100,000 Lexus SUVs and Tundra trucks will be equipped with new engines by Toyota

In early June, Toyota issued a recall for nearly 100,000 Tundra pickups and approximately 3,500 Lexus luxury SUVs due to a potentially serious problem that could lead to engine power loss while driving. Initially, Toyota was searching for a solution to address this issue, which has now been identified as requiring the complete replacement of engines in each of the 103,500 affected vehicles.

The recall involves specific models from the 2022 and 2023 model years, including Toyota Tundras and Lexus LX 600s. It’s important to note that this recall only affects vehicles with conventional gasoline engines, not the hybrid variants. According to Toyota, the issue stems from debris that may have been left inside the engine during the manufacturing process. This debris can lead to a range of problems, including unusual noises like banging or popping, erratic engine performance, and in severe cases, engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion.

To resolve this issue, Toyota has announced that its dealers will replace the engines in these vehicles at no cost to the owners. However, the company has not disclosed the financial impact of this large-scale engine replacement effort. While such a measure is unusual, it is not without precedent in the automotive industry. For instance, in 2015, Hyundai recalled 470,000 Sonata models for a similar problem, where some vehicles required engine replacement. More recently, in the previous year, Honda recalled 250,000 vehicles for a defect that could also necessitate replacing the engine in some cases.

This significant recall demonstrates Toyota’s dedication to rectifying critical manufacturing defects that could compromise vehicle safety and performance. The comprehensive engine replacement plan is part of Toyota’s efforts to ensure that the affected vehicles meet the company’s high standards for quality and safety, reassuring customers of their commitment to resolving the issue thoroughly.