Toyota has once again found itself addressing issues related to its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines. The company has announced a second recall campaign involving this powerplant, bringing an additional approximately 127,000 vehicles in the United States back to dealerships. The concern centers on the possibility that some engines may still contain residual metal shavings or machining debris left behind during the manufacturing process, which could potentially lead to serious mechanical problems over time.
This newest recall applies to several models equipped with the non-hybrid version of the V35A twin-turbo V6 engine. Specifically, it affects 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks and the 2022–2024 Lexus LX and 2024 Lexus GX SUVs. Toyota has stated that drivers of these vehicles might notice symptoms such as unusually rough engine operation, noticeable knocking noises, trouble starting the engine, or, in the worst cases, complete engine failure while driving. Such an event poses not only an inconvenience but could also present potential safety risks in certain situations.
If this situation sounds familiar, it is because Toyota had already issued a very similar recall in 2024, which involved more than 100,000 Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX models for essentially the same problem. At the time, investigations revealed that an inadequate cleaning procedure during engine assembly might allow tiny bits of debris to remain inside the crankshaft oil passages. These leftover particles can impede the flow of engine oil, reducing lubrication to key internal components. When that happens, the engine may develop knocking noises, stall unexpectedly, or suffer catastrophic internal damage. Considering Toyota’s long-established reputation for building highly reliable vehicles, any widespread engine failure is especially damaging to the brand’s image.
Currently, Toyota has stated that it is still working on a definitive solution. This language is notably similar to what the company said during the initial recall. In that earlier instance, Toyota eventually acknowledged that the only realistic way to resolve the problem was to replace the engines entirely in more than 102,000 affected vehicles. If the findings are the same this time around, the automaker may once again need to commit to large-scale engine replacements.
Another detail to note is that this recall has not yet been formally initiated through the NHTSA. Instead, Toyota is voluntarily choosing to carry out the recall process on its own. The company has said that owners of affected models will receive official notifications by January 2026, explaining what steps they need to take next. If the final remedy ultimately involves installing a brand-new engine, many owners will likely be pleased to receive one, even if the situation is inconvenient for the company and potentially costly in terms of repairs and public perception.