engines are being replaced?

• Toyota is replacing 102,292 turbocharged V6 engines 
• The recall is due to machining debris left in the engine during manufacturing 

How long will the replacements take? 

• Each engine replacement takes 13 to 21 hours
• This will be a busy and time-consuming task for Toyota and Lexus dealerships

What is being done to help customers?

• Customers will receive loaner or rental vehicles during the repair 
• Toyota says they are fully prepared to support their dealers and has a comprehensive plan in place to ensure a smooth process for both dealers and their staff, reassuring customers of the company's commitment to their satisfaction. 

What is the impact on customers? 

• If you own a 2022 or 2023 Tundra pickup, you may have a long wait for an engine replacement

What is the resolution for the recall? 

• The only solution is to replace the affected engines with new ones, free of charge

Final Thoughts and Questions For Tundra Owners

It's important to note that the recall may have an impact on the resale value of affected Tundra trucks. Potential buyers should consider this when making a purchase decision.

It's Your Turn

We value your experiences and want to hear from you. If you own a 2022 or 2023 Toyota Tundra, we encourage you to share your story. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and let us know about your experiences with your Tundra's engine.

Check out my Toyota Tundra story: My Toyota Tundra Suddenly Lost Power, and I Need a New Engine; I've Been to the Dealer Countless Times, and Now They Say My $60,000 Truck Is Only Worth $35K

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 via Chris Hernandez