Toyota has issued a recall for more than 100,000 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX cars in the United States due to a potential engine issue that could lead to a loss of power while driving. This poses an increased risk of crashes, prompting the recall as a safety measure.
The affected vehicles are the 2022 and 2023 model year Toyota Tundra pickups and Lexus LX cars. Toyota stated in a safety recall notice issued on May 30 that some of these vehicles may have machine debris present in their engines, which was not properly cleared during production.
The presence of this debris can result in various engine-related problems, such as engine knocking, rough running, failure to start, or a complete loss of motive power. The most concerning consequence is the loss of power while driving at higher speeds, which significantly raises the risk of accidents.
Approximately 102,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles are included in the recall. However, the automaker has not provided an exact percentage of vehicles that may be affected by the defect. Toyota aims to address and resolve the issue promptly and plans to notify owners of the affected vehicles by late July 2024.
In a separate notice, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) clarified that the recall applies to models equipped with Toyota’s V35A six-cylinder engine. These vehicles were manufactured between July 30, 2021, and November 25, 2022, at certain engine plants where the debris may not have been adequately cleared during assembly.
According to NHTSA, the specific production period mentioned above introduced potential contamination of the engine assembly due to machining debris. This debris can adhere to the crankshaft main bearings, leading to increased pressure on the bearings during engine operation. Over time, this pressure can cause bearing failure, resulting in engine knocking, rough running, failure to start, or engine stalling.
The NHTSA emphasized that other V35A engines produced after the mentioned period have implemented new or improved processes to ensure proper clearance of machining debris. Additionally, other Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in the United States either have different engine configurations or are not equipped with the same V35A engines, reducing the risk of similar issues.
Once Toyota determines an effective fix, the necessary repairs will be conducted at no cost to customers under Toyota’s Warranty. It is worth noting that neither Toyota nor the NHTSA has reported any injuries associated with the engine problems in the recalled vehicles.
In light of this recall, concerned owners should await notification from Toyota and follow the recommended course of action. The recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and reliability of Toyota and Lexus vehicles on the road.
