And yes, this whole mess is still about tiny metal confetti eating engines alive.
Toyota’s once-mighty reputation for bulletproof reliability is taking a beating, and the culprit is painfully ironic: manufacturing debris — the automotive equivalent of dropping metal shavings into your morning coffee and wondering why you feel rough.
In 2024, Toyota recalled over 100,000 units of the twin-turbo “3.5-liter” V6 (which is really a 3.4L, but sure, Toyota, we’ll pretend). These engines power the Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX 600, and now — congratulations — the Lexus GX has been added to the party nobody wanted an invite to.
And in 2025? The list just expanded, the headaches got bigger, and the embarrassment got deeper.
What’s Going Wrong With Toyota’s 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6?
Short answer: shrapnel.
Long answer: precision-machined metal shards left behind during manufacturing that migrate into the crankshaft’s main bearings. And because these bearings operate under tight tolerances and heavy loads, it doesn’t take much to ruin their day — or your $70k truck’s engine.
Owners have reported:
- Engine knocking
- Rough running
- Stalling
- Failure to start
- Loss of power while driving (you know, the fun kind that increases crash risk)
In other words: all the symptoms Toyota fans love to swear “never happen on a Toyota.”
Which Models Are Now Affected?
The recall has widened like a crank bearing trying to escape the block:
Previously recalled (2024):
- Toyota Tundra: Nov 2021 – Feb 2023
- Lexus LX 600: Jul 2021 – Nov 2022
Newly added (2025 recall expansion):
- Lexus LX 600: Feb 2022 – Apr 2024
- Toyota Tundra: Nov 2021 – Feb 2024
- Lexus GX: May 2023 – Apr 2024
So that’s:
- 2024 GX
- 2022–2024 LX 600
- 2022–2024 Tundra
Notice who isn’t included?
i-Force Max hybrid Tundras and LX 700h hybrid models. Apparently electricity scares away metal debris.
Where Were These Engines Built?
Two locations contributed to the Great Metal Shaving Migration:
- Tahara, Japan
- Toyota Alabama engine plant
Both had engines affected, and both are under the recall. Engines built after the recall window supposedly benefit from improved machining processes — though Toyota admits the investigation is ongoing. (Translation: “We’re not totally confident yet.”)
What’s the Fix? Uh… Toyota Is Still Working On That.
Yep. Toyota still doesn’t have a final remedy.
Most likely outcomes:
- Brand-new engines
- Rebuilt short blocks (block, crank, pistons — but not the turbos or heads)
Earlier warranty repairs often got short blocks, but with recalls now exceeding 100k+ engines, Toyota might not want to hand out that many complete assemblies like Oprah giving away cars.
Customers will get their first notification in January, with a second letter once Toyota decides on the official fix.
Why This Recall Matters (Besides the Obvious Explosion of Money)
This twin-turbo V6 is supposed to be the future of Toyota’s truck and luxury lineup — replacing their legendary V8s. But now? These engines are developing a reputation nobody wants:
- Early failures
- Power loss
- Uncertainty about long-term reliability
- An unresolved recall with no official repair plan
Not exactly the PR win Toyota needed as competitors flex hybrid powertrains and bulletproof turbo engines.
Conclusion: Toyota’s Twin-Turbo Gamble Is Beginning to Backfire
Toyota bet big on downsized, turbocharged engines. But if your “modern efficiency marvel” can be taken out by microscopic metal scraps left over from machining… that’s not exactly progress.
If you own a 2022–2024 Tundra, LX 600, or GX, your engine may be part of Toyota’s largest and most embarrassing recall in years — and you might be getting a new engine whether you wanted one or not.
On the bright side? At least Toyota isn’t blaming customers for “improper maintenance” this time.
