Interesting informed take on the Tundra Recall

So I just dropped a Sequoia video today on the YT channel. Talk about being torn. I had a long conversation with the head of west coast PR for Toyota. I wanted to bring up the recall in the video. We had a healthy debate. I dropped it and instead put a note in the comments. Why? Did I back down? No. I thought about it a LOT. Ultimately, since there is not an active recall on the hybrid AND I can’t change YouTube videos after the fact, I felt it was unfair for everyone to talk about a possible recall coming that may affect the vehicle. I don’t have a crystal ball.

It did put me into quite the pickle. I mean, if I do talk about it and it doesn’t happen, I’m the idiot who assumed. If I don’t talk about it and it does happen, then I’ll get the “this didn’t age well” comments and be dismissed as a sell-out Toyota fan.

Now, I also have a Lexus TX video that was filmed BEFORE the recall that I’ve been sitting on. I’m currently going through a lot of thinking on that video. Should I add a segment about the recall? Should I not? Should an active recall make it into a review that could live on YouTube for years and years. Imagine watching that video in 3-5 years and then wondering if the recall is still active. Is that fair? Am I a sell out if I don’t talk about the recall. Ugh. This crap will tie your head up like a pretzel.

 

Why would the TX be involved in any of this?

 

Grand Highlander and Lexus TX recall hit the week after Tundra along with a stop/sale.

https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2024/06...us-tx-recall-drivers-side-airbag-malfunction/

 

Ah, unrelated recall to this thread. Gotcha.

 

Sorry, just how my brain works sometimes.

 

It did make me double take the TX, I thought it was either 4 banger or NA v6 hybrid.

 

Saying there is an adjacent recall isn't an issue to me and I'm generally not a fan of internet journalism integrity. The recall may or may not be something and I would state the %'s appear to be very low. As far as aging well I think if you don't disclose that's more of an issue.

 

“Not a fan of internet journalism integrity.” Ok, so really I’m screwed in your viewpoint. Gotcha.

 

The struggle to be responsible is real. An active recall is appropriate if that is what is going on at the moment. If you're concerned about longevity of the video, state it. "As of the making of this video in Summer 2024, there is an active recall..."

If it is speculative, like the situation with the Sequoia hybrid, I would leave it out. Can always be covered if it becomes a recall in the future. My two cents are done, and worth less than that.

 

My personal opinion is I don't think it's much speculation to assume the hybrid engines may be included in the recall at some point in the future. It's the same engine. It is odd though that they are left out. I wonder what the sales totals are of all HV Tundras and Sequoias together? Have any hybrids experienced engine failures?

The new GX also has the same engine, but I believe the only difference is it has smaller turbos? No stop sale for it either, but it's a 2024 model.

Not to derail this thread, but I am also on the list for a TX 500h, but I'm going to wait for 2025. I was majorly disappointed in the Sequoia, but really impressed at the TX third row for the kids. There is more room behind it than a BMW X7, which was enough for the dog kennel and suitcases. You could always upload the honest review and make an addition to it that discusses the recall, but I'm not a YouTube metric guru (my kids want to start a Minecraft channel though). Sounds like that one is more a design issue with the driver's side trim piece.

 

Who does the editorial review on what you post?
Where are the CV's?
It's a low bar.

There are good guys like yourself and I think Doug Demuro but there's a ton of junk too.
Most the the "journalists" that picked up your recall story probably don't know a Tundra from a toaster.

 

Jill does the editing on the website. She’s twice the journalist I am. I only have 3 people on staff, so hard to true editorial review on every video.

Sorry, it’s been a long day, I’m not sure what you mean by CVs at the moment. Yes, I feel dumb asking.

 

So, I have GX video ready to post as well. LOL. I just had a run of Toyota/Lexus vehicles lately. Currently, I have a 4Runner in the driveway. Is it the last best Toyota on the market? I keep asking myself that as I drive it.

 

Tim, do you comment on all of the Ford recalls when you post videos? How about the nearly guaranteed GM 6.2 lifter problems or the Hemi 6.4 oiling issues?

I watch them and know that you don't. I also know you don't speculate on poor quality of future products. I think you made the right choice and lately, the only car you can give a review on that doesn't have massive quality issues on the forums was your Honda Passport Trailsport review.

Just present the facts. I sure hope that PR team knows that they are screwed. As a Hybrid owner, I get all of the trashed resale with none of the guaranteed recall.

 

Damn. That’s a hell of a good comment. Thanks. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds in my world.

 

I, for one, really appreciate you spending time with us. I've been meaning to join your forum.

 

For me, I appreciate everyone over here as well, even the haters.

Often you work in a vacuum and don’t get the feedback in my job.

Many journalists ignore the comments. I’ve always thought that was wrong. I want to know what questions you have, how I can answer them (if possible) and how I can make my reviews better so everyone is a more informed consumer. That’s my mission if you call it that. People are spending big bucks on these trucks. You should be informed as possible before signing the bottom line. That should be your goal. Watch me, watch others, read lots and then make a decision based on all you know.

Sometimes I’m human and fall into the weeds with what happens in forums and FB groups. That’s a tough one. I’m pretty damn into what’s going on and I have to keep in mind, not everyone is in tune with the news like I am. That’s why I started the truck news recaps. Kind of offload my knowledge and the moment and move on as it were.

I’m pretty damn happy with the community that I’m growing. If I never get as “big” as my competitors, I don’t care. I feel like I’m making a difference, for better or worse, and that’s pretty damn cool.

 

My pappy told me a long time ago to always wear good shoes when driving because you never know when you might be walking.

Fear not, o ye of little faith.

 

Here is why I doubt Toyota will "bend over backwards" to address the Tundra problem. If you look at the overall Toyota business, Tundra is not a strategic product. It represents approx. 6% of their US sales, and little over 1% globally. Toyota could cancel the Tundra altogether and still remain the largest and highly profitable automotive company. Moreover, the typical Toyota buyer is not a truck guy, but is more concerned about sedans (Camry) and family SUVs (RAV4 and Highlander). Tundra woes are "noise", and most loyal Toyota buyers don't care about what happens to Tundra.
Toyota will take the path of lowest cost to fix the problem, which means short-block (and several weeks wait time). Even if they alienate Tundra owners, they will still retain a lot of prospective buyers. Right now Toyota is constrained by supply, they could easily lose 10% or more of prospective buyers and still sell all the cars they put on the market. While other manufacturers inventories are piling up, Toyota inventory still remains at less than a couple of weeks. Most popular Toyota models fly off the lot the day they arrive.

 

I tend to disagree. Many Tundra owners are also likely to own or consider owning other Toyota products so a less than satisfactory remedy here would not be a good business decision by Toyota. And many families establish some sort of brand loyalty that carries on to the children. So again, not a good business decision to short change (block) Tundra owners.

 

I agree. We just bought a new car and the Corolla was high on the list. What ultimately lead me to chose the Civic over the Corolla was the perceived direction Toyota may be headed with their quality.

The big 3 haven't set the reliability bar very high and until now, Toyota was leaps and bounds over that low bar. Now my perception is they figured out they didn't need to be but a tad higher than the rest to still sell cars.

Again this is the appearance and hopefully not a correct one.

 

I just saw a new Toyota commercial where they were touting their reliability and resale value across all their model range as compared to competitors. I just saw the last few seconds, so I didn't notice if there was an asterisk next to our 3rd gen Tundras.

 

I love my LX450. Was blown away at the quality and attention to detail. I think I fell into the Toyota is “best” when I told my daughter to get a Tundra hands down when she said she wanted a truck. I quickly joined this forum and was quickly and frankly shocked to see all the “issues” being posted. Not at all the same as I had seen on the “mud” forum regarding the LX/80 series.
I can honestly say having “owned” the Tundra just over 1.5 yrs, and about 45K kms, that I have spent more time fixing stuff on it than I have on any other vehicle I have ever owned, and that is saying a lot. We’ve dropped probably around CAN$6K into it since we purchased it. I had three Acuras (MDX, and two RDX), and I can say without a doubt they were very reliable. My MDX is a 08 with just shy of 400K kms. A year newer than the Tundra, but with 100K kms more on the clock. Not necessarily comparing apples to apples, but you get the pic. Damn, we paid $8K for the MDX 5.5 yrs ago and if it wasn’t for the rust, I’m sure it still has another 100K kms left in her.
The experience with the Tundra had left me really questioning the “legendary” Toyota quality, and after spending so much time working on the truck, I’m convinced the design engineers purposefully designed it not to be serviced (I’m a mech Eng, and have lots of design engineering experience). To make matters worse, when I enquired about buying the new LC at my local dealer, I was shunned, and given a “lecture” of long wait times including for up to 4 yrs for the Sienna minivan. I was like WTF is Toyota up to, and quickly gave up any dreams of getting a new LC.
So, for me, I’ve made the decision to sell my Tundra if I can recoup what I got into it or an amount close to that, and I will never buy another Toyota product.

 

Odd... my only issue is the engine recall... which is no small thing. But everything else is great or at least good enough.

 

They will not necessarily drop the claim, just make it sound fuzzier but try to keep the illusion alive. After all it is just marketing and lying is allowed.

How's the new Taco? Looks interesting, but I don't like the small fuel tank. Should have made it 25 gal, IMO.

 

Yeah, there's a lot of claims in this post, but no actual back up information. What have you spent CAN$6K on your Tundra? I've had mine for a year, and put 15K miles on it, and I haven't spent a dime on it other than routine maintenance. Like raylo said, it hasn't been perfect, but more than good enough.

 

I had a 2nd gen Taco for 15 yrs and loved it but I passed on that anemic 3rd gen powertrain. I was going to trade the 2nd gen for a 3rd gen but after I test drove one, just nope. I waited for the Tundra. I bet that 4th gen Taco turbo mill is light years better than the 3rd gen... except maybe reliability, which we won't know for awhile. I am also 6' with long legs... shrunk down from 6' 2" by old age. LOL

 

Did you say Taco Engine and Recall in the same quote? Better find some wood to knock on!

I was driving beside a new taco the other day and listening to the engine, it sounded very smooth and quiet. I really hope that it turns out to be a good one.

 

New rad (Koyo). Orig was leaking at top tank seam
New/Rebuilt alt. Failed a month ago
New serpentine belt (OEM)
New tensioner (Dayco)
New idler pulley (Dayco)
New battery (Diehard)
New front brake dust shields (OEM) rusted away
New rear rotors & pads (OEM)
New master cylinder (?)
New driveshaft carrier bearing (?)
New RR caliper (?)
New steering rack (OEM). OEM was leaking.
New steering rack hose assy (Amazon)
New tierods (MOOG)
New lower ball joints (MOOG)
New upper ball joints (Rough Country)
New FL ABS sensor (NTK)
New head unit (Kenwood). Orig (NAV) had blank screen.

Also, the HVAV flapper/diverter doors and NS. Haven’t looked into that, but seems like a common problem. Never ever had such an issue on any car I’ve owned thankfully. I see this can be a very expensive repair if you have to have it done at a garage.
It still needs new front rotors and pads (now squeaking), and tires. The exh that I just patched up might last another year (down pipe with the two cats). That in itself will cost $$$.
It’s also the ridiculous prices Toyota now charges for pats. Just got new wiper blades for CAN$123. I almost dropped to the floor. Just on the fact of spare prices alone I’m done with Toyota.
My neighbour is a Toyota fan. Newer Patinium Highlander hybrid, and older Prius. Just had the Prius serviced, and mech told him that he was lucky that the exh was still in good shape as a new one was CAN$4K. WTF! He is trying to get his son to get a new Corolla AWD next year. He just cannot believe how much work I’ve done on the Tundra. Even he said to dump it. Lol!