Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The third Tundra marks a radical break — away from the proven V8, toward the V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 3.5L. Also available as i-FORCE MAX hybrid at 326 kW. More modern, more efficient, but with significant teething problems.
The V35A-FTS has had major issues from day one: two recalls for manufacturing debris and main bearing failure (24V381000, 25V767000), structural 2-4 second turbo lag, and reports of sudden engine failure at highway speed. Toyota has replaced entire engines — parts for the second recall weren't available as of late 2025.
The 10-speed automatic shifts cleanly, ride quality is much improved. Interior is a massive step forward. But the engine problems overshadow everything.
Test-drive checklist: V35A-FTS throttle lag. Oil pressure warning history. Recall completion (VIN check essential). Hybrid: electric-boost integration.
2026 market: Between $38,000 and $65,000. Significant depreciation. Many owners trading back to 2nd-gen V8s.
Insider pick: Avoid early 2022-2023 builds — if buying, 2024+ with all recalls completed and engine serials verified.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen is available with one engine variant at 389 hp.
3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that replaces the former V8 in large pickups and SUVs, delivering strong torque from low revs. The first model years 2022 to 2023 suffered a serious manufacturing defect with metal debris inside the engine, leading to a major recall with full engine replacement; this is corrected from 2024. When buying early examples, be sure to check whether the replacement has already been done, and listen for knocking, metal in the oil and power drops. The turbochargers and direct injection demand clean oil. Long-term reliability cannot yet be conclusively assessed.
- !! Fertigungsrückstände (Metallspäne) im Motorinneren beeinträchtigen Ölfluss. 102.000 betroffene Fahrzeuge (2022-2023 Tundra + Lexus LX600). Kompletter Motoraustausch als Lösung.
Manufacturing debris (metal shavings) left inside engines impairs oil flow. 102,000 affected vehicles (2022-2023 Tundra + Lexus LX600). Full engine replacement as the fix.
- !! Documented in Tundra and Lexus LX600 with V35A-FTS. Severe knocking, oil pressure loss, engine failure.
Documented in Tundra and Lexus LX600 with V35A-FTS. Severe knocking, oil pressure loss, engine failure.
Symptoms: Severe knocking from engine, oil pressure warning, sudden power loss - !! Plötzlicher Motorausfall bei Autobahngeschwindigkeit
Softwarefehler oder Fertigungsmängel können zum vollständigen Antriebsverlust bei hoher Geschwindigkeit führen. Recall 25V767000 in Entwicklung.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 14-inch touchscreen with occasional freezes and restarts. OTA updates continuously improve. 14-inch touchscreen with occasional freezes and restarts. OTA updates improving continuously. Symptoms: Screen freezes, audio drops briefly | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen (2022–2025) — 5 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Interior, Other, Suspension.
Tundra (V35A-FTS, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Fertigungsrückstände (Metallspäne) im Motorinneren beeinträchtigen Ölfluss. 102.000 betroffene Fahrzeuge (2022-2023 Tundra + Lexus LX600). Kompletter Motoraustausch als Lösung., Documented in Tundra and Lexus LX600 with V35A-FTS. Severe knocking, oil pressure loss, engine failure., Plötzlicher Motorausfall bei Autobahngeschwindigkeit. Power: 389 PS.
What to watch out for with the Toyota Tundra? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee