Tundra Engine Troubles Spark Toyota Recall

Toyota is recalling some 44,000 Tundra pickup trucks whose engines are prone to failure, the automaker recently said.

Debris in the engines could cause them to fail, according to Toyota.

“There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced,” the company said. “In the involved vehicles, this can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start, and/or a loss of motive power. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.”

This is the latest Toyota recall related to its troubled twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, which powers Tundra pickups and Lexus LX sport utility vehicles. The automaker has recalled nearly 300,000 vehicles over engine problems in the last few years.

Toyota noted in the latest recall that previous attempts to fix the debris problem may not have worked. Now it wants to inspect the engines before deciding to simply replace them. 

“Using an inspection software, dealers will evaluate the #1 main bearing and collect available vehicle drive data to confirm the condition of that bearing,” Toyota said in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If the inspection software cannot confirm that the bearing will be free from abnormal wear due to this issue, dealers will replace the engine.”

That has some Tundra drivers frustrated. Those dealing with the ongoing problem say it is time for the company to simply replace all of the engines, rather than requiring more tests, a “Tundra enthusiast and owner advocate” told The Drive.

“From my perspective, this is their way of slowing the financial bleeding and also not admitting that there is an inherent design flaw/issue,” he said. “It’s a way to buy them time.”

Toyota and the California Lemon Law

This is not the only safety issue for Toyota and people who drive its vehicles. The automaker is still struggling to fix Sienna minivans for defective seats, for example. And late last year, Toyota recalled some 1 million cars over faulty rear cameras.

Toyota drivers in California have valuable rights and protections regarding malfunctioning or defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with Toyota or another vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces companies to repurchase covered vehicles they are unable or unwilling to repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback-or-replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.