Front view of a Toyota Tundra pickup truck parked outdoors beneath palm trees.

Toyota is recalling 43,566 model year 2024 Tundra pickup trucks after discovering that manufacturing debris could contaminate the engine and cause internal components to fail. In serious cases, the defect could lead to an engine stall and sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 20, 2026, involves certain Tundra models equipped with Toyota’s V35A engine. It also expands on two earlier recalls involving similar engine concerns, raising further questions about the effectiveness of previous manufacturing improvements.

What is the problem?

The alleged problem originates during engine manufacturing, and Toyota’s investigation found that machining debris may not have been completely removed from certain engines before assembly. This material can contaminate the engine and become lodged against the number one crankshaft main bearing.

The bearing allows the crankshaft to rotate while the engine is running, and if debris adheres to it, continued operation under higher engine loads can cause excessive wear and eventual bearing failure.

Drivers may experience symptoms including unusual engine knocking, rough running, difficulty starting, or a complete engine stall. If the engine stops while the vehicle is moving, the Tundra can lose motive power, leaving drivers struggling to respond safely to surrounding traffic.

Toyota’s investigation included examining engines from vehicles in the field and conducting additional testing with its supplier. The company identified a wear pattern similar to that found in engines covered by recalls 24V381 and 25V767. Its review also identified 30 field technical reports and 360 warranty claims related to, or potentially related to, the latest issue.

What owners should know

The recall affects certain 2024 Toyota Tundra vehicles manufactured between February 7 and August 5, 2024, and covers 43,566 potentially affected trucks, although not every vehicle within that production period necessarily contains the defect.

Toyota’s repair procedure involves inspecting the number one main bearing using vehicle inspection software and driving data. If the inspection indicates a problem, the engine will be replaced. All recall repairs will be carried out free of charge.

Importantly, NHTSA’s original recall filing includes Do Not Drive and Park Outside advisories. Owners should take these warnings seriously, follow the instructions in their recall notification, and contact Toyota for guidance. Interim safety notifications were mailed in July, but owners can also contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or check their VIN through the official NHTSA recall database.

If your Toyota Tundra has experienced engine trouble

An engine failure can leave a pickup stranded and create a serious hazard if it happens while driving. Owners who have experienced knocking noises, rough engine operation, unexpected stalling, or major engine repairs should retain their service records, diagnostic reports, and communications with Toyota dealerships.

If your Tundra has required repeated engine work or suffered a significant mechanical failure, The Lemon Firm can examine the vehicle’s repair history and help establish whether the problems may give rise to a claim. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.