- Massive Recall: Toyota recalls nearly 100,000 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX sport-utility vehicles.
- Engine Failure: This recall has something to do with a possibly catastrophic failure of the engines caused by manufacturing debris.
- Engine Replacement: Toyota has decided to replace every affected engine free of cost to owners.
- Safety First: With the replacement of all the engines, Toyota has shown an extreme regard for customer safety.
- Affected Models: This recall action affects 2022 and 2023 gas-powered versions of the Tundra and Lexus LX.
- Owner Action: Owners should be alerted to notifications from Toyota to have the engine replaced.
In a move that will send shivers down the spine of the automobile world, Toyota announced a massive recall comprising nearly 100,000 Tundra pickup trucks and Lexus LX luxury SUVs. The reason for the call back: potentially catastrophic engine failure linked to manufacturing debris.
The problem concerns the twin-turbocharged V6 engine that drives both the Tundra and LX when being produced, whereby small metal bits can become caught up within the motor. In this situation, engine knocking or running roughly can occur, or the power can even be entirely lost on the move. This constitutes a serious safety issue since a vehicle stalling in the middle of traffic may cause mishaps.
Toyota has gone a step further to replace every single engine in the cars. The task is gargantuan, and for sure, it must be very costly for the automaker, yet it shows concern for the customer’s safety. It will cover the 2022 and 2023 model-year Tundras and LXs with the gasoline engine; the hybrid models have been excluded from the recall.
The vehicle owners affected can expect a notification sent out by Toyota in the coming weeks. The vehicle owners will be able to have the engine replaced with a complete engine free of charge at the dealership.
The news of this huge recall is certainly a bitter pill to swallow for owners of both Tundras and LXs, but how admirable of Toyota to make this full-engine replacement decision rather than a less-door-slamming repair. It shows that the company is concerned for the customer’s safety and satisfaction.
This fact assures that its real financial impact on Toyota remains to be seen. The replacement of thousands of engines is a costly affair, without a doubt, binding the resources of the automaker. Yet, the damage to its reputation had it failed to act decisively, could have been even greater.
It will now be very thrilling to watch how exactly Toyota manages the logistics of replacing so many engines. They have to make sure they have a proper supply of replacement engines ready for use and that they have enough qualified technicians to do the job.
While this is a challenging time for Toyota, it is also the opportunity for the automaker to demonstrate its ability to build long-term partnering relationships with customers. Done correctly and efficiently, this recall will serve as an opportunity to resurrect its reputation and allow Toyota to emerge from the crisis stronger.
Meanwhile, owners of the affected vehicles should look out for notification from Toyota and be prepared to schedule an appointment with their dealership at their earliest convenience.
