Tundra 2018 with no block heater in Canada. Even Toyota sucks in 2022.

Long story short, there was a recall for the block heater and Toyota's solution was to cut the cable that connects the heater to the electricity. This happened when the temperatures were in -30s and no one spent 1 minute to tell me about the "solution".

Sent an email the other day to ask if there is a real solution in the works, before the winter, and their response was : "We would like to take this opportunity to explain that Recall RD1 for the block heater on your 2018 Toyota Tundra has been completed. This recall was to disconnect your block heater free of charge and reimburse the cost of the block heater. With that being said, there is no remedy for a separate block heater at a future time."

I guess even Toyota sucks nowadays.

 

That's not right. I imagine you're in a part of Canada where a block heater is required. So hard on an engine starting it in really cold weather. I have to move.

I thought it was strange I have a Toyota-specific cable instead of an extension cord. It also doesn't make a 'hissing' sound but appears to work. I can't imagine the cost if you need to order a replacement cable.

I'd install a wolverine or other good silicone heating pad to your oil pan while the weather is nice.

 

First I've heard of this one. Any idea which years are affected?

 

Letter text
Toyota Safety Recall RD1 Transport Canada Recall 2021-723
Dear Toyota Customer, This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person. Toyota has decided that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists on certain 2010 – 2012 model year Sequoia and 2010 – 2019 model year Tundra vehicles.

The subject vehicles are equipped with a dealer installed accessory engine block heater. Due to insufficient consideration for thermal durability at the time of block heater applicability, certain engine models manufactured with an oblong block bore were recommended an inappropriate block heater shape that allowed for a gap when the block heater cartridge was inserted. This can lead to an increase in temperature, which can exceed the allowable limit of the block heater electrical power cord insulation material. There is a possibility that this condition may cause a short circuit and increase the risk of a thermal event.

Any authorized Toyota dealer will disable the engine block heater, FREE OF CHARGE and reimburse the cost of the original block heater installation.

 

Well, great. Guess I won't be trading up to a 2016-2018 DC some day.

 

After another "unhappy" email from me, they now changed their story.

We would like to take this opportunity to advise at this time Toyota Canada is currently in the process of manufacturing the efficient amount of parts for this recall. We do apologize, however we do not have a time frame when they remedy will be available.

Please be assured that we will notify you by first class mail as soon as the campaign remedy parts are available. At which time you can make an appointment with your dealership to have the recall completed at no cost to you. Should you have additional questions regarding this impending Campaign, please contact your Toyota dealership.

I smell BS.

 

Come join us in the '22 world. No cam tower leaks or block heater issues.

 

I'll see what I think of them in 2035 when it's time to start thinking about a new truck.

 

Maybe I'll sell you mine, nicely broken in. I might be looking for a X-34 Landspeeder by then

 

At least they are headed in the right direction. Disabling as the ‘solution’ is unacceptable, and I’d almost bet they were hearing that from many unhappy customers.