New Tundra Engine Problems and Fixes [2024]

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, a full-sized pickup truck, is renowned for its strong engine, plush interior, and tough off-roading skills.

The model has undergone a complete overhaul with a striking new exterior, a roomier interior, and a slew of new features.

Buyers of the new Tundra have faced several problems recently.

As a mechanic, in this article, I have discussed the problems with the new Tundra and their possible solutions so far.

All Toyota Tundras don’t have the same issues with the engines; some have many issues, and others have fewer.

You must avoid buying Tundra model years with many issues and instead buy the less problematic year.

New Tundra Engine Problems, Symptoms and Solutions

Toyota Tundra owners have been discussing the following four problems quite a lot regarding the new Tundra engine: engine failure, engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, and a ticking sound from the engine.

Problem 1: Engine Failure

Some Tundra buyers are upset because their engines are dying too soon, with some of them saying it happened as soon as 10,000 miles.

Toyota released a series of Technical Service Bulletins in an effort to fix the problem, although the reason for the breakdowns is unknown.

They claimed that an issue with the engine’s bearings might have been the cause of the breakdowns.

The bearings hold the crankshaft’s rotation steady, and if they stop working, the engine could jam and then crash spectacularly.

Engine failure ultimately leads to transmission failure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of engine failure in the new Tundra can vary, but there are 4 common symptoms:

1. The engine makes strange noises.
2. The engine loses its power.
3. The engine overheats.
4. The engine stalls suddenly after starting.

Solution

Toyota has already suggested 3 solutions for the 2023 Tundra’s engine failure:

1. Technical Service Bulletins: Toyota has released a series of technical service bulletins for the 2023 Tundra engine failure. Dealers can follow the directions provided in these TSBs to learn how to examine and fix engine bearings.
2. Software upgrades: Toyota additionally issued software upgrades that are intended to boost the functionality of the engine bearings. These software upgrades aim to lessen the strain on the bearings and aid in their longevity. So dealers can check the software upgrades and go to the next step.
3. New Engine Development: Toyota is also developing a new engine structure intended to render it more robust. The developers are implementing different components and aspects of design to increase the robustness of the bearings in the newly developed engine model.

So far, Toyota has suggested the above solutions.

However, they are still unsure which solution or solutions can effectively solve the engine failure issue.

Toyota is continuously researching the issue of engine failure to find a solution.

Meanwhile, if you notice any of the above symptoms in your Tundra, you should take your vehicle to the dealer.

As Toyota is constantly researching, it is uncertain when exactly the correct solution to the engine failure will be explored and solved.

Problem 2: Engine Stalling

Tundra owners have reported that their vehicles stall when moving.

The most common causes of stalling are a malfunctioning throttle actuator, a bad fuel pump, or an engine computer issue.

A broken throttle actuator is to blame for the engine stalling problem, which Toyota has addressed in a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin).

The throttle actuator is a part that regulates how much air enters the engine.

If the throttle actuator malfunctions, the engine may stall.

Symptoms

So far, Tundra owners have observed 3 signs of an engine stall:

1. The engine cannot produce as much power as it normally would.
2. The Engine stalls suddenly while driving.
3. The engine does not run smoothly when idling.

Solution

You need to replace the throttle actuator to fix the engine stalling problem in the 2023 Toyota Tundra.

Toyota has released a TSB blaming the throttle actuator for engine stalls in the new Tundra.

This TSB contains dealers’ instructions on inspecting and replacing the throttle actuator.

The throttle actuator is the part that controls the airflow into the engine.

If the throttle actuator malfunctions, the engine may stall.

If you notice an engine stall in your 2023 Toyota Tundra, immediately take it to the dealer.

The dealer will check the throttle actuator and replace it if necessary.

Problem 3: Excessive Oil Consumption

Some new Tundra owners have complained that their trucks are consuming too much oil, which is affecting the engine.

Toyota is investigating the issue, though they have not found any reason till now.

Despite several possible reasons, Toyota is still unclear why the new Tundra is consuming more oil.

The most likely reason they suspect is that the turbocharger is consuming more oil than it should.

Another possible cause is that the engine’s piston rings are defective and are leaking oil into the combustion chamber.

Symptoms

You may notice the following 5 symptoms if your new Tundra is consuming too much oil:

1. The engine oil level will gradually drop.
2. You will see bluish smoke coming out of the exhaust.
3. You will see oil leaking under your truck.
4. You will hear a knocking sound from the engine.
5. Your truck’s fuel economy will drop significantly.

Solution

The precise cause of the oil consumption problem will determine the best way to address it.

If the root of the problem is worn piston rings, you will have to replace the piston rings.

If the root of the problem is broken cylinder walls, you will have to punch out the cylinders.

If the root of the problem is worn oil seals, you will have to change them.

If you notice excess oil consumption in your new Tundra, don’t ignore it.

Contact a dealer who will diagnose the cause of the excess oil consumption and service your truck properly.

Problem 4: Ticking Sound from Engine

A few new Toyota Tundra owners claim that they hear a ticking sound from the engine.

Toyota’s experienced mechanics assign the following 3 reasons for the ticking sound in the new Tundra engine:

1. Worn Timing Chain: The timing chain controls the synchronization between the valves and pistons of a combustion engine. A worn timing chain can cause a ticking noise.
2. Worn Crankshaft: The crankshaft or crankshaft bearing controls the valves in a combustion engine. A worn-out crankshaft or crankshaft bearing can cause a ticking noise in the engine.
3. Low Oil Pressure: As the engine oil pressure drops, the timing chain can break out quickly, and the engine can produce a ticking noise.

Symptoms

3 notable signs of a new Tundra engine’s ticking noise are:

1. You will hear a ticking sound from the engine.
2. If the timing chain is not synchronized properly, the engine will misfire.
3. The engine will overheat if it does not get enough oil.

Solution

The most effective approach to solving the ticking noise issue depends on its root cause.

If the root of the problem is a worn timing chain, you will have to replace the timing chain.

If the root of the problem is a worn crankshaft or crankshaft bearing, you will have to change the parts.

If the root of the problem is low oil pressure, you will have to repair or replace the oil pump.

If you are skilled in auto mechanics, inspect the timing chain, crankshaft, and oil pump if you hear a ticking noise from your new Tundra engine.

Alternatively, consult a qualified mechanic and get your truck serviced.

Cost of Fixing New Tundra Engine Problems

As a mechanic, I have presented the possible costs of all the necessary components that you will need to solve the problems of your new Tundra:

Components	Costs
Engine bearings	$50
Throttle actuator	$120
Piston rings	$300
Turbocharger	$500
Timing chain	$800
Crankshaft	$500
Oil pump	$110

Also, depending on your location, a mechanic can charge you up to $900 based on his experience.

Tips to Prevent New Tundra Engine Problems in the Future

Follow these 6 steps to avoid future engine problems with your Tundra:

1. Change your Tundra’s conventional engine oil every 4,000 miles and synthetic oil every 10,000 miles.
2. Use proper engine oil according to the manual for your Tundra.
3. Check the engine oil level every 5,000 miles.
4. Inspect the air filter and spark plug every 15,000 miles.
5. Use synthetic engine oil and keep the engine as cool as possible.
6. Keep your vehicle neat and clean.

Final Thoughts

In this article, I have discussed the common problems with the new Tundra and their possible solutions.

As you already know, Toyota developers are still researching these problems.

So contacting a dealer would be the best option if your New Toyota Tundra truck shows any of the above symptoms.