Lou is a freelance journalist and content writer with a focus on the automotive world. After graduating from Coventry University (Automotive Journalism MA) in 2020, she worked in automotive e-commerce (parts and accessories) before moving back towards journalism, as a freelance contributor at CarBuzz.
The Toyota Tundra is going through a difficult period. The model has been the subject of several recalls in the past couple of years, as an increasing number of vehicles are affected by major engine issues.
However, there is one thing prospective Tundra buyers can do to minimize their risk of being affected: choosing the hybrid version of the model. With the protective effect of electrical assistance potentially reducing the risk of engine damage, while also providing the ability to limp out of harm's way should things go wrong, the hybrid Tundra is currently looking like a safer bet. Going back a few years in the model’s history, the Tundra’s older V8-powered incarnation is also a great option to consider.
The Engine Recalls Plaguing The Toyota Tundra
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The three major engine recalls affecting the Tundra are all related to the same problem: machining debris. During the manufacturing process of the V35A-FTS engine (the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 at the heart of the Tundra), machining debris did not get cleared away correctly and remained within the finished engine. The debris migrates to the #1 crankshaft main bearing, which eventually leads to total engine failure under sustained load.
Further research by external experts revealed that there may be a deeper, structural issue on top of the debris problem. The engine's architecture results in disruption of the microscopic oil film on the #1 crankshaft main bearing's surface, which concentrates pressure and force unevenly, leading to bearing failure. Toyota, however, continues to cite machining debris as the culprit for the engine’s woes.
The first recall (NHTSA campaign 24V381000) arrived in May 2024. At that point in time, trucks built in 2022 and 2023 were considered to be the main culprits. The Tundra was, however, not the only model affected by the recall. The Lexus LX 600, powered by the same engine, was involved as well. Toyota offered engine replacements to owners of vehicles affected by the recall (at a cost of around $10,000 per vehicle), skipping any attempts at mitigating the issue as it was considered too severe to try and repair.
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Soon, it became clear that the group of vehicles affected was larger than Toyota originally thought. A second recall (NHTSA campaign 25V767000) was launched just over a year after the first, expanding the scope to 2024 Tundras as well as more Lexus LX 600s and even a model previously thought to be unaffected, the Lexus GX. Worryingly, the fresh batch of Tundras included in the recalled group had been manufactured after Toyota announced the issue had been fixed, thanks to "new or improved processes that better clear machining debris."
In May this year, a third recall (NHTSA campaign 26V320) was launched, bringing the total number of vehicles affected to over 270,000. For vehicles involved in the second and third recall, Toyota no longer offers engine replacements by default, instead opting for a high-tech inspection process that evaluates the condition of the main bearing first. If this is found to be damaged, the engine replacement can go ahead.
A Smart Purchase: The Tundra Hybrid Is Not Affected By The Recalls
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While the Tundra model as a whole is going through a difficult period due to all these recalls, there is a way to minimize the chances of being affected by them: opting for a Tundra with a hybrid powertrain. The Tundra Hybrid is one of two full-size pickup trucks available with a hybrid powertrain in 2026 (the other being the Ford F-150). Its i-FORCE MAX powertrain combines the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with one electric motor for a total output of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Like its combustion-only counterpart, the hybrid Tundra uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.
Although the hybrid Tundra uses the same engine as its non-hybrid counterpart, there is a possibility that the presence of a hybrid system may act as a protective factor. The reason for this is that electrical assistance reduces the load on the #1 crankshaft main bearing, making it less likely to succumb to the pressure and fail. While this does not help with the machining debris side of the problem, it does reduce the overall risk of sudden, catastrophic engine failure.
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There is another important factor that may explain why hybrids are excluded from the recall. According to Toyota's filing with the NHTSA, the i-Force MAX models - or hybrid models as the filing states - can retain "some motive power for limited distances" if the primary gas engine fails. That reduces the immediate safety risk posed by complete engine failure, although it's important to note that Toyota has not explicitly stated this is why hybrid models have been excluded from the recall.
What Makes Hybrid Pickup Trucks A Good Choice?
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Buying a Tundra Hybrid is not just a good idea because of the recalls issue. There are plenty of other items in the "pros" list when considering a hybrid pickup. From efficiency to working capabilities, hybrid powertrains lend themselves very well to the requirements of most pickup truck owners. Here are a few reasons why the Tundra Hybrid and other hybrid trucks can be the right purchase for you:
Improved fuel efficiency: Having a hybrid powertrain on board means your fuel consumption will be reduced. This is especially advantageous for drivers who also use their pickups in urban and suburban areas, where traffic and stop-start driving are more common. The lower fuel bill helps offset the higher upfront cost of buying a hybrid model.
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Lots of power and instant torque: Trucks with hybrid powertrains offer high power outputs and substantial torque even at low speeds. This is a major advantage for drivers who use their trucks primarily in a working context that involves towing and hauling heavy loads.
Benefits of electrification without charging: Pickups like the Tundra have a traditional hybrid setup rather than a plug-in hybrid one, which means you get all the benefits of driving an electrified vehicle without needing to charge or worrying about the availability of charging infrastructure.
Another Potential Option: The 2021 V8-Powered Tundra
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If a hybrid pickup truck does not sound like the right vehicle for you, but you still want a Tundra in your garage, there is something else you can do to avoid the recalls. Opting for a Tundra from the model’s previous generation, which came to an end with the 2021 model year. Today, the cheapest examples of the 2021 Tundra will cost you around $18,000, although budgeting between $25,000 and $35,000 should be enough to secure a smart example with reasonable miles. Expect to shell out considerably more for low-mileage example in very desirable trims.
2021 Toyota Tundra SR Double Cab 6.5' Bed 5.7L RWD - Price Trends
This model was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, the 3UR-FE, which produced 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which sent power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.
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Although not exactly modern (the second-gen Tundra was on the market for a decade and a half, having made its debut for 2007), the model has a proven track record of reliability and safety. The Tundra’s second generation boasted a fatality rate of 0.94 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, below that of rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra.
In terms of reliability, the 2021 Tundra does well for itself; it only has three recalls and 23 complaints associated with it. The recalls are much smaller in scope and much less serious than the ones affecting the modern Tundra (they are related to potential loss of power steering and potential headlight overheating, and the largest affects only around 22,000 vehicles). The complaints are mainly related to issues with the interior accessories and electrical issues.
Whether you choose to have a look on the used market and go down the V8 route, or you decide that the hybrid Tundra is the right pick for you, there are ways you can avoid or minimize the impact of the engine issues and recalls. Despite the recent news surrounding the model, buying a Tundra does not have to be a daunting process.
Sources: Toyota, NHTSA