Toyota is recalling 126,691 trucks and SUVs in the United States after discovering that machining debris left inside certain V35A engines can cause sudden engine failure while driving. The defect, which affects 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra models along with select Lexus SUVs, can trigger internal bearing damage that leads to a loss of drive power and loss of power assist for steering and brakes — a combination federal regulators warn sharply increases the risk of a crash. For owners, this is not a minor drivability quirk but a safety-critical defect tied directly to engine integrity.

What’s Going Wrong Inside the V35A Engines

According to Toyota’s NHTSA filing dated November 6, 2025, machining debris may remain in the crankshaft main bearing area of the 3.4-liter V35A twin-turbo V6 engine. If that debris circulates through the lubrication system, it can damage the bearings, cause knocking, trigger warning lights, or lead to a complete engine stall while the vehicle is in motion. Media reporting that followed on November 13–14, 2025 echoed the same warning: these engines can shut down abruptly at highway speeds without advance notice.

A stall of this kind is exactly what regulators fear most — a sudden shutdown of a large truck or SUV removes power assist for braking and steering at the moment a driver needs maximum control. Several outlets described the situation in urgent terms, emphasizing that debris contamination can “make engines suddenly stop while driving,” language consistent with NHTSA’s assessment that the defect poses an increased crash risk.

Which Toyota and Lexus Models Are Affected

This recall is broad enough that virtually any owner of a recent Tundra or full-size Lexus SUV should check their VIN. Toyota confirms the affected vehicles include:

• 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra (gas models, not hybrids)
• 2022–2024 Lexus LX 600
• 2024 Lexus GX 550

All are powered by the V35A twin-turbo V6 engine at the center of the defect. The recall total — 126,691 U.S. vehicles — has been widely reported, with some outlets rounding the figure to “nearly 127,000” or “more than 126,000,” all referring to the same campaign.

This is also an expansion of an earlier V35A engine recall from 2024, which covered roughly 102,000 2022–2023 Tundra and Lexus LX models for the same debris contamination problem. The 2025 recall broadens the build dates and adds affected Lexus GX SUVs, confirming the issue extended into later production.

Why a Sudden Stall Is a Serious Safety Hazard

When a modern truck or SUV weighing over two tons loses its engine without warning, the driver immediately loses power-assisted systems designed to keep the vehicle stable and controllable. Steering becomes heavier, braking requires more effort, and the vehicle’s speed can drop unexpectedly in traffic.

NHTSA notes the defect “can result in loss of motive power while driving,” and multiple outlets stress that this may occur at highway speeds. That combination makes the scenario dangerous not just for the driver, but for surrounding vehicles that may not anticipate a sudden slowdown from a full-size pickup or SUV.

Reports also indicate that drivers may notice early symptoms — such as knocking sounds, rough running, or warning lights — before a stall occurs, though the failure can still strike without gradual buildup. That unpredictability is a major reason regulators classify the defect as a safety issue rather than a reliability concern.

How Owners Can Check Their VIN and What Happens Next

Toyota encourages owners to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using any of these official tools:

• NHTSA’s recall lookup: nhtsa.gov/recalls
• Toyota recall portal: Toyota.com/recall
• Lexus recall portal: Lexus.com/recall

These databases update continuously and will confirm whether a specific vehicle is covered.

Importantly, Toyota is still developing the remedy. Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin in early January 2026, at which point repairs will be performed free of charge. Based on the earlier 2024 V35A recall, Toyota frequently opted for full engine replacements, though this campaign’s final repair approach has not yet been announced. Dealers will follow Toyota’s official repair instructions once the remedy is finalized.

Owners are strongly advised not to ignore warning signs such as engine knocking or rough running — these can be early indicators of bearing damage. Even if symptoms are subtle, Toyota’s guidance is clear: confirm the VIN and schedule the repair as soon as the remedy becomes available.

What This Recall Says About Modern Vehicle Risk

The recall of 126,691 Toyota and Lexus vehicles underscores how a microscopic manufacturing flaw can ripple across some of the automaker’s most important vehicles. Modern engines like the V35A rely on ultra-precise machining and tight tolerances, and when debris is not fully removed during production, the consequences can affect entire model years.

The urgency of the language used by both regulators and media outlets reflects a broader shift in how safety campaigns are communicated. When a defect can cause an engine to stall at speed, clarity matters — and this recall makes it clear that owners of affected Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and Lexus GX models need to act promptly once the repair becomes available.

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*Created with AI assistance and editor review.