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Imagine Josh, a proud owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra, who had always boasted about its reliability.
Josh’s Tundra, a symbol of reliability, began to show signs of trouble. The first subtle warning was a dip in its MPG.
“Must be the new gas blend,” he’d rationalized, but the numbers kept falling, stubbornly refusing to rebound.
Then came the sluggish performance. His Tundra, once a powerhouse, felt hesitant, almost reluctant to accelerate. “It can’t be tired, it’s only got 20,000 miles on it,” he’d chuckle to his wife.
Privately, a knot of worry tightened in his stomach. The real alarm bells started ringing when a faint, acrid smell began to permeate the garage after startup.
One morning, as he backed out of the driveway, he looked in his rearview mirror.” Is that blue smoke?” he asked himself.
Blue smoke, thin at first, then thicker, especially on cold mornings, became an undeniable reality.
The dipstick, his silent confidant, confirmed his worst fears. The oil level, once steadfast, was consistently low. Soon, he was adding a quart of oil with every fill-up, a ritual that sent shivers down his spine.
The death sound was the final, chilling confirmation. A distinct rattle on startup, a metallic clatter that lasted a few agonizing seconds, sounded exactly like a dry cough from an engine starved for lubrication.
It was the same symphony of impending doom his Hyundai had played.
Josh knew this wasn’t just bad luck; it was a pattern. He braced himself, knowing the ‘doomsdayers’ he’d once dismissed might have been right all along. His beloved Tundra, it seemed, was preparing to join the unfortunate ranks of engines that didn’t want to engine anymore. But he also knew that early diagnosis could have made a difference.
Let’s delve into what Josh Willing, a member of the 2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page, has to say about his Tundra’s catastrophic engine failure.
He says, “Oh, no, not another failed engine thread!” – This one might actually be helpful to identify any signs or warnings of impending doom.”
Looking for feedback from those who HAVE had engine failure. (If you haven’t, don’t post, because I’m not looking for non-owner/doomsdayers input.
Any signs before your engine decided it didn’t want to be an engine anymore?
I went through a similar situation with a 2017 Hyundai Sonata(Theta II engine) that, like Toyota, describes, “had left over materials from machining,” causing engine failure, and I want to see if anyone is experiencing similar signs.
Some of the signs in the weeks leading up to failure were:
- Decreased MPG
- Decreased performance, almost sluggish
- Blue smoke from exhaust, worst at startup (from burning oil)
- Dipstick level low, got so bad it was 1quart every fill up
- Rattle on startup(almost like it was starved for oil)
Some had their catalytic converters fail due to the oil burning.
What are Other Tundra Owners Experiencing?
Justin Bowman – My 2022 Tundra has been acting incredibly sluggish, and my MPG has been dropping, sitting at 12.5/13 instead of the normal 15.5/16.5, not loaded in the slightest, either, compared to my 2024.
45,000 miles in and sluggish in both tow/haul and sport modes. Which never used to be the case. I just had an oil change, less than 1000 miles.
Anton Wiebe – In my case, it didn’t give me any real signs other than metal in the oil filter and on the magnet. After the 3,000-mile oil change, it started knocking loudly while towing my camper, and that was that.
Anand Dhanda – Very slight rattle, similar to an exhaust heat shield, audible only standing next to the truck about 10 miles before boom time for me… Failure was the #5 rod bearing.
Denny Epperson – I had no issues until I started it, and it sounded like an old tractor. Never had a check engine light. Never had any signs of problems. I drove it to the dealership. Never died or went into limp mode.
More Warning Signs For Tundra Owners To Be Aware Of
Engine Knocking or Rough Running:
This could be a sign of debris inside the engine interfering with proper operation, potentially leading to bearing failure.
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Loss of Power:
A noticeable decrease in the engine’s ability to accelerate or maintain speed could indicate a problem, especially if it occurs suddenly.
Failure to Start:
If the engine cranks but doesn’t start, or if it starts but immediately stalls, it could be a symptom of a serious engine issue.
Increased Boost with Low Load:
If the turbochargers are working harder than they should when the truck isn’t under heavy load, it could indicate a problem with the engine’s ability to breathe correctly.
Reduced Fuel Mileage:
A sudden drop in fuel efficiency, even with consistent driving habits, can be a sign of internal engine problems affecting performance, according to a YouTube video.
Unusual Noises:
Any new or unusual noises from the engine, such as a howling or grinding sound, should be investigated immediately.
Spun Bearings:
This is a serious issue where the engine’s main bearings fail, often without prior warning, leading to a complete engine failure.
Water Pump Failure:
Some owners have reported that the water pump can shear off the front of the engine, which requires a rebuild or replacement of the engine.
Shuddering After Rebuild:
Some vehicles may experience shuddering or shaking when the turbos engage after an engine rebuild, which could indicate a problem with the rebuild itself.
Check Engine Light:
While various issues can trigger a Check Engine Light, it’s crucial to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic, as it could be related to a serious engine problem.
What Tundra Owners Need To Know About the Engine Recall
The Tundra recall is for certain 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra models due to potential engine failure caused by manufacturing debris remaining in the engine.
The recall affects vehicles produced from early November 2021 to mid-February 2023.
Toyota is replacing the entire engine assembly, including turbos, for affected vehicles.
The replacement process is being done in phases, with the first phase remedy available now, according to a YouTube video.
It is important to have your Tundra inspected to see if it is affected by the recall.
It’s Your Turn
Have you experienced a catastrophic engine failure in your Toyota Tundra? What were the warning signs, if any, that you had? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Tundra story: Well, Here We Go, 37K In, My 2022 Toyota Tundra Just Died, The Dealer Gave Me a Corolla Loaner, But It’s Unacceptable, I Need a Tundra For Work
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 Josh Willing
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Source: torquenews.com
