So My 2023 Toyota Tundra Needed an Oil Change, But Got a Whole New Engine Instead

Getting an oil change is typically a quick pit stop for those who take it to the dealership for service, but the complete opposite happened to Josh Armstrong when it was his time for his turn. Describing his experience in the 2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook group, Josh writes about his discovery of having to replace the engine of his 2023 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition and that he would be away from his truck longer than he had originally anticipated:

“I took my 2023 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition in for a standard oil change yesterday, and the service manager gave me a huge surprise. I have had zero issues with this truck besides having a steering sensor replaced in the first 5k miles. It has 26k miles now. He said— ‘No need to change the oil. We are replacing your engine next month.’ I said, ‘Do what?’ He said, ‘Yeah, the whole long block will be here in a few weeks. Toyota is replacing all 2023 & 2024 non-hybrids.’ He also said the warranty will restart with the new motor (on the engine and powertrain). He also ordered me a new driver seat. He said the motor installation takes four days, they gave me a loaner truck, and it cost me nothing. Have any of y’all heard this? I mean, I said, ‘Hey man, do your thing,’ and we scheduled it, but it sounds a little too good to be true.”

Getting a full engine replacement at no cost might make one skeptical, especially if their truck seems to be running fine. However, as more Tundra owners shared their experiences, it became clear that this wasn’t just an isolated incident.

Why Is Toyota Replacing Tundra Engines?

The reason behind these engine replacements is due to a large-scale recall that they have issued. Toyota isn’t waiting for problems to appear in certain engines they’ve identified as potentially affected. Instead, they are taking a proactive approach by replacing entire long blocks upfront. This applies to specific 2022 and 2023 non-hybrid Tundra engines that could be at risk of failure.

In fact, a recent report revealed that Toyota has set aside $500 million to swap out nearly 100,000 affected engines. These replacements are happening in waves according to commenters that have provided their insights, with dealerships seemingly prioritizing trucks based on VIN number and build date.

While this seems like a setback for the Tundra, it is still important to consider the many different reasons for its popularity, including why some Tundra owners prefer its towing capability over its competitors.

Fellow Tundra Owners Weigh in on Recall

Josh’s post sparked a big discussion among fellow Tundra owners. Some, like Caleb Jones, confirmed that this is happening across multiple dealerships by knowing a personal source that works for a Toyota dealership:

“I have been told this. My brother is a service tech at my local dealer where my truck came from. They are doing them in waves by the VIN and build date. Mine is in the third wave or so, and they will let you know ahead of time or should. Mine’s at 31k and has had no problems.”

On the other hand, some owners are hesitant. Larry R. Biddle asked why anyone would replace a perfectly working engine:

“If your truck had no problems with bearing pieces in the engine at 26k miles, then your engine is fine. It would have been blown up by that issue a long time ago. I personally would not have them replace a perfectly running engine. Why would you trust a different engine and the issues it may come with a full install?”

Larry raises an important question: Could replacing something as critical as the engine have unintended consequences for the truck down the line? While there is no right or wrong answer, as both possibilities could take place, Toyota still feels this is the best move forward regarding the future of their Tundra engines.

On the other hand, Michael Jakob warned that not every truck qualifies, so owners should double-check before agreeing to an engine swap

“The dealer told me that my engine needed replacing, but my build date did not match the recall. I called Toyota direct for a second opinion, and I was right. So I’m still driving my ‘23 Limited without issues.”

Should You Get Your Engine Replaced?

Some owners may think that getting a free brand-new engine might be a good outcome for them, but before jumping in, it’s important to check if your truck is actually affected. If your dealer says you qualify, it’s still a good idea to call Toyota directly, just like Michael Jakob did after his finding that the build date didn’t match the recall even after what the dealer told him.

Something else to consider in this case is the resale value of the truck. Some owners might wonder if a replacement engine might hurt the value of their truck, while a fresh motor with a restarted powertrain warranty could actually be a selling point. This is definitely something to consider for long-term ownership. For those who want to dig deeper into Tundra ownership experiences, check out this article on why some owners regret losing the TRD package.

For others who might be debating whether a Tundra is the right truck for them, you might want to see this detailed review of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max as it sheds light on how different trims and configurations impact ownership experience.

My Thoughts on This Surprise Fix

I have encountered different stories of unexpected vehicle repairs as an auto news reporter. Some have gone smoothly, while others have turned into troubling ordeals. Josh Armstrong’s experience is a reminder of how unpredictable car ownership can be sometimes. Even with a reputable and reliable brand like Toyota, where car buyers come for a name they can trust, the unexpected can strike from different angles.

Josh’s situation is a rare but valuable reminder of how automakers handle large-scale issues. While some might hesitate to replace a perfectly good engine, Toyota clearly sees a long-term risk and they are addressing it before it gets out of hand. The last thing they want to do is damage the reputation of its flagship truck models. Getting a brand-new engine with a restarted warranty is a huge advantage, and Toyota is trying to make sure to take care of their customers.

Takeaways from Josh’s Situation

Stay Informed as Not Every Recall Is Publicized Loudly – Not all manufacturer fixes come through flashy recall letters. Some are quiet, behind-the-scenes service campaigns or technical bulletins. Staying connected with owner communities and checking with your dealer can keep you in the loop.

Always Double-Check Before Agreeing to Major Repairs – Even dealerships can make mistakes. If you’re told your truck qualifies for a major repair like an engine swap, take some time to call the manufacturer directly and investigate by yourself. It could save you time and confusion.

Document Everything – Maintaining a clean service history isn’t just good practice. It can help you qualify for goodwill repairs or warranty extensions down the line. Think of it as insurance for future problems.

The Best Brands Prove Themselves When Things Go Wrong – Not everyone would replace an entire engine on their dime before it fails. Moves like this aren’t just about fixing problems; they show a deeper commitment to long-term ownership satisfaction. It’s a reminder that how a company handles issues says just as much as how they build their vehicles in the first place.

Your Turn to Weigh In

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had at a dealership service visit? Do you think Toyota is handling this recall the right way? If not, what would you do differently?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist with an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Pressroom Gallery.