Toyota Tundra Engine Problems (2022–2026): Bearing Failure, Engine Recalls, and What Owners Can Do

The redesigned Toyota Tundra introduced twin-turbocharged V6 engines, a 10-speed automatic transmission, advanced electronics, and an available hybrid powertrain beginning with the 2022 model year.

Since that redesign, some owners have experienced serious Toyota Tundra engine problems, including engine knocking, rough running, sudden loss of power, failure to start, internal bearing damage, and complete engine replacement.

Toyota has conducted three related safety recalls involving manufacturing debris that may remain inside certain V35A engines. The debris can damage an internal main bearing and potentially cause the engine to stall while driving.

This guide explains the major Toyota Tundra engine problems affecting current-generation trucks, the differences between the recall campaigns, warning signs owners should not ignore, and what to do when engine problems continue despite dealership repairs.

Toyota Tundra Engine Problem Patterns by Model Year

Not every Tundra within these model years is included in an engine recall. Recall coverage depends on the individual VIN, engine type, production dates, and campaign population.

Which Toyota Tundra Engines Are Involved?

The current-generation Tundra uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from Toyota’s V35A engine family.

Two main powertrain configurations are offered:

• i-FORCE: Conventional gasoline twin-turbocharged V6
• i-FORCE MAX: Hybrid system combining the twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor

The major manufacturing-debris recalls announced in 2024, 2025, and 2026 concern specific conventional gasoline, non-hybrid vehicles. Owners should not assume that every Tundra with a V6 engine is included.

Conversely, a truck that is not included in a recall may still experience a separate engine, fuel, turbocharger, electrical, software, or cooling-system defect requiring warranty repair.

Common Toyota Tundra Engine Problems

Engine Main-Bearing Failure

The most significant documented engine issue involves manufacturing debris remaining inside certain engines after production.

As the engine operates, debris may contaminate or damage an internal main bearing. Main bearings support the crankshaft and allow it to rotate under substantial engine loads.

If a bearing deteriorates, owners may experience:

• Knocking or pounding from the engine
• Rough running
• Severe vibration
• Reduced engine power
• Oil-pressure warnings
• Failure to restart
• Engine seizure
• Sudden loss of propulsion

Bearing damage may progress over time. A truck can initially operate normally and later develop noise, metal contamination, or complete engine failure.

Toyota Tundra Engine Knocking

Engine knocking is one of the warning symptoms Toyota specifically identifies in the engine-debris recalls.

Owners may describe the sound as:

• Deep metallic knocking
• Rhythmic pounding that follows engine speed
• Heavy ticking from the lower engine
• Rattling under acceleration
• A new mechanical noise after towing or highway driving

Not every ticking sound indicates bearing failure. Fuel injectors, high-pressure fuel pumps, exhaust components, turbocharger hardware, and normal mechanical operation can also produce audible noises.

However, a new, worsening, or heavy knock should be inspected immediately. Continuing to operate an engine with internal bearing damage may cause more extensive failure.

Rough Running and Severe Engine Vibration

A damaged engine bearing or another engine-control problem may cause the Tundra to run roughly.

Symptoms can include:

• Truck shakes while idling
• Engine misfires during acceleration
• Uneven or unstable idle
• Loss of smooth power delivery
• Flashing check-engine light
• Exhaust note changes unexpectedly
• Multiple cylinder-misfire codes

Possible causes extend beyond the recall condition and may include ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, fuel pressure, air leaks, sensors, valve damage, software, or internal compression loss.

The dealership should diagnose the source rather than simply clearing the warning light.

Sudden Loss of Motive Power

If internal engine damage becomes severe, the engine may lose power or stall while the truck is moving.

The driver may notice:

• Accelerator no longer responds
• Truck cannot maintain highway speed
• Engine begins knocking immediately before losing power
• RPM drops suddenly
• Check-engine or oil-pressure warnings appear
• Engine shuts off completely
• Truck cannot be restarted

Loss of power at highway speed, while towing, or while crossing traffic creates a serious safety concern.

Turn on the hazard lights, move out of traffic, and arrange towing. Do not continue driving when the engine is knocking, displaying low oil pressure, or unable to maintain normal power.

Engine Will Not Start

A no-start condition may result from severe internal engine damage, but it can also involve the battery, starter, fuel system, immobilizer, wiring, control modules, or another component.

Important distinctions include:

• No crank: The engine does not rotate when the start button is pressed.
• Cranks but will not start: The starter rotates the engine, but combustion does not begin.
• Starts and immediately stalls: The engine briefly runs before shutting off.
• Starts after cooling: The problem may be intermittent or temperature-related.

Describe which condition occurs rather than only stating that the truck “would not start.”

Metal in the Engine Oil

Metallic debris in the engine oil or oil filter may indicate abnormal internal wear.

Dealership findings may include:

• Metal flakes in drained oil
• Bearing material in the oil filter
• Abnormal engine-oil analysis
• Low oil pressure
• Internal bearing damage after engine disassembly

Ask the dealership to document any metal found, where it was located, and whether Toyota authorized engine replacement.

Do not independently drain the oil or alter evidence before the manufacturer has an opportunity to inspect the truck.

Oil-Pressure Warning

An oil-pressure warning may indicate that the engine is not receiving adequate lubrication.

Possible causes include:

• Bearing damage
• Low oil level
• Oil leak
• Oil-pump malfunction
• Blocked oil passage
• Faulty pressure sensor
• Internal engine wear

Low oil pressure can quickly cause severe engine damage. Safely shut off the engine and arrange towing rather than continuing to drive.

Turbocharger and Boost Problems

The current Tundra relies on twin turbochargers to produce expected power and torque. Turbocharger, wastegate, boost-control, hose, sensor, or lubrication problems can affect drivability even when the engine is not included in the debris recall.

Potential symptoms include:

• Weak acceleration
• Whistling, rattling, or siren-like noise
• Reduced engine power
• Boost-pressure warning codes
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Oil leakage
• Power loss while towing
• Repeated turbocharger replacement

A boost-related problem can feel similar to transmission slipping or fuel-pump failure. The repair order should state whether engine RPM increases normally, whether the transmission changes gears, and whether the truck remains able to accelerate.

Fuel-System and Injector Problems

The Tundra’s engine relies on electronically controlled fuel pumps, injectors, pressure sensors, and related components.

Fuel-system defects may cause:

• Long cranking
• Rough idle
• Hesitation
• Misfires
• Fuel odor
• Reduced power
• Engine shutdown
• Failure to restart

A dealership may need to evaluate low- and high-pressure fuel readings, injector operation, wiring, sensors, software, and fuel quality.

Coolant Leaks and Overheating

Cooling-system problems can lead to reduced power or serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Warning signs include:

• Engine-temperature warning
• Coolant odor
• Visible coolant beneath the truck
• Steam from the engine compartment
• Heater stops producing warm air
• Cooling fan runs continuously
• Reduced-power mode
• Repeated need to add coolant

Potential sources include hoses, fittings, the radiator, thermostat, water pump, reservoir, turbocharger cooling connections, or internal engine leakage.

Check-Engine Light That Keeps Returning

A recurring check-engine light means the underlying fault may not have been permanently corrected.

Dealer repairs may involve:

• Software updates
• Ignition-coil or spark-plug replacement
• Fuel-injector repair
• Sensor replacement
• Wiring repair
• Turbocharger diagnosis
• Compression or leak-down testing
• Internal engine inspection

Obtain a repair order listing every diagnostic code. If the warning returns, schedule another visit before clearing the code yourself.

Toyota Tundra Engine Recall Timeline

The 2026 recall covers approximately 43,566 additional U.S. trucks and expands the previous engine-debris campaigns.

Toyota stated that the engines in the newest recall had been produced with additional debris-removal controls. Toyota later determined that remaining debris could still be sufficient to damage the number-one main bearing.

Engines produced after the affected period reportedly use an improved number-one main bearing intended to better resist any manufacturing debris that might remain.

What Does Toyota Replace Under the Original Engine Recall?

For the original 2024 campaign, Toyota’s repair documents call for replacement of the complete engine assembly.

The dealer procedure includes an engine assembly containing or involving major related components such as:

• Engine long block
• Turbochargers
• Intercooler components
• Fuel-system components
• Associated seals, fluids, fasteners, and installation parts

The exact parts installed should appear on the final repair order.

Owners should retain documentation showing:

• Replacement-engine part number
• Repair mileage
• Engine serial information if provided
• Dates the truck entered and left the dealership
• Whether the repair was performed under a recall or warranty
• Related parts replaced during installation
• Any continuing symptoms after replacement

How Long Does a Tundra Engine Replacement Take?

Toyota’s dealer planning information estimated approximately 13.5 labor hours for the original recall engine replacement.

The actual period the owner remains without the truck may be much longer because of:

• Replacement-engine availability
• Campaign scheduling phases
• Dealer technician availability
• Required technician training
• Shipping delays
• Additional damage discovered during repair
• Post-installation testing
• Rental or loaner availability

Track every calendar day the Tundra is unavailable, not merely the number of technician labor hours.

Can the Replacement Engine Develop Problems?

A replacement engine should correct the recalled condition when properly manufactured and installed. However, owners should still monitor the truck after repair.

Potential post-replacement concerns include:

• Warning lights returning
• Fluid or coolant leaks
• Loose hoses or wiring
• New engine noises
• Rough idle
• Turbocharger problems
• Reduced power
• Air-conditioning or electrical components not reconnected correctly
• Engine-mount vibration
• Failure to start

Return to the dealership immediately if new or recurring symptoms appear. The engine-replacement visit remains part of the truck’s overall repair history.

Does the Engine Recall Cover Tundra Hybrid Models?

The major engine-debris recalls described above apply to specified conventional gasoline, non-hybrid vehicles.

The Tundra i-FORCE MAX hybrid uses the V35A engine as part of a hybrid powertrain, but owners must check their individual VIN rather than relying solely on the model name or engine family.

A hybrid Tundra that is not included in the engine-debris recalls may still experience separate engine, hybrid-system, transmission, battery, inverter, fuel, software, or electrical problems covered by its warranty.

Why Does My Tundra Knock but Show No Warning Light?

Mechanical bearing noise may begin before the vehicle computer identifies a fault severe enough to illuminate a warning.

A scan tool may not detect:

• Early bearing wear
• Metal beginning to circulate in the oil
• An intermittent oil-pressure problem
• Mechanical noise without a failed electronic sensor
• Damage that has not yet affected timing or combustion

“No codes found” does not establish that a new engine knock is normal.

Ask the dealership to document the noise, inspect the oil and filter where appropriate, and confirm whether the VIN is included in any engine recall.

Why Does the Truck Run Normally After Restarting?

Some engine and powertrain defects are intermittent.

Restarting may temporarily:

• Reset a control module
• Clear reduced-power mode
• Restore fuel pressure
• Allow a sensor to begin responding
• Allow overheated components to cool
• Make the truck appear normal during later inspection

A successful restart does not mean an engine failure, warning, or power-loss event should be ignored.

What “Could Not Duplicate” Means

“Could not duplicate” means the dealership did not experience the same problem during the available inspection or road test.

Tundra engine problems may depend on:

• Engine temperature
• Highway driving duration
• Towing or payload
• Acceleration load
• Outside temperature
• Oil temperature
• Fuel level
• Specific RPM ranges
• Cold-start conditions

If the condition returns, schedule another visit and state that the same engine problem recurred after the previous repair attempt.

How to Describe Tundra Engine Problems on the Repair Order

Do not rely on general wording such as “check engine noise.” Explain exactly what happened.

Include:

• Vehicle mileage
• Engine temperature
• Driving speed
• Whether towing or carrying a load
• Location of the noise
• Whether the noise changes with RPM
• Every warning light or message
• Whether the engine stalled
• Whether the truck restarted
• Any oil-pressure or fluid warnings
• Previous engine or recall repairs

How to Document Toyota Tundra Engine Problems

1. Check the VIN for open recalls. Model year alone does not determine inclusion.
2. Use an authorized Toyota dealership.
3. Review the complaint wording. Make sure it accurately describes knocking, rough running, stalling, or loss of power.
4. Obtain every final repair order.
5. Track all days out of service.
6. Preserve towing and rental records.
7. Ask for all diagnostic codes.
8. Document metal found in oil or filters.
9. Keep engine-replacement part information.
10. Return promptly if symptoms continue.
11. Open a Toyota customer-service case.
12. Preserve recall letters and remedy notices.

Recall Repair Versus a Lemon Law Claim

A safety recall and a lemon law claim are different.

The recall requires Toyota to provide the prescribed repair for covered vehicles. A lemon law claim evaluates the individual truck’s defect, repair history, unavailable days, warranty coverage, and applicable state requirements.

A recalled Tundra does not automatically qualify as a lemon.

However, a lemon law or warranty claim may become relevant when:

• The engine fails before the recall repair is available
• The truck repeatedly experiences knocking or power loss
• Replacement engines or parts remain unavailable
• The truck spends an extended period at the dealership
• An engine replacement fails to provide a lasting repair
• New engine-related problems appear after replacement
• The defect substantially impairs safety, use, reliability, or value

Can a Tundra Qualify After Toyota Replaces the Engine?

Potentially. Replacing the engine does not automatically erase the repair history or prevent a claim.

Important factors may include:

• How many engine-related incidents occurred
• Whether the truck stalled or lost power
• How long the owner waited for the replacement engine
• Total days out of service
• Whether the replacement corrected every symptom
• Whether additional engine repairs were necessary
• Whether required state notices were provided

A single successful recall repair may resolve the matter. A lengthy or unsuccessful engine-replacement history may present a different situation.

When Toyota Tundra Engine Problems May Qualify Under Lemon Law

State lemon law requirements vary, but relevant factors commonly include:

• The Tundra was purchased or leased new or otherwise falls within applicable coverage
• The engine defect was reported during the warranty or statutory period
• Toyota received reasonable repair opportunities
• The defect continues or caused serious engine failure
• The truck accumulated substantial days out of service
• The problem substantially impairs use, safety, or value
• The owner complied with state-specific notice requirements

There is no universal nationwide rule requiring exactly three or four repair visits.

Owners can review their jurisdiction through our state lemon law directory.

Possible Remedies for a Defective Toyota Tundra

Depending on the facts and applicable law, potential outcomes may include:

• Manufacturer repurchase or buyback
• Replacement vehicle
• Cash compensation while retaining the truck
• Payment of qualifying towing, rental, or incidental expenses
• Attorney’s fees where authorized

No result is guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Tundra Engine Problems

Bottom Line

The most serious current-generation Toyota Tundra engine problem involves manufacturing debris that may damage an internal main bearing and cause knocking, rough running, no-start conditions, or sudden loss of drive power.

Toyota has announced three related recall populations and has replaced complete engine assemblies under the original campaign.

Owners should check recall status by VIN, respond promptly to knocking or oil-pressure warnings, use an authorized Toyota dealership, preserve every repair order, and track all unavailable days. When major engine problems or remedy delays continue, the truck’s repair history may support a lemon law or federal warranty claim.