Toyota is facing a significant challenge with its V35A twin-turbo V6 engineswhich have been plagued by persistent issues related to the #1 main bearing. The problem has led to multiple recalls, with the latest affecting over 270,000 vehicles. In response, Toyota has introduced a new inspection protocol to determine if engines are defective without resorting to immediate replacements.
The new protocol, detailed in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) document updated on June 15, involves using inspection software to evaluate the #1 main bearing and collect vehicle drive data. If the software cannot confirm the bearing’s condition, the engine will be replaced free of charge. This approach aims to streamline the recall process and provide a more efficient solution for affected vehicle owners.
Understanding the V35A Engine Issues
The problems with the V35A engines stem from manufacturing debrisknown as swarf, which can adhere to the main bearing and cause knocking, rough idle, or total engine shutdown. This issue has been the subject of three extensive recalls, with the first issued in May 2026, the second in, and the latest in May 2026.
Toyota has already replaced more than 70,000 twin-turbo V6 engines under the previous recall campaigns. The new inspection protocol is designed to identify engines that may still be at risk, particularly those built before a design change was implemented in. This change aimed to reduce the likelihood of abnormal wear on the #1 main bearing.
How the New Inspection Software Works
The inspection software uses the resonant frequency of the front of the crankshaft to assess the condition of the #1 main bearing. Toyota’s development of this software involved testing numerous engines to identify the resonant frequency differences between bearings with and without abnormal wear.
In addition to the resonant frequency analysis, the software collects available vehicle drive data to determine if the engine has been subjected to sufficient load. If there is insufficient data, the engine will be replaced as a precautionary measure. This approach allows Toyota to identify potential issues without disassembling the engine, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
Owner Reactions and Concerns
Despite the new inspection protocol, some owners remain dissatisfied with Toyota’s approach. Ryan Gregg, a Tundra enthusiast and owner advocate, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The Tundra owners’ community is disappointed, to say the least.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction over financial considerations, quoting Martin Luther King Jr: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Gregg and other owners believe that the problems run deeper than what Toyota is addressing. They argue that the new inspection protocol is a way for Toyota to slow the financial bleeding and avoid admitting to an inherent design flaw. This sentiment is echoed in various online forums, where owners have been following the saga for the past two years.
Toyota continues to build new Tundras with the V35A-FTS engine, claiming that the revised engines are less susceptible to damage from manufacturing debris. However, if failures occur on these revised engines, Toyota’s problems could escalate further, potentially damaging the brand’s reputation for reliability.
