GX 550 V35A Engine Recall Possibly Expanded? (2 Viewers)

[ilumo]

Yep, we both find ourselves between a rock and a hard spot. Regardless of which way you go on buying a GX 550, at least you know most of the positives and negatives going in. I agree, I find it very difficult to believe Toyota would deliberately sell vehicles with an engine they knew would need to be replaced under warranty. Your overall risk of a failure is relatively low based on what we know now. Therefore purchasing now is certainly not a bad decision. It’s the “what we don’t know now” that has my instincts telling me to wait another 10 to 12 months in hopes that more of these unknowns may become knowns before I purchase. If no additional recalls are issued by the end of 2026, I will assume that Toyota has solved the problem(s) with the V35A and I will very likely buy a 2027 GX 550 Overtrail.

If it helps any. I had a 24 lux+ mfg 5/24 and no engine recall. Everything was rock solid (maybe too solid) and great. I just traded the 24 in for a 26 lux+ mfg 11/25. I have no fear of any issues. If so then I am super confident Lexus will fix it. I no worry. I just enjoy.

 

[FOJ]

I have been looking closely at the GX550 and Land Cruiser 250 for several months. If not for the serious questions surrounding the V35 A 3.4, I would be inclined to go with the GX550. I can wait and the Land Cruiser is a good, very close, alternative that I could still choose regardless.

I think the recalls, owner confirmations, and the damning tear down video beg that Toyota come forward with more clarity once they are certain they have determined this has been addressed. I do want to offer that I have and continue to question techs and service advisors about this at both Toyota and Lexus dealerships and 2025’s seem to be holding up. Then again they have not been on the road as long.

I would prefer a slightly larger SUV, but I am focused on the GX550 and Land Cruiser because they are made in Japan and I am tired of getting cars that are expensive to maintain and repair in addition to questions of reliability. It’s definitely frustrating to have this happening to a brand that one could otherwise have confidence in.

 

[Spearone]

I have been looking closely at the GX550 and Land Cruiser 250 for several months. If not for the serious questions surrounding the V35 A 3.4, I would be inclined to go with the GX550. I can wait and the Land Cruiser is a good, very close, alternative that I could still choose regardless.

I think the recalls, owner confirmations, and the damning tear down video beg that Toyota come forward with more clarity once they are certain they have determined this has been addressed. I do want to offer that I have and continue to question techs and service advisors about this at both Toyota and Lexus dealerships and 2025’s seem to be holding up. Then again they have not been on the road as long.

I would prefer a slightly larger SUV, but I am focused on the GX550 and Land Cruiser because they are made in Japan and I am tired of getting cars that are expensive to maintain and repair in addition to questions of reliability. It’s definitely frustrating to have this happening to a brand that one could otherwise have confidence in.

Well said! I looked at the Land Cruiser as well and really liked it until I sat in and drove a GX550. The GX 550 was much more refined, had a bit more cargo space, and it just felt like home to me. I decided right then the GX was very likely going to be my next vehicle.

 

[bart]

I am genuinely curious what would be satisfactory from Toyota in terms of "coming forward"? Official documents submitted to NHTSA explain the nature of the failure, showcase investigation that led to that conclusion, and state the steps taken to rectify the problem - improved manufacturing process and stronger main bearings. What more should they do? Should they come up with a marketing campaign explaining something 99% of the buyers would not understand? Youtube video showing engine parts? Vast majority of buyers doesn't even know why those parts are inside the internal combustion engine . Such actions could very easily backfire. It could turn away potential buyers because of the problem that, according to Toyota, doesn't exist anymore. Social media and keyboard warriors would likely add fuel to the fire. Would this risk be worth taking? To convince few holdouts? Especially given the fact that 2025 was the third best year in terms of units sold in the entire Tundra history, and that demand for GX is so high the production can't satisfy it.

 

[YellowLab]

Yep, we both find ourselves between a rock and a hard spot. Regardless of which way you go on buying a GX 550, at least you know most of the positives and negatives going in. I agree, I find it very difficult to believe Toyota would deliberately sell vehicles with an engine they knew would need to be replaced under warranty. Your overall risk of a failure is relatively low based on what we know now. Therefore purchasing now is certainly not a bad decision. It’s the “what we don’t know now” that has my instincts telling me to wait another 10 to 12 months in hopes that more of these unknowns may become knowns before I purchase. If no additional recalls are issued by the end of 2026, I will assume that Toyota has solved the problem(s) with the V35A and I will very likely buy a 2027 GX 550 Overtrail.

For all the 'supposed' fear around this issue - it certainly has not slowed down consumer demand for the vehicle. I know if there is a major problem - I'd rather deal with Lexus than any other MFR.

 

[Spearone]

For all the 'supposed' fear around this issue - it certainly has not slowed down consumer demand for the vehicle. I know if there is a major problem - I'd rather deal with Lexus than any other MFR.

I completely agree!

 

[FOJ]

I am genuinely curious what would be satisfactory from Toyota in terms of "coming forward"? Official documents submitted to NHTSA explain the nature of the failure, showcase investigation that led to that conclusion, and state the steps taken to rectify the problem - improved manufacturing process and stronger main bearings. What more should they do? Should they come up with a marketing campaign explaining something 99% of the buyers would not understand? Youtube video showing engine parts? Vast majority of buyers doesn't even know why those parts are inside the internal combustion engine . Such actions could very easily backfire. It could turn away potential buyers because of the problem that, according to Toyota, doesn't exist anymore. Social media and keyboard warriors would likely add fuel to the fire. Would this risk be worth taking? To convince few holdouts? Especially given the fact that 2025 was the third best year in terms of units sold in the entire Tundra history, and that demand for GX is so high the production can't satisfy it.

From the November 2025 recall:
“There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced.”
“Toyota is currently developing the remedy for this issue.”

I believe the statements above were issued after steps were taken to correct the manufacturing process and the new main bearing(s) had been implemented.

Stating an explanation of a resolution with certainty as opposed to “there is a possibility” and still “developing the remedy for this issue” would be helpful.

 

[YellowLab]

From the November 2025 recall:
“There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced.”
“Toyota is currently developing the remedy for this issue.”

I believe the statements above were issued after steps were taken to correct the manufacturing process and the new main bearing(s) had been implemented.

Stating an explanation of a resolution with certainty as opposed to “there is a possibility” and still “developing the remedy for this issue” would be helpful.

I agree. Moreover I cannot think of anyone here on the forum has reported an issue versus notified of a recall for a ‘possible’ issue. Seems like something that has not happened is certainly sucking up a ton of energy,

 

[TmoEng]

I agree. Moreover I cannot think of anyone here on the forum has reported an issue versus notified of a recall for a ‘possible’ issue. Seems like something that has not happened is certainly sucking up a ton of energy,

Yeah, I'm not super happy about all the V35 recalls, but it does feel like a LOT more have been recalled than have really failed. Even with the Tundras I have not seen too many with blown engines.

 

[Spearone]

As to Toyota “coming forward” with more info: To the best of my knowledge, Toyota has not recalled the Hybrid Tundras produced with the V35A engines that were manufactured during the same time period as the non Hybrids under the recall. Toyota says the Hybrid will not lose “motive power” and therefore can drive to a safe location if a failure occurs. Toyota’s position is, the V35A recall is a “safety recall” and because the Hybrid does not lose motive power they did not include the Hybrids in the recall. However, just because Toyota was not “required” to include them doesn’t mean it was fair to the affected owners not to include them. Again, it’s these kind of decisions that tends to fuel the rumors and speculation.

This is a real head scratcher to me as well as several well known channels on YouTube like Tim Esterdahl on his channel Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk. He was quite baffled by the decision not to include them. Toyota has pretty much left all these Hybrid truck owners wondering if their trucks will eventually be included. If they do have the same engine, what is the harm in telling them their trucks are included or will eventually be included? Did the Hybrids possibly get a slightly different engine? Did they not include them simply because they were not required to? Or was it just to keep the number of recalls lower until they can catch up on engine replacements before including them? Hopefully these Hybrid owners get some answers soon.

 

[bart]

When it comes to "developing the remedy" I was also confused. It has been pointed out to me, at this very forum that

Developing the remedy includes building out logistics for parts (engine) availability, shipping parts around, writing process instructions, figuring out how to stop dealers from hoarding parts, tracking completed recalls, all of that.

They will announce the remedy when all that is in place. Just like with the first recall. It's a standard practice as far as I understand.

 

[Ctprelude]

I have been looking closely at the GX550 and Land Cruiser 250 for several months. If not for the serious questions surrounding the V35 A 3.4, I would be inclined to go with the GX550. I can wait and the Land Cruiser is a good, very close, alternative that I could still choose regardless.

I think the recalls, owner confirmations, and the damning tear down video beg that Toyota come forward with more clarity once they are certain they have determined this has been addressed. I do want to offer that I have and continue to question techs and service advisors about this at both Toyota and Lexus dealerships and 2025’s seem to be holding up. Then again they have not been on the road as long.

I would prefer a slightly larger SUV, but I am focused on the GX550 and Land Cruiser because they are made in Japan and I am tired of getting cars that are expensive to maintain and repair in addition to questions of reliability. It’s definitely frustrating to have this happening to a brand that one could otherwise have confidence in.

Definitely try and drive both before you make a decision. I am coming from a 2023 4Runner ORP and REALLY wanted to like the new gen 4Runner and LC, but after test driving, I just can't with that 4cyl engine. It's got more power than the 5th gen, but it just felt inconsistent and jerky to me. Just feels like it would struggle at highway speeds just like my 5th gen. The GX on the other hand felt so smooth and significantly more powerful. It might be one thing if the 4cyl got solid gas mileage, but it's only slightly better than the GX. Also with how limited the availability is with the GX, you will highly likely be able to turn around and sell for a nice amount in a year or two even if they do expand the recall and you decide to jump ship.

 

[cmfhsu]

When it comes to "developing the remedy" I was also confused. It has been pointed out to me, at this very forum that

They will announce the remedy when all that is in place. Just like with the first recall. It's a standard practice as far as I understand.

Precisely. Toyota is in a little bit of a rock and a hard place with this type of recall.

They could wait 6-12 months until everything is complete and face a headline saying "Toyota knew about this safety defect for a year before letting the public know!"

They could wing it as soon as they announce it, but then you'd have thousands of people saying "Toyota says I should go get my car fixed, but my dealer says they have no idea when they're able to schedule a repair. It's dealer vs. dealer based on who is lucky enough to click the button first." What's the point of telling people to go get their engines replaced if there is simply no ETA for when you'll be able to get a replacement engine?

Worse even, the process documentation could be flawed (because replacing a long block is not a super common action and people who write service manuals can make mistakes), necessitating somebody who already spent months waiting for a service to come back and get it repaired again, significantly damaging their brand reputation - "Toyota has no idea what they're doing and I've had to get a second repair to fix my first repair".

I'm pretty sure I remember this exact thing happening for the n52 in my BMW e91 - the repair for the CCV heater required removing a hose that would become brittle over many heat cycles and it always broke, necessitating either a longer repair time or a return visit. BMW then changed their recall repair instructions to replace that part every time the recall was completed, but needed time to be able to stock a few of those hoses in every dealer.

I'm not saying Toyota handled this recall as well as they could have, but they are following what I understand to be the totally universal industry standard steps for a recall, at least in the USA. Find out enough information to be sure it needs a recall & to give a defensible root cause to the NHTSA, announce the recall, develop a remedy (increased parts availability, new logistics patterns, super-custom repair processes for accuracy / technician efficiency & cost / avoiding damage to other components etc, establish recall completion tracking), then complete the recalls in phases (usually VIN groups) to avoid huge long wait times. The recalls on my former BMWs were handled the same way, as were the recalls on my partner's Mazda, as were the recalls for everybody I knew who needed a Takata airbag replaced.

 

[cmfhsu]

As to Toyota “coming forward” with more info: To the best of my knowledge, Toyota has not recalled the Hybrid Tundras produced with the V35A engines that were manufactured during the same time period as the non Hybrids under the recall. Toyota says the Hybrid will not lose “motive power” and therefore can drive to a safe location if a failure occurs. Toyota’s position is, the V35A recall is a “safety recall” and because the Hybrid does not lose motive power they did not include the Hybrids in the recall. However, just because Toyota was not “required” to include them doesn’t mean it was fair to the affected owners not to include them. Again, it’s these kind of decisions that tends to fuel the rumors and speculation.

This is a real head scratcher to me as well as several well known channels on YouTube like Tim Esterdahl on his channel Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk. He was quite baffled by the decision not to include them. Toyota has pretty much left all these Hybrid truck owners wondering if their trucks will eventually be included. If they do have the same engine, what is the harm in telling them their trucks are included or will eventually be included? Did the Hybrids possibly get a slightly different engine? Did they not include them simply because they were not required to? Or was it just to keep the number of recalls lower until they can catch up on engine replacements before including them? Hopefully these Hybrid owners get some answers soon.

I think this is simply due to a misunderstanding of what a "recall" is. A recall is a government mandated action for safety-critical risks. It does not include problems which the manufacturer is well aware of, but don't pose a safety risk.

Toyota states that hybrid vehicles are not included in the recall because the hybrid system provides enough power to drive the vehicle to a safe location, though (unverified at the moment, AFAIK) some people say the hybrid system shuts down as soon as the engine grenades.

I suspect recalls, being under regulatory oversight, require an immense amount of documentation and detail, meaning announcing a recall will further slow down & suck resources purely to document everything to a significantly higher degree than normal. For example, recall repairs often require technicians to scan and upload some kind of diagnostic information to track that the repair was completed correctly, tying the information to the VIN of the vehicle, maybe engine serial numbers, software / firmware versions, etc. Some team at Toyota has to create the database to store that info, verify its accuracy, find dealers who repaired vehicles incorrectly, and report that information back to the NHTSA. And that's just one example.

I do wish Toyota would approve long-block replacements for hybrid vehicles, though. It must be infuriating to know that your engine has the same problem as other vehicles which get a brand new sealed engine, while you have to get your engine torn down into pieces and hope that your local tech is experienced & detail oriented enough to make the repair reliable.

 

[Spearone]

Well said cmfhsu!

 

[SROak]

@Spearone - I may have missed this in the V35A engine failure threads, but could you list/link that source for your comment below?

Toyota is supposedly making significant changes to the main bearings (higher quality metal), improving oiling around those bearings, and changing to 5W30 oil.

 

[YellowLab]

Everything outside of communication from Toyota/Lexus is pure internet speculation - just like these engine failures that supposedly are stranding Lexus owners all over the US - It's all folks on YouTube trying to get likes....

 

[Spearone]

@Spearone - I may have missed this in the V35A engine failure threads, but could you list/link that source for your comment below?

I can’t remember where I saw or read it. However, any info that doesn’t come directly from Toyota is always going to be speculation and that’s why I used the word “supposedly” in my post. My hesitation in buying now is solely limited to the possibility of the recall possibly being expanded beyond the early 2024 models. In my mind, if they do not expand it by the end of 2026 I will assume they have got the issues fixed and I’ll purchase my GX.

 

[nonamex]

I can’t remember where I saw or read it. However, any info that doesn’t come directly from Toyota is always going to be speculation and that’s why I used the word “supposedly” in my post. My hesitation in buying now is solely limited to the possibility of the recall possibly being expanded beyond the early 2024 models. In my mind, if they do not expand it by the end of 2026 I will assume they have got the issues fixed and I’ll purchase my GX.

If you don't want or need the vehicle now then I would wait it out. By 2027 maybe things will change that will entice you.

 

[swarnerus]

2024 OT+ that is not included in the recall. Follow the Lexus maintenance schedule. 30K miles and no issues.