Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Engine Defect Plaguing 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Tundra Hybrid

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges 2022-2024 model year Toyota Tundra and Tundra hybrid vehicles are stricken with an engine defect that can cause stalling and, in certain cases, total engine failure.

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The 41-page Toyota class action specifies that the apparent V35A engine defect stems from, or is related to, debris—dirt, dust, sludge or metal shavings—contained within the engines in affected vehicle models. If left uncleaned, the debris will remain nestled between the engine’s metal components and interfere with overall operation, the case explains. 

When the problem manifests, the suit says, a Toyota Tundra may “run rough,” exhibit engine knocking, and fail to accelerate while the driver is engaging the gas pedal before suddenly, after the delay, jolting or lurching forward. 

The alleged Toyota Tundra engine problems can create a host of unsafe driving situations, including an affected vehicle being rear-ended due to its failure to accelerate or rear-ending other vehicles. Catastrophic engine failure may also leave a driver and passengers stranded and burdened with extensive, expensive repairs, among other economic damages, the filing notes.

According to the lawsuit, Toyota is aware of the Tundra and Tundra hybrid engine defect and its related issues yet has failed to address the problem universally while continuing to sell vehicles with “a well-known safety issue.” 

Though Toyota announced a recall for over 100,000 Tundra and Lexus vehicles this year for potential engine failure, there exist “obvious shortcomings” with the initiative, including its failure to account for other vehicles with substantially similar engine builds that also exhibit the engine defect at issue, the complaint relays. Toyota’s recall this year covers only 2022 and 2023 models and does not include the 2024 model year Tundra or Tundra hybrid, the lawsuit states. 

For vehicles the Toyota recall does cover, however, the acceleration-delay lurch issue still exists, the filing shares.

“The result of all this is that Plaintiffs and class members who paid to purchase or lease a Class Vehicle are currently stuck driving a vehicle that Toyota knows is dangerous, but has no concrete timetable for a workable fix,” the class action suit summarizes, arguing that proposed class members should not be forced to wait it out for a potential fix that is not even guaranteed to work and will reduce the value of their vehicles. 

Though Toyota announced that it intends to replace the engines in the Tundras covered by the recall, reports indicate that drivers may have a long wait time before their vehicles can be repaired. The automaker reportedly said it planned to notify customers in late November or early December so they could begin scheduling engine replacements. 

The Toyota Tundra class action lawsuit looks to cover all owners and lessees of 2022, 2023 and 2024 Toyota Tundra and Tundra hybrid vehicles bought or leased in the United States or its territories.

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