GX 550 V35A Engine Recall Possibly Expanded? (5 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!