So, I Just Bought a 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD PRO Hybrid, Headed Out to Maryland, Made it 400 Miles and the Engine Locked Up With Only 1,528 On My Truck

Another Totoya Tundra Engine Failure

Many Toyota Tundra truck owners are frustrated by the pickup's persistent problems. Some older Tundra owners, like Damien, who has a 2022 Tundra, are experiencing rapid depreciation, leaving them with a useless vehicle. Check out my report here.

And he's not alone

Take Kirk Cashen, for instance, who purchased a new 2025 Tundra only to have the engine fail on him only 1,528 miles in. I found his post on the 2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page. 

Kirk says, "So, I just bought this beast in December. I headed out on a trip to Maryland, and we made it about 400 miles. It broke down with only 1528 miles on the truck. I'm sitting at the Toyota dealership with a locked motor waiting on it. They said I needed a new motor swap. I have a 2025 TRD PRO Hybrid."

If you've read my report on the Toyota Tundra engine issue, you're aware of the magnitude of the problem. The Japanese automaker must replace over 100,000 - 2022 and 2023 Tundra pickup and Lexus LX SUV engines with the V35A twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 power plant. This recall is a minor inconvenience and a significant disruption for Tundra owners. 

Now 2025 Tundra Engines are Failing

Imagine buying a new 2025 Tundra truck and can't wait to take it on a road trip. However, 400 miles into the trip, your vehicle begins to make a terrible sound and smoke, and you have to pull off the highway. 

You have the new truck towed to the Toyota dealer, and they tell you it needs a new engine. It's covered under warranty, but they will have to keep it for weeks before you get your truck back because of the backlog of other Tundra trucks that also need new engines. 

In my previous report on the Toyota Tundra recall, I detailed the lengthy process customers must endure to fix their trucks. Toyota has to replace the defective engines with new ones, which will take 13 to 21 hours for each engine. 

With 100,000 engines being replaced, customers are waiting to finish the work. 

Toyota's Reputation for Reliability is Tanking

Toyota's excellent reputation for building reliable vehicles is in severe decline. The recent Tundra recall to replace its 3.4-liter V-6 is the latest problem the automaker is facing. 

Kirk Is Not the Only 2025 Tundra Owner With Engine Problems

Reddit user Zachy2227 says, "I purchased the new 2025 Tundra SR5 (non-hybrid) with the TRD Off-Road package, and 4 days into me owning it, the engine started ticking with a sort of metal on metal rubbing noise that is rhythmic with the ticking. There are only 522 miles on this truck." 

"Two weeks later, Toyota still doesn't know what's wrong with it, and they said that it could take around 2 to 3 additional weeks for them to figure out the problem and fix it. I paid around $64,000 for them to have it longer than I have. Does anyone else have the same problem? What should I do?"

Update: He says, "I got word from the dealer today that it was a bearing in the engine's bottom end."

Eastern_Natural9051 says, "Yes, I bought a 2025 SRr5 and had mine for 20 days and only 1,000 miles, and the check engine light went on. It took them three days to tell me what was wrong with my truck. They called me today and told me that it apparently indicates that extra debris is accumulating in the engine. This is a three-week-old truck we are talking about."

deadsetweir-do - "My new 2025 Tundra has 248 miles on it, on the 24th it will be 30 days in the shop with literally no ETA on when it will be fixed, because they don't know what's wrong with it. They will throw a new rear diff on and see if that helps." 

"The problem is that the diff is on backorder for an unspecified period. I'm 100% pursuing the lemon law. So pissed. Toyota brand engagement told me they would respond to my request for a replacement within 60 days and not expect interaction in the meantime. It only has 248 miles and $60,000 in the shop since I bought it almost a month ago."

Final Thoughts and Questions for 2025 Toyota Tundra Owners

With these new reports, Toyota has not fixed the engine issues and reliability problems with the new 2025 Tundra trucks. However, not all trucks are affected, as many owners report no problems with them.

I've seen many posts like this from another Reddit user.

SnippiestOrb73 says, "I have a '25 Platinum. There is nothing wrong, and I have about 2,000 miles. Edit: up to 4500 miles, still no issues. I now have 5,800 miles, and still no issues." This shows that not all 2025 Tundra owners are experiencing these issues.

Are You a Toyota Tundra Owner?

We value your experience and insights. Share your story with us by clicking the red Add New Comment link below . Your input is crucial in understanding the full scope of this issue.

Check out my Toyota Tundra story titled; My 2024 Tundra Started Smoking at 11K, Toyota Bought It Back, Put Me In a Limited For the Same Price, Say What You Want, But Toyota Took Care of Me

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