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A brand-new Toyota Tundra with 4K miles and a blown engine has a loyal owner questioning everything. Is this a sign of a new era for Toyota’s legendary reliability?
Todd Behringer on the 4th Generation Toyota Tacoma Owners Group Facebook page says,
“I’m a long-time Toyota Tundra owner, and I just sold my 2012 Tundra TRD Rock Warrior. Now, I’m glad to be part of the Tacoma community after seeing this 2024 Tundra with 4,000 miles with a blown engine at the dealer.”
I’ve been following the Tundra engine problems, and Todd’s post caught my attention. Todd’s story resonates with a lot of people: a loyal, long-time Tundra owner who just sold his 2012 Tundra TRD Rock Warrior and purchased a new 2025 Tacoma, and he’s glad to be joining the community.
His decision was sealed, he said, after seeing a 2024 Tundra with only 4,000 miles on the odometer with a blown engine at a dealership.
I get it. That’s a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping moment for anyone who loves these trucks. For years, Toyota’s reputation has been built on an unshakeable foundation of reliability and durability.
We’re talking about vehicles that run for hundreds of thousands of miles with little more than basic maintenance. So, seeing a brand-new model, especially one that has replaced the beloved V8, with a catastrophic failure at such low mileage is enough to make anyone question their next vehicle choice.
But before you write off the new Tundra, let’s take a deep breath and look at this from a few different angles. We’re going to dive into what’s happening under the hood, put this specific incident into context, and, most importantly, give you a roadmap for making an informed decision about your next truck.
Let’s start with the big picture.
The entire automotive industry is in the midst of a massive transition. Gone are the days of the simple, big-displacement, naturally aspirated engines that were the workhorses of the truck world. Today, the focus is on efficiency and reduced emissions, which has led manufacturers to adopt smaller, turbocharged engines.
This is exactly what Toyota has done with the Tundra’s new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 and the Tacoma’s 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four.
So, let’s address the elephant in the room.
What’s the 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tundra twin-turbo V6 reliability like? Based on the overwhelming number of Tundras and Sequoias on the road with this engine, the data suggests that Todd’s experience, while alarming, is not a widespread problem.
However, it’s important to know that some 2024 and 2025 Tundra models are still experiencing engine issues similar to those in the 2022 and 2023 models, with reports of machining debris in the engine block and related failures.
While Toyota recalled many 2022 and 2023 non-hybrid models in June 2024 to address the manufacturing defect, and reportedly updated a part in early 2024, evidence suggests the problem has not been entirely resolved.
Some drivers, as reported in my 2025 Tundra owner story, which you can read about here, are experiencing the same symptoms with new models and units built after the supposed fix. However, most of these newer Tundras are performing flawlessly.
Toyota’s new Tundra Powertrain
Todd’s observation does highlight the potential issues with the new Toyota Tundra powertrain. Any time you introduce a turbocharger, you’re adding more moving parts and increasing the thermal load on the engine. This means components like turbos, intercoolers, and associated piping can become potential points of failure, even if they are engineered to the highest standards.
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The engine oil and cooling systems must work harder. This isn’t a flaw unique to Toyota; it’s an industry-wide trade-off for the gains in horsepower and fuel economy. It’s a key reason why understanding why modern truck engines are smaller and turbocharged is crucial for any new buyer.
Now, let’s look at the Tacoma.
Todd is right to be excited about it. Toyota’s approach has been to deliver a truck that’s just as capable as its predecessors but with modern performance metrics. The new 4th-generation Tacoma also features a turbocharged engine, so any concerns about the Tundra’s powertrain would logically extend to its smaller sibling.
I’m seeing a lot of chatter online about the Tacoma’s 4th-generation turbo engine reliability concerns, and it’s a valid part of the conversation. Just like the Tundra, the Tacoma’s engine is designed for both performance and efficiency. While these are new platforms, Toyota has a proven track record of learning from its initial releases and making adjustments to address any issues that arise.
So, what should you do?
Don’t let a single data point derail your decision-making process. The vast majority of new Toyota trucks are performing as expected. Second, focus on proactive ownership. My key maintenance tips for a turbocharged Toyota truck engine are simple but critical.
- First, you absolutely must follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Turbocharged engines are more sensitive to oil quality and require shorter oil change intervals. I suggest shorter oil change intervals than Toyota’s recommended 10,000 miles. Check out my report here.
- Second, use top-tier synthetic oil, which is better at handling the extreme temperatures of a turbo system.
- Third, don’t ignore dashboard warnings. Address them immediately.
When it comes to the long-term reliability of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma or Tundra, the real verdict will be delivered by time and consistent owner care. But you don’t have to wait a decade to feel confident. Look for patterns in consumer complaints with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and pay attention to what’s being said in large, established owner forums, not just isolated posts.
A single engine failure at a dealership is newsworthy, but it’s the widespread issues that lead to a recall or service bulletin. So far, the data on these new engines doesn’t point to a systemic, fleet-wide problem.
The worst-case scenario.
What to do if your new Toyota truck engine fails? For a new vehicle with such low mileage, the manufacturer’s warranty is your best friend. A 2024 model with 4,000 miles is still well within its factory powertrain warranty, which would cover this kind of catastrophic failure.
This is why it’s so important to buy from a reputable dealer and to keep meticulous records of your service history. If you’re a potential buyer, ask about the warranty coverage and consider purchasing a comprehensive extended warranty for peace of mind, especially on a first-year model of a new generation. It’s an investment in your long-term ownership experience.
Conclusion
Todd’s experience is a powerful reminder that while technology advances, a vehicle is a complex machine, and sometimes things go wrong. However, the shift to turbocharged engines is here to stay, and Toyota has developed these new powertrains with the same meticulous engineering that we’ve come to expect. Proper maintenance and a focus on data over anecdote will give you the confidence you need to join the next generation of Toyota truck ownership.
It’s Your Turn
What are your thoughts? Have you or anyone you know had a similar experience with a new Tundra or Tacoma, or are you enjoying the new turbocharged power? Click the red ‘Add New Comment’ link below and let us know.
Check out my 2025 Toyota Tacoma story: Toyota Tacoma Owner Says, “It Never Fails, Every Time I Go to the Dealer For Maintenance They Scratch My New Wheels With No Consideration For My Truck
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 Todd Behringer
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Source: torquenews.com
