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A brand-new Toyota Tundra dies at 65 mph, leaving the truck’s owner without power steering or brakes—it’s a nightmare scenario that is becoming a terrifying reality for some owners.
I’ve been in this business for over two decades, covering everything from the newest models to the biggest recalls, and few things are as alarming as the stories I’m hearing from the owners of the 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra.
I recently came across this post that hits right at the heart of the matter, and it’s a concern shared by many owners: the 2023-2026 Toyota Tundra engine seizing up on the highway.
Danny Waltz, from the Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page, recently shared a harrowing account.
He says, “Be ready for when the engine light comes on and your motor seizes up. You will have no brakes or steering due to having no motor. Toyota should be scared someone will sue them for an accident due to them being negligent about knowing that the 2022-2025 Tundras have a high chance of motor failure while driving a low-mileage truck that’s still under warranty.”
He recounts his 2024 Toyota Tundra’s engine, with 15,700 miles, seizing up and had to be towed to the dealer. He adds, “It could have been dangerous dying on the highway going 65 mph.”
This isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it’s a critical safety issue.
When an engine suddenly seizes, it’s not just about a check engine light or a tow. It’s about a total loss of power assist for crucial systems. Without the engine running, the power steering pump stops, and the power brake booster loses its vacuum.
You are left with manual steering and braking, which are incredibly difficult to operate, especially at highway speeds. This immediate, jarring loss of control is precisely the danger Danny Waltz is talking about—the terrifying reality of losing brakes and steering due to a Toyota Tundra engine failure.
The core of the problem, according to a recent safety recall from Toyota, lies in a manufacturing defect from a specific production period. Toyota has acknowledged that in certain 2022 and 2023 Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles, machining debris may not have been fully cleared from the engine production process.
Over time, this debris can wreak havoc on the crankshaft bearings, leading to engine knocking, rough running, and, in the most severe cases, complete engine failure. This answers the question of why are 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra engines failing at low mileage.
This is not a design flaw but a manufacturing one, and it’s a distinction that’s important for owners to understand. It means the fundamental engineering of the new V35A 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine isn’t the problem; it’s the execution during a specific timeframe.
The recall from May 2024 affects approximately 102,000 vehicles in the U.S. and states that Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the entire engine at no cost to the customer.
This is a significant step, but as we’ve seen from owner reports, the problem can extend beyond the official recall list. It leads to many asking about a potential Tundra i-FORCE MAX engine recall for motor failure, and while the hybrids have not been officially recalled, there is significant anecdotal evidence that the same problems can occur.
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Toyota’s official stance is that the hybrid system’s electric motor provides enough motive power to get the truck to a safe spot, thereby excluding it from the safety recall. This is why many owners, including those with 2024 models, are feeling left out and exposed, raising a critical question: Is Toyota negligent regarding the 2022-2025 Tundra engine problems?
So, what should you do if you own one of these trucks?
1. First, take a proactive step by checking your VIN on the NHTSA or Toyota’s recall website to see if your truck is included in the official recall. If it is, schedule the service immediately. The dealer will replace the engine with a new one at no cost. However, as we’ve seen from owner anecdotes, the problem isn’t always limited to the recall list, and even some 2024 models have experienced issues.
The fact that owners are reporting a high likelihood of Toyota Tundra motor failure under warranty is a sign that you should be vigilant.
2. If you experience the tell-tale symptoms—a check engine light, a loss of power, a sudden rough running condition, or, worst of all, a complete engine stall—the first and most important thing is to get your vehicle to a safe location. If you are on the highway, use whatever momentum you have to coast to the shoulder. Do not panic about the loss of power assist for steering and brakes; it will be harder to operate, but they will still function.
3. Once you are safe, call Toyota Roadside Assistance. They will tow your vehicle to the nearest dealership free of charge.
4. The next step is to document everything. This is a critical point that can’t be overstated. Keep detailed records of every phone call, every visit to the dealer, every service invoice, and every conversation you have with Toyota’s customer service. This documentation is your most powerful tool.
5. It’s the key to protecting yourself, especially if you get caught in a difficult situation. As one owner shared in my recent report, some dealers may attempt to do a “short block rebuild” instead of a complete engine replacement. This is why you need to know what to do if your 2024 Toyota Tundra engine seizes up and stand your ground, because the recall remedy is a complete engine replacement.
My Personal Take
Toyota is in a tough spot, a company with a long-standing reputation for bulletproof reliability. While the recall is a step in the right direction, the continued owner complaints about engine failure in low-mileage vehicles that fall outside the recall window are a massive concern. It undermines consumer confidence and places a significant burden on the owners who bought into the brand’s reputation for durability.
The takeaway here is that while the risk is real, you are not powerless. Knowledge is your best defense. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the warning signs, and documenting every step of the repair process, you can effectively navigate this challenging situation.
So, here’s my question to Tundra owners:
What would you do if your engine seized up in traffic? Do you think Toyota is doing enough to address the full scope of this problem? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Tundra engine replacement story: I Had My 2024 Toyota Tundra’s Engine Replaced After It Blew Up, and Now After the Dealer Fixed It, It Runs Like an 80’s Truck Missing a Spark Plug
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Danny Waltz
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Source: torquenews.com
