Toyota Tundra Platinum owner discovered metal shavings in oil at only 17,000 miles, causing uncertainty about potential vehicular issues.
In recent times, some Toyota Tundra owners have reported engine problems with the 2024 model, raising concerns about the vehicle's reliability. Two instances of engine failures have already been reported at a dealership, indicating that some engines might not be as bulletproof as buyers had hoped.
The issues stem from contamination left during the manufacturing process, a problem that led to recalls and engine replacements on 2022-2023 model years. Debris found inside the engine could cause catastrophic engine failure, and Toyota issued a recall for affected vehicles, replacing entire engine assemblies, including turbos, in phases as the recall remedy.
Some 2024 and early 2025 Tundras continue to experience engine failures, often manifesting as unusual noises, loss of power, and oil-burning smoke. Problems reported include spun main bearings causing sudden engine failure, water pump failures that may require engine rebuilds, and shuddering when turbos engage after rebuilds.
Toyota claims that 2024 models and beyond use an improved assembly process to eliminate the risk of internal contamination. However, ongoing reports suggest some carryover of earlier engine issues into 2024 Tundras. For instance, Tyler Garvey, a Toyota Tundra Platinum owner, found metal flakes in his engine oil after three oil changes at 17,000 miles. It's unclear whether Tyler's 2024 model is part of an official recall for the '22 and '23 models, but the presence of metal debris raises questions about whether this is a one-off issue or a broader problem that could eventually expand to newer model years.
Some owners have reported that what began as a simple oil change ended with the need for engine replacement due to contamination. Commenters on Tyler's post offered advice, such as keeping receipts and pictures from oil changes, and trying to diagnose the issue, such as whether the metal flakes are magnetic or not.
While Toyota did act on the initial engine recall in 2022 and 2023 non-hybrid Tundras by cleaning up the machining process that had left metal debris in the engines, it's reasonable to believe that Toyota's 2024 updates genuinely reduced the risk of internal contamination. However, it's also possible that some units built in the 2024 model year might still have lingering quality control issues.
In the face of these concerns, some Tundra owners are appreciating what the Tundra has to offer, especially those who made the leap from other brands. However, it's crucial for owners to stay alert, keep excellent records, and follow conservative maintenance schedules until Toyota openly addresses these cases or confirms that the engine recall won't be expanded.
As more owners like Tyler post about finding similar metal flakes in their oil, the question remains: Are 2024 and 2025 Tundras truly in the clear? When even a few brand-new trucks seize up, it casts a shadow of doubt. Mark Malone, a fellow Tundra owner, questioned Tyler's oil change intervals, suggesting that changing oil every 5,000 miles instead of the recommended 10,000 or 12,000 miles might benefit engine longevity.
In conclusion, while Toyota has taken steps to address the engine issues in the 2022-2023 Tundra models, persistent reports of similar problems in the 2024 and early 2025 models indicate that residual reliability concerns exist as of mid-2025. Owners are advised to stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining their vehicles until Toyota provides a definitive resolution to these issues.
[1] Toyota Recall Information: https://www.recalls.gov/toyota/ [2] Toyota Tundra Owners Forum: https://www.toyotatundraforum.com/
- The ongoing reports of engine failures in the 2024 and early 2025 Toyota Tundra models, despite Toyota's claims of an improved assembly process, raises questions about the finance industry's role in managing recalls and ensuring vehicle quality, particularly in the automotive segment of the transportation industry.
- Concerned owners, like Tyler Garvey, are banking on the effectiveness of the recall remedy offered by Toyota for the 2022-2023 Tundra models, hoping that it will prevent future engine issues in the finance sector, and ultimately contribute to a stronger reputation for the automotive industry in terms of reliability and quality assurance.
