Over 100,000 full engine replacement recalls for Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX sold in the USA. Are Aussie examples of the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 pick-up rival impacted?

In May this year Toyota Motor Sales USA issued a recall notice covering in excess of 100,000 vehicles; specifically twin-turbo V6 petrol-powered versions of the Toyota Tundra full-size pick-up and Lexus LX600 luxury three-row SUV from 2022-2023.

In a statement Toyota said, “There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced.” 

“In the involved vehicles, this can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start and/or a loss of motive power. 

“A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash,” the statement said.

At the time Toyota said it was “investigating” the issue and no specific guidance was given on the nature of a fix. But overnight TMS USA has confirmed a full (no cost) engine replacement is the ultimate answer.

The recall impacts 102,092 vehicles — 98,568 Tundras and 3524 LX600s — and reports out of the US suggest Toyota is not aware of any injuries relating to the problem.

That said, Motor1 has accessed recall documents indicating 824 engine warranty claims that could relate to the issue.

The recall applies to Tundras built from November 2, 2021 through February 13, 2023. For the Lexus LX600, it's July 30, 2021 through November 25, 2022 powered by the 3.5-litre 305kW twin-turbo V6. 

In an evaluation program Toyota Australia has been running a trial of the Tundra with 280 local customers opting in to a $2500 a month “all costs covered” loan of the full-size ute that once on sale more broadly in 2025 is set to go head-to-head with the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

Australian Tundras are imported fully built up from the United States and converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne.

But those 280 Tundra custodians or Lexus LX600 owners can rest easy because a Toyota Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “There are no vehicles involved (in the recall) in the Australian market due to production timings.”

That is, cars already in or on their way to Australia, were produced after the period during which the impacted vehicles were built. So, you’re out of luck if you were quietly hoping for a cheeky FOC engine replacement.