The Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit has become a major headache for Toyota, piling onto the company’s recent safety recall for certain Siennas. This one hits even harder because it involves about 102,000 Tundras facing a serious engine defect.
The problem is that even after launching the recall, Toyota is now in the middle of a legal battle over how many trucks should actually be covered. Some owners claim they’ve been left out, despite dealing with the same dangerous engine trouble.
This isn’t just about car repairs anymore. We’re talking about engines that can lose power without warning, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road or staring at a repair bill that can easily run into the thousands.
If you own a Tundra, you’ll want to know exactly what this latest Toyota lawsuit is about. In this guide, we look at the recall details, other active Tundra recalls, explain what the lawsuit means for you, and show you exactly what steps to take if you think your truck is at risk.
Is There an Official Toyota Tundra Engine Recall?
Yes, Toyota issued an official recall in late May 2024 for 102,000 gas-powered Tundra trucks from model years 2022 and 2023 featuring the V35A 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The issue is machining debris left inside the engine during manufacturing. This debris can block oil flow, cause knocking, and, in severe cases, trigger complete engine failure.
For trucks in the recall, Toyota’s fix is straightforward: a full engine replacement at no cost. Dealers remove the defective engine and install a new one built to updated manufacturing standards. Toyota says repairs are covered under your powertrain warranty, or at least 12 months/12,000 miles if your warranty is almost over.
However, getting the repair is not exactly a breeze. It can vary from owner to owner depending on the rush and availability of the parts. One owner on a Tundra forum shared:
“The dealer confirmed my VIN was in the recall and ordered the engine right away. That was in July. I didn’t get my truck back until October. They gave me a loaner, but it was still frustrating.”
This variance in coverage and timelines is one of the reasons the Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit exists. Not every owner with the same engine defect is included in the recall, and even those covered sometimes face long waits to get back on the road.
Why Is There A Toyota Tundra Engine Recall Lawsuit
The Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit was filed in December 2024, just months after the recall went public. The plaintiffs, a group of frustrated Tundra owners, claim Toyota’s recall leaves out thousands of trucks with the same dangerous defect. They also argue that Toyota knows the defect extends beyond the recall list.
Their reasoning is straightforward: if a defect is tied to manufacturing debris in certain V35A engines, it shouldn’t matter whether a truck is hybrid or gas, or if its VIN happens to fall outside the recall list. The lawsuit alleges that Toyota is intentionally limiting the recall’s scope to reduce repair costs, leaving many owners with no free fix and massive potential repair bills.
One California-based plaintiff said in the court filing:
“I was told my truck’s VIN isn’t covered, even though the dealer confirmed the same symptoms and defect described in the recall notice.” Statements like this have become common across online owner forums.
Attorneys representing the owners argue that Toyota’s decision puts safety at risk, as the defect can cause sudden engine failure while driving. If proven, the case could lead to an expanded recall, extended warranties, or even financial compensation for out-of-pocket repairs. They officially stated:
“Toyota’s limited recall fails to address all Tundra vehicles experiencing the V35A engine defect, leaving many hybrid and 2024 model year trucks at risk. Owners shouldn’t be forgotten just because of technicalities.”
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, but it’s keeping pressure on Toyota to address every truck potentially affected, not just the ones already on their list.
Could Your Tundra Be at Risk?
Certainly, as reports show that some Tundra pickups outside Toyota’s official recall list are still experiencing the same engine failures. That includes certain hybrids and 2024 models. The problem doesn’t always show up early, but when it does, it can be severe enough to strand you without warning.
If you’re unsure, the safest move is to confirm your recall status and track your truck’s behavior closely.
What to Do if You Think Your Truck Has a Defect
If your Toyota Tundra is showing signs of engine trouble, even if it’s not officially part of the recall, do not wait for the problem to get worse. Catching the defect early can save you from a blown engine, a massive repair bill ($10,000 or more), and months of downtime. Here’s a clear, step-by-step plan to protect yourself and your truck.
Check your VIN
Use Toyota’s recall lookup or the NHTSA site. If you’re covered, schedule the repair right away. If you’re not, keep going with the next steps.
Track symptoms and service
Write down when problems happen, the mileage, and exactly what you noticed. Whether it’s knocking, stalling, loss of power, or warning lights, document everything. Log your oil levels between changes and keep every receipt from maintenance or repairs.
Visit your dealer
Visit your car dealer and ask for a thorough inspection and a written diagnosis. Make it clear you know about the Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit and want their findings documented.
Ask for help with costs
Even if you’re not in the recall, you can request goodwill coverage from Toyota, especially if you’ve maintained the truck by the book. Provide your service records, mileage logs, and repair estimates to strengthen your case.
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Report the problem
File a complaint with NHTSA. The more reports they receive on the same matter, the higher the chances of them pushing Toyota to expand the recall. This is exactly what the lawsuit is aiming for.
Explore legal options
If you have the symptoms but no recall coverage, or you are offered a repair estimate in the thousands, speak with a lemon law or class action lawsuit attorney. Bring your logs, dealer paperwork, and receipts. Many firms take these cases on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Understanding Your Legal Options
If you’ve gone through the steps above and your truck’s symptoms match those at the center of the Toyota Tundra recall lawsuit, you have a couple of possible legal paths.
You can join the class action lawsuit if your truck is listed in the case, and work with the plaintiff’s law firm to submit service records, repair invoices, and maintenance history. Or, you can pursue an individual claim or lemon law case, which might be a stronger route if your vehicle isn’t included in the recall but you have documented failures.
Consumer attorneys in the U.S. emphasize the importance of documentation. One lawyer told reporters during a similar auto defect case: “If you can show the paper trail, dates, mileage, and repairs. It’s much harder for the manufacturer to argue the problem doesn’t exist.”
If you’re unsure which route is right for you, it’s worth speaking with a lemon law or automotive defect attorney in your state. Many offer free consultations and only charge if you win or settle.
Other Active Toyota Tundra Recalls You Should Know About
The Toyota engine recall lawsuit might be getting the most attention right now, but it’s not the only recall that could impact your truck. There are a few other active recalls covering lighting, software, fuel lines, labels, and hardware. While they are not as dramatic as an engine breakdown or engine swap, ignoring them could still leave you with a safety risk or an annoying repair bill down the road. But the good news is that every single one of these fixes is free at the dealer if your truck is covered.
Reverse Light Assembly Recall (2022–2025 Tundra & Hybrid)
Certain 2022–2023 Tundras have a wiring fault that can cause the reverse lights to stop working. Without them, people behind your truck might not realize you’re backing up, increasing the risk of an accident or crash. Under the Toyota Tundra reverse light recall, the fix is to replace the faulty wiring harness, which usually takes less than a day.
Transmission Control Software Recall (2022–2024 Tundra & Hybrid)
A glitch in the transmission control software can make the truck roll when it’s in Neutral and your foot is off the brake. It’s rare, but risky enough for a recall. Dealers can correct the issue with a quick software update, no parts needed.
Fuel Tube Chafing Recall (2022–2023 Tundra & Hybrid)
Some trucks have a plastic fuel tube positioned too close to metallic brake lines. Vibration over time can wear through the tube, leading to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards. The repair involves adding a protective sleeve and clamp so the parts stop rubbing.
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Load Capacity Label Corrections (2022–2024)
A recall over a sticker might not sound urgent, but incorrect load capacity labels can lead to overloading, which affects safety and handling. This affects certain 2023 trucks with spray-on bed liners and some 2022–2024 models distributed by Southeast Toyota. Dealers replace the labels with corrected versions.
Spare Tire Carrier Assembly (2023 Tundra & Hybrid)
Faulty welds in the spare tire carrier chain can let the tire drop unexpectedly, a clear road hazard. Toyota’s fix is to replace the carrier with one that’s properly welded and secure. Regularly checking your VIN through Toyota’s recall lookup or the NHTSA database is the easiest way to stay ahead of these issues. Even small repairs like these can make a big difference in keeping your truck safe and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Toyota Tundra engine recall in 2025?
Yes. Toyota recalled around 102,000 Tundras from 2022–2023 model years. The recall is regarding an engine problem that could lead to sudden power loss and even complete engine break down.
What is the Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit about?
It’s a class action claim that Toyota hasn’t included all affected trucks in the recall, leaving some owners with costly engine repairs. Only gas-powered Tundras from 2022 to 2023 model years are included. However, many Tundra hybrid owners and owners from other release years are also facing similar problems.
How do I check if my Tundra is in the recall?
To check if your Tundra truck is in the latest Toyota recall, use Toyota’s VIN lookup or the NHTSA recall search tool. If your truck is covered, you’ll also get a letter from Toyota.
Will the lawsuit get me a free repair or refund?
If the lawsuit succeeds or settles, owners may get repairs, reimbursements, or extended warranties. While this is substantial and can help you avoid spending thousands of dollars out of your pocket, the results take time. You will have to be patient. Also, as the problems are serious, you may have to look for a safer alternative for your commutes.
Conclusion
The Toyota Tundra engine recall lawsuit is all about accountability. It is filed to make sure that every owner dealing with the same dangerous defect gets the same fix, without being left to shoulder the cost. The recall is a start, but the legal fight is what could expand that protection.
If you’ve noticed warning signs in your Tundra, now’s the time to act. The steps you take today, from checking your VIN to keeping airtight records, could be the difference between a no-cost repair and a bill in the thousands.
The bottom line is to stay proactive, stay documented, and stay informed.
