Follow us today…
Two months, a dead engine, and a dealership with no timeline have one Toyota Tundra owner regretting his purchase and ready to jump to Ford—but the biggest issue might be Toyota’s refusal to buy back his truck.
That’s what Tim Latour shared on the 2023-2026 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page. He says,
“It’s been two months since the engine died in my 2024 Toyota Tundra SR5. The truck continues to rot at the dealership with “no estimate on parts to arrive.” I’ve been told that recalls are still getting done within a week or two out of my dealer, but they get priority because they are recalled.”
“I’ve now contacted Toyota twice to buy out my loan, but they refuse to do so as “the market keeps plummeting.” Meanwhile, I have a deposit down on a new F-150, and Ford has already agreed to pay full value for the Tundra, but I’ll soon lose that deal as they’ve already patiently waited for over a month for me to bring them the Tundra, which was originally estimated to be ready mid-September.”
“I’ve never experienced this level of BS from a car manufacturer. I used to own a Ram. I’ll never own a Toyota again. I’m in Canada, and we don’t have lemon law for the people who keep asking.”
Drawing from Tim Latour’s experience, this report will tackle the critical issues facing Tundra owners: prolonged engine failure repair times, the prioritization of recalls that leaves owners stranded, and Toyota’s alleged failure to provide adequate support, specifically regarding fair loan buyouts for inoperable vehicles.
1. Toyota’s Engine Crisis:
Toyota’s shift to the new twin-turbo V6 in the 2023-2026 Tundra was always going to carry risk. While the engine design is sophisticated, initial manufacturing hiccups related to the cylinder head and other critical components have led to a pattern of recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs).
The fact that Tim’s dealership is prioritizing recall work over his engine repair is not unique. Recalls involve a government mandate, forcing manufacturers to allocate the limited available parts supply to those vehicles first.
However, it leaves some owners with a vehicle suffering a Tundra engine failure parts delay stranded. A two-month wait with no estimated time of arrival for a core engine part is simply unacceptable. However, the parts are likely sourced from a single, non-North American supplier who is unable to keep up with the original production line and the engine recall replacement demand.
Toyota must be forced to find an alternative, fast.
Tim should not accept a blanket “parts are delayed” excuse. He should escalate his problem to Toyota Canada’s regional management. This applies pressure and shows that he’s not accepting the dealer’s answer.
2. The Buyback Battle
Tim’s experience with Toyota refusing to buy back his loan due to the “plummeting market” is an attempt to lowball the customer, while the manufacturer is at fault. The truck is “rotting” because of Toyota’s failure, not his. They are using the current market, a hyper-inflated used truck bubble, as an excuse to shirk their responsibility.
Toyota’s Tundra Buyback Refusal
This is a legal defense tactic, but it has no ethical standing when the vehicle’s value is zero because the engine is dead on their lot. The vehicle’s value is irrelevant; Tim is asking for a resale or repurchase based on a failure of fitness for purpose, not a fair market valuation of a working truck.
Tim is Ready To Jump To Ford
Advertising
The fact that Ford has agreed to pay full value for the Tundra and is patiently waiting is Tim’s biggest leverage point. He has an established, third-party valuation (Ford’s) that contradicts Toyota’s claim of “plummeting market value.”
Tim should use the Ford commitment as ammunition with documentation of the written offer from the Ford dealer. Send a formal letter (registered mail or email with read receipt) to Toyota Canada’s regional customer experience manager (not just the call center) stating:
The two-month delay constitutes a loss of the vehicle’s primary function.
Toyota’s refusal to execute a timely resolution is directly causing you financial harm by jeopardizing a confirmed, full-value trade-in deal.
Demand mediation or arbitration immediately. This is how to negotiate a vehicle trade-in while waiting for dealer repair. The risk of losing the Ford deal is an immediate financial loss that can be quantified.
3. Canadian Consumer Rights:
Canada, unfortunately, lacks a federal “Lemon Law” similar to those in U.S. states. However, that does not mean Tundra owners are without recourse.
In Canada, provincial consumer protection acts and general contract law (including fitness for purpose and merchantability) provide strong arguments. Specifically, if a vehicle cannot be repaired within a reasonable time, or if the defect substantially impairs its use, it is considered a breach of the fundamental contract of sale. Two months without an ETA for a vital part is well beyond “reasonable.”
What Should Tundra Owners Do Now?
Tim cannot continue to rely on loaner vehicles or wait indefinitely. For alternative options for owners facing long-term Tundra repairs, owners have two paths:
- Demand a Rental Subsidy: If the loaner vehicle provided by the dealer is insufficient, demand a substantial, long-term rental subsidy for a truck of similar capability.
- Ombudsman/Arbitration: Canada offers options, such as the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). While voluntary for manufacturers, the pressure from a formal complaint can often spur action from Toyota. If CAMVAP is not an option for this particular issue, provincial consumer affairs bodies or small claims court remain viable paths.
4. Toyota’s Reputation Is At Risk
Tim’s closing statement—”I’ll never own a Toyota again. I used to own a Ram.”—is the most meaningful piece of data for Toyota’s executives. The loss of brand loyalty due to a service experience is an existential threat. The comparison is damning: Comparing Toyota Tundra dealer communication and customer service to those of Ram reveals a surprising turnaround. Toyota’s once gold-standard dealer network and parts system are now being shown up by the competition.
Conclusion
Tim’s story reveals the impact of Toyota Tundra’s quality control issues on long-term brand loyalty. Tim is not just one disgruntled customer; His story demonstrates that the faith owners placed in the Toyota badge is eroding quickly under the weight of these Tundra powertrain issues and the inability to service them efficiently.
A Question For Tundra Owners
For other Tundra owners who have experienced engine failures or major warranty repairs (not recalls), what is your current wait time for parts and repair completion, and what success have you had in getting Toyota to offer a buyback or trade-in assistance? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Tundra 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 Tim Latour
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
