If you’ve been keeping up with us and checking out our posts, you know we often talk about how reliable Toyota is. It’s not just because we’re fans or being childish about it. It’s based on our own experiences, loads of research, and a lot of people around the world who agree with us about Toyota’s dependability. This solid rep also reflects in the resale prices. But let’s be real, that doesn’t mean Toyota is flawless. They’ve had their share of bumps in the road, like recalls for various manufacturing issues. Recently, Toyota and Lexus have had some notable recalls, including things like engine replacements, airbag problems, instrument display issues, and even paint flaws.
The good news is that dealers fix these safety issues for free, and you can look up recall info using your VIN. This post takes a look at common problems people are curious about, like engine issues, airbag troubles, and specific models like the RAV4, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sienna. It lays out the fixes, shows you how to check your car, and gives you awesome buying and selling tips to steer clear of any outstanding recalls.
Let’s keep it simple: recalls can be a pain, but they show the safety system is working. If there’s an issue, manufacturers typically step up and fix it for you without any extra charges. Keep reading for all the details, a handy table comparing recent major recalls for Toyota and Lexus, and a quick checklist for when you’re at the dealer or thinking about picking up a used car.
Here’s A Quick Look At The Latest Recalls:
Toyota just shared that they’re recalling around 127,000 vehicles. This includes non-hybrid 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra pickups, 2022-2024 Lexus LX SUVs, and some 2024 Lexus GX models. The reason behind this is that some machining debris might have stuck around in the V35A engines during production.
So what’s the problem? That debris could cause engine knocking, make the engine run rough, or even lead to a no-start situation or sudden power loss. It could also cause main-bearing damage, which may result in stalling or engine failure. Toyota is working on a fix and will let vehicle owners know when it’s ready. In the meantime, folks should check their VIN on Toyota’s site or the NHTSA recall lookup.
This isn’t the first time Toyota has recalled this engine. Earlier in 2024, there was another recall for certain 2022-2023 Tundra pickups and Lexus LX600 SUVs using the same V35A non-hybrid V6. For that recall, Toyota took care of replacing the engine at no cost through their authorized dealers. Now for this latest recall, Toyota mentioned they’re developing a solution and that customers should expect to hear more about it by early January 2026.
Here’s a rundown of other major recalls:
Toyota / Lexus — Major Engine & Engine-Adjacent Recalls (2000–2025)
This table summarizes major safety-grade recalls affecting engines and engine-adjacent components (ECM, fuel pumps, inverters, block castings, valve springs, exhaust/emissions hardware). It is a curated list for owner awareness — always check your VIN with Toyota or NHTSA for definitive, up-to-date status.
| Year | Campaign / ref | Affected models / years | Component | Problem (short) | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | NHTSA / manufacturer recalls (2010) | Various 2006–2008 Lexus/Toyota V6/V8 models (IS350, GS, LS, etc.) | Valve springs | Manufacturing/contamination defect could cause spring fracture → rough running or stall. | Dealer inspection & valve-spring replacement — free of charge. |
| 2012–2014 | Safety recalls / expansions (supplier-related) | Selected Tacomas, other engine families (model-year specific) | Valve springs / internal hardware | Supplier defects causing cracking or premature failure. | Dealer replacement of affected springs / engine internal remedy. |
| 2014 | Recall / service campaign (inverter/IPM) | Certain 2010–2014 Prius and other hybrids | Hybrid inverter / power electronics | Inverter faults or software conditions could force hybrid system reset → limp/stop mode. | Software update or inverter replacement; dealer performed remedy free. |
| 2019–2020 | NHTSA Part 573: 20V-064 (block porosity) | 2019–2020 RAV4 / RAV4 Hybrid; 2020 Camry / Camry Hybrid; Avalon Hybrid; Lexus ES300h | Engine block (2.5L family) | Casting porosity → coolant leaks or internal damage → overheating, stall, engine failure. | Dealer inspection of block serials; affected engines replaced (block/engine assembly) free of charge. |
| 2020–2023 | Service campaigns & recalls (exhaust / emissions hardware) | Various model-year specific Toyota/Lexus models (e.g., Tacoma, Prius, others) | Exhaust / catalytic / gasket | Pipe/catalyst or gasket issues causing leaks, MIL, elevated emissions or poor performance. | Dealer replacement of affected exhaust/catalyst/pipe/gasket assemblies; occasional reprogramming. |
| 2024 (May 30) | Toyota/Lexus press release; NHTSA filing (machining debris) | 2022–2023 Toyota Tundra (gas V35A) and 2022–2023 Lexus LX600 (gas), certain production lots | Engine internal (machining debris) | Machining debris left in some engine assemblies → potential bearing damage → knock, stall, loss of power. | Toyota to inspect VINs and replace affected engines; dealer engine replacement performed at no charge. |
| 2025 (May — expansion) | Expanded Tundra campaign / manufacturer notices | 2022–2025 Tundra (including Hybrid variants) — expanded population | Engine / drivetrain production issues | Potential engine malfunction, stall or related defects tied to same production issues — expanded scope. | Dealers inspect and perform required repairs or engine replacement where needed; owners notified. |
| 2025 (select docs) | Recall doc (fuel pump / low-pressure pump) | Selected model-year specific examples (e.g., certain Camry runs) | Low-pressure fuel pump | Fuel pump may stop operating → MIL, rough running, risk of stalling. | Dealer replacement of low-pressure fuel pump as required; remedy at no charge. |
| 2003–2008 | Multiple ECM campaigns (early 2000s) | Various 2003–2008 Corolla / Matrix / related models | Engine Control Module (ECM) | ECM manufacture or software defects causing stalling or incorrect behavior. | Dealer ECM replacement or reprogramming; owners notified. |
| 2009–2011 | Investigations / targeted recalls (throttle / ECM) | Various models under investigation for stalling / throttle-control complaints | ECM / throttle control | Software or component issues potentially linked to stalling/sudden-accel complaints. | Software updates, module replacement or pedal/assembly fixes — dealer remedy. |
| 2025 (Nov 6) | Voluntary recall (Toyota press release; campaign 25TA14 reported) | ≈127,000 U.S. vehicles: 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra (non-hybrid), 2022–2024 Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX (conventional gas models) | Engine internal (machining debris) | Potential machining debris left in some engine assemblies → possible bearing damage causing engine knock, rough running, no-start, or loss of motive power (safety risk). | Toyota is developing a remedy; owners will be notified once remedy is available. Dealers will perform the remedy at no charge (Toyota press release). |
What to do now — checklist for owners
- Check your VIN right now: use Toyota’s official recall lookup or NHTSA’s recall lookup to confirm any open recalls for your 17-digit VIN.
- If your VIN is affected: contact your dealer immediately and schedule the remedy — all recalls are performed free of charge. For the Nov 6, 2025 machine-debris recall, Toyota is developing a remedy and will notify owners once it is ready.
- If you see symptoms (knock, rough idle, stalling, coolant/oil leaks, MIL): stop driving if it’s unsafe and have the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection.
- If you already paid for a repair: keep receipts — Toyota’s owner notices describe reimbursement procedures where applicable.
What happens if I miss a recall?
- Open safety risk remains — the vehicle can still experience the original defect (stall, fire risk, engine damage).
- Recalls for safety defects do not expire — dealers will still perform the remedy even if you missed the initial owner letter; reimbursement windows for prior repairs may have time limits.
- Open recalls can affect resale and inspections — buyers and dealers commonly check VINs before purchase.
Sources & note: this table is a curated summary of major Toyota/Lexus engine and engine-adjacent recalls (NHTSA/ manufacturer notices). It is not a VIN lookup — always verify recall status for a specific car using Toyota’s recall lookup (toyota.com/recall), Lexus recall page, or NHTSA’s SaferCar recall search (nhtsa.gov/recalls).
Toyota Recalls — Where Do I Check My VIN
Best two places to check: the official Toyota recall lookup page and NHTSA’s recall portal. Enter your VIN and you’ll see open safety recalls and service campaigns; if a recall affects you, dealers must perform the remedy free of charge. Expect a mailed owner notification for most safety recalls, but don’t wait — VIN lookup is faster:
Or you can just give the Toyota Brand Engagement Center a call at 1-800-331-4331. For Lexus cars, you can reach out to the Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1-800-255-3987.
Toyota Tundra Recall & Recalls On Toyota Trucks
Recently Toyota’s truck recalls have been high-profile: the engine-debris recall affected many Tundra 2022–2023 non-hybrid V6 trucks, and other Tundra recalls have included camera/software issues and earlier safety campaigns. Toyota’s press releases list model years and populations; the action could be anything from software updates to replacing parts or even engines, depending on what the problem is. Here are a few more recalls you might want to keep an eye on:
- Mid-2000s — 5.7L Tundra camshaft / early engine failures (circa 2006–2008 models)
What happened: Multiple field reports (camshaft failures / cam bearing/scoring) on early 5.7L i-Force V8s used in the 2007 Tundra generation produced media/owner alarm. Toyota investigated and in affected cases offered engine repairs/replacements. This was widely reported in 2007 press coverage. - 2010 — Valve-spring defects (major Lexus/Toyota engine campaign announced mid-2010)
What happened: Toyota/Lexus issued a safety campaign around valve springs that could contain manufacturing defects and fracture; affected engines could experience rough running or stall. This recall/campaign covered many V6/V8 engines across Lexus and some Toyota lines (owner and dealer notices / NHTSA recall docs). Some truck/SUV engines (eg. Sequoia, other V6/V8 applications in the broader Toyota family) were included in related lists. Remedy: dealer inspection and valve-spring replacement. - 2010 (Oct) — Large fuel-pump / brake-fluid / drivability campaign (wider Toyota recall window)
What happened: As part of multiple 2009–2011 campaigns (the unintended acceleration era), Toyota announced large campaigns that included fuel-pump/electrical items and brake-fluid/master-cylinder issues on many models globally. Some truck/SUV models appeared in those mass campaigns where a fuel-system electrical problem could cause stalling. Remedies were typically pump/electrical module replacement or software fixes. - 2013–2014 — Tacoma valve-spring recall (specific Part 573 defect report / RCDNN-13V557)
What happened: Toyota filed a Defect Information Report for certain 2013–2014 Tacoma 4-cylinder engines whose valve springs (from a specific supplier/lot) could corrode and fracture, potentially causing engine failure/stall. Remedy: dealer valve-spring replacement (free). This is an explicit NHTSA/Toyota documentation. - 2003–2014 (various engine-adjacent module recalls / electronic control units for trucks)
What happened: Across the 2000s and early 2010s there were several campaigns that touch ECUs/engine control modules, SRS/airbag modules, and fuel-delivery electronics which can affect drivability/stall risk on older Tundra/Tacoma/Sequoia models. Remedies ranged from reprogramming to module replacement. (See dealer/TSB/recall matrices and NHTSA recall pages for year/model specifics.)
Miscellaneous truck/SUV recalls 2000–2015 affecting drivability (examples)
- Propeller-shaft / drivetrain recalls (2010 era): some 2010 Tundra model runs had front propeller-shaft weld issues (drivetrain, not engine internals) requiring shaft replacement.
- TPMS, brake, exhaust & emissions hardware recalls: several truck platforms (Tundra/Sequoia/4Runner/Tacoma) had campaigns for items that do not replace the engine but can affect safety or emissions and sometimes engine performance (e.g., catalytic/exhaust or crank damper adhesive issues).
Toyota Unintended Acceleration Incident
Back in 2009 and 2010, Toyota found itself in hot water with a bunch of reports about their cars speeding up unexpectedly, which led to the recall of millions of vehicles around the globe. For instance, their floor-mat and pedal issue affected about 4.26 million cars in the U.S. alone, and around 6.1 million worldwide. This was just one of several related recalls that year. The situation sparked congressional hearings, class-action lawsuits, and even a $1 million public challenge from Edmunds for anyone who could consistently recreate and solve the problem, but no one ever managed to claim that prize.
After some in-depth investigations by the NHTSA, with help from NASA, the government found no solid proof of an electronic “smoking gun” that caused the high-speed accelerations in Toyota’s systems. Instead, they pointed to things like stuck pedals, mats getting trapped, driver mistakes sometimes, and issues with building quality. Claims suggesting this whole thing was a planned, politically motivated scheme don’t have any credible support and were shown to be wrong through public reviews and court findings. Toyota did end up paying hefty settlements for mishandling the situation and not being upfront about the recalls. Anyway, the main takeaway is that now every car has brake override logic which is a standard in the industry.
How Recalls Get Fixed
Remedies vary depending on the defect:
- Software issue → dealer will update the vehicle’s software (often the fastest fix).
- Component replacement → dealer replaces instrument cluster, camera module, airbag inflator, driveshaft joint, etc.
- Engine replacement / major mechanical remedy → rare and costly: dealers will replace the engine assembly under the recall program (Toyota has done this for the V35A recall). Expect scheduling and phased remedy rollouts as parts become available.
- Customer Support Program / paint → dealers perform cosmetic work or reimburse documented owner repairs within program rules.
All safety recall remedies are free of charge to the vehicle owner in the U.S. — that’s federal rule.
What To Do Right Now —(Critical Issues)
- Check your VIN (now). Go to toyota.com/recall, lexus.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
- Don’t ignore symptoms. If you experience knocking, rough running, stalling, no-start, or loss of power — stop driving and arrange a tow. These can be safety risks.
- Call your dealer and schedule service. If your VIN is affected, ask whether a remedy is available now or if repairs will be phased. Request the earliest appointment.
- Request safety measures while you wait. If the dealer can’t fix it immediately and you have concerning symptoms, ask for a loaner, courtesy transport, or that the vehicle be taken out of service until fixed.
- Document everything. Record VIN, odometer, date, contact name, recall number (if available), dealer name and appointment time. Take photos/videos of symptoms and save emails/receipts.
- Ask the dealer the right questions. Is the official remedy available? Timeline for parts/repairs? Will Toyota cover towing/loaner? Will prior related repairs be reimbursed?
- Keep receipts for prior repairs. Save invoices — you may be eligible for reimbursement if the work relates to the defect.
- Escalate if needed. If the dealer is unhelpful, contact Toyota/Lexus Customer Experience or file a complaint with NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Verify the repair. After service, obtain a repair order showing the VIN and recall number. Confirm no codes remain and perform a test drive.
- Stay informed. Watch dealer emails/mail and the VIN lookup page for phased remedy details and instructions.
Quick safety checklist (if you’re driving)
- If you feel a sudden loss of power, pull to safety and call for a tow.
- If the engine stalls on the highway: shift to neutral, signal and carefully reach the shoulder — do not continue long-distance driving.
- Avoid heavy loads, towing or highway driving until inspected if you have symptoms.
If you already paid out-of-pocket for the defect repair before a recall launched, check Toyota’s If you paid for the repair yourself before the recall started you might be able to get some money back from Toyota. Just check their reimbursement guidelines. Some programs will reimburse you as long as you have your receipts and follow the timing rules.
Buying Or Selling A Toyota/Lexus
- Buying used: Before you sign anything, check the VIN on the NHTSA site and the manufacturer’s recall page. If you spot any active safety recalls, make sure the seller gets it fixed or knocks down the price. A recall that’s already taken care of is way better than one still open, so definitely ask to see the repair order from the dealer.
- Selling: Be upfront about any open recalls. In a lot of places, not mentioning them could get you into legal trouble. Share the VIN check results and any repair receipts if the recall’s been fixed.
- Resale value: Safety recalls don’t always kill resale values, especially if they’ve been fixed. Sure, big recalls that could hurt a brand’s reputation might lower demand a bit, but usually, things can be managed once there’s proof that the issue has been resolved.
FAQ
Q: Are recalls an admission of poor quality?
A: Not really. Recalls usually happen when a flaw is found in how something was made or designed. Today’s cars are pretty complicated, and even the best brands end up having recalls. What really counts is how fast a defect is spotted and sorted out. Toyota, for instance, often runs service campaigns (some even before problems pop up), and the recall system helps to deal with safety issues.
Q: How long will it take to get my engine replaced under the Tundra/LX recall?
A: Replacing an engine is no small task. Toyota has set things up in phases so they can handle parts and scheduling better. It’s best to check in with your dealer for the timeline—Toyota’s recall materials lay out how they’ll roll this out to use parts wisely.
Q: If my car has had a recall repair, can it still have problems?
A: The fix is supposed to take care of the specific problem. But sometimes, other issues might come up and could be covered by your warranty or a new service campaign. Just keep your paperwork and don’t hesitate to check back with the dealer if something doesn’t feel right.
Final take
Recalls might be a hassle but they’re really important. They help keep any dangerous issues off the road and the best part is you don’t have to pay for the repairs. If you own or are looking to buy a used Toyota, the smartest move you can make is to check your VIN right away. If your car has been repaired under a recall, hang on to that paperwork. It’ll safeguard you, your passengers, and even help your car’s resale value later on.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that every car maker should have recalls. So they’re not the problem; in fact, recalls show how committed a manufacturer is to supporting their vehicles even after they leave the factory. The real challenge is how quickly and effectively the company responds. I think Toyota is doing a solid job and is keeping up with the best in the industry.
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