Montana truck owners who rely on their vehicles for rugged terrain and tough conditions have been impacted by Toyota’s major recall. In early 2024, Toyota identified a serious issue with the twin-turbo V-6 engines in certain Tundra pickups and Lexus LX SUVs, manufactured between November 2021 and February 2023 (with some LX models going back to July 2021).
Engine Defect: A Risk for Montana Drivers
For those who depend on their Tundras for daily life and work, the recall is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety concern. Toyota found that leftover machining debris during engine production could cause serious problems like engine failure, loss of power, or starting issues. This poses a particular risk when driving Montana’s highways or remote backroads, where engine trouble could leave you stranded.
Toyota confirmed that the debris could cause the engine’s main bearings to seize, leading to total or partial power loss. This raises the chances of accidents, especially when traveling at high speeds or hauling heavy loads.
Toyota’s Response: A Comprehensive Recall
Toyota began investigating the issue in 2022 after receiving reports of engine failures. By 2023, they confirmed that the defect was more widespread than expected, affecting over 100,000 vehicles. To address the issue, Toyota decided to replace all the engines in affected Tundras and Lexus LX SUVs.
While only 1% of vehicles are estimated to experience this problem, Toyota chose a cautious approach, replacing engines in all potentially affected models rather than taking risks.
What This Means for Montana Tundra Owners
For Montana owners, especially those driving in remote areas, a reliable vehicle is critical. Toyota’s recall involves replacing engines in nearly 99,000 Tundras and over 3,500 Lexus LX SUVs—a costly but necessary step to ensure customer safety.
Toyota will be sending out recall notices by the end of the month. If you own one of the affected vehicles, be sure to follow their instructions to get your engine replaced as soon as possible, ensuring your truck remains dependable for the road ahead.