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My Toyota Tundra needs a new engine.

With over 100,000 Toyota Tundra engines needing replacement, a significant number of owners are facing this issue. You can find more details in my report here. While browsing the Toyota Tundra owner's Facebook page, I stumbled upon Tamara's compelling story. 

Here is what many Tundra owners are experiencing now. 

Tamara says, 

"I took my 2022 Tundra to the dealer for several recalls. They told us it was time for my engine to be replaced as there were indicators that it was near failure. However, I need to leave it there for three weeks as it's not allowed to leave the dealership. Will Toyota reimburse me for three weeks of my truck payment?" 

This is a widespread issue affecting many 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundra owners. They are discovering that their V35A twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine is either near failure or has already failed. 

Toyota USA has to replace a staggering number of over 100,000 engines in Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs due to a new recall in December. 

Now Tundra Owners Have a Lengthly Wait

Tamara shares her frustration, "My truck has been at the dealer for 30 days due to an oil gauge issue, they says it is near engine failure. My truck has 32,000 miles on it."

"The Toyota dealer has called me every other week saying that I will get the engine replaced in a week or two. They said it could be another month now because my VIN has not yet been part of the recall remedy. How is this even acceptable? If they're holding my car because it's unsafe to drive?" 

"The dealer said they've talked to Toyota and can't get it moved up, so they asked me to call and try. I had no luck and said they cant give me a timeline." 

The Dealer Offers Tamara a Buyback Option

"What am I supposed to do? They asked if I wanted to go through a possible buyback. I told them no." 

"I have aftermarket mods on there (tires, wheels, shocks) that they would not reimburse me for. I am just at a loss and not sure what to do or how long this will even take. Any advice?" she asks. Out of desperation, Tamara asks, "What if I just got a new engine and made them reimburse me?"

Toyota Has To Provide Tundra Owners a Loaner Vehicle

Even though Toyota is paying for loaner trucks, most stores have a shortage of Tundras, so customers have to drive something else. 

Steve Gates, owner of Gates Auto Family, a 13-store group with three Toyota dealerships, says he does not keep pickups in his store's loaner fleet but said he'll move some from his new vehicle inventory to give customers what they need while their vehicles are in the shop.

Many Dealers Have to Send Their Tundra Customers to Get a Rental Truck

Tamara says, "They don't have any loaner tundras. So, they sent me to Enterprise and gave me an older Ford F-150. It's old, and it's a beater. I'm paying for a Toyota Tundra, so that's what I want to drive; otherwise, I would have bought a Ford, right?"

Why is it Taking Toyota So Long To Replace the Tundra Engines?

Toyota USA has to replace the defective engines with new ones. Toyota says it will supply nearly complete engine assemblies, including turbochargers, pulleys, tensioners, and other components, to its dealers to save technicians time in the Tundra engine replacement process.

Each engine replacement will require between 13 to 21 hours to complete. With 100,000 engines being replaced, a long line of customers are now waiting to get the work done. 

Steve Gates said, "We have four stores. It would be a little challenging if we had 50 customers that came in all at once for the recall."

Toyota Dealers Are Giving Customers a Buyback Option

Tamara says, "Toyota called me today. They can't give me an estimate for replacing my engine and say it can be 12 months. I don't understand. This is ridiculous. They keep pushing a buyback."

Tundra customers are worried about what the engine replacement will do to the resale value of their truck if they do accept a buyback. Check out my Tundra story titled; My Toyota Tundra Suddenly Lost Power, and I Need a New Engine; I've Been to the Dealer Countless Times, Now They Say My $60,000 Truck Is Only Worth $35K

Final Thoughts and Questions for Tundra Owners

If customers accept the buyback, they will get far less than the truck is worth and then have to buy a new 2024 or 2025 Tundra. It's not a good option for most Tundra owners, so all they can do it wait. 

After months of waiting, Tamara finally gets a new engine in her 2022 Toyota Tundra. 

She says, "They APPROVED IT!!!!" 

Do you own a 2022 or 2023 Toyota Tundra pickup? Have you had your engine replaced under the Toyota recall? What was your experience? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

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 Toyota dealer