From The Drive · Byron Hurd · · 1m
Toyota V6 Engine Failure Mystery
A Toyota V6 engine may hold clues to Tundra failures after third teardown reveals warped head and uneven wear.
In brief
A Toyota V6 engine may hold clues to Tundra failures after third teardown reveals warped head and uneven wear. Toyota's V35A V6 engine failures may stem from internal wear, not overheating, as a third engine shows no catastrophic damage but early signs of cooling system issues. Originally reported by The Drive.
First Two Engines Showed Severe Damage
Eric's first two torn-down Toyota V35A V6 engines had clear signs of internal damage from debris in the oiling system.
Third Engine Shows Early Cooling System Issues
This engine has crusty water pump and coolant intrusion at gaskets, but no catastrophic failure yet.
Warped Head and Uneven Bearing Wear
Removing heads revealed a warped cylinder head and uneven wear on thrust bearings, but clean crankshaft.
No Clear Cause for Engine Failures
Despite signs of internal wear, no smoking gun found; engine came from 2025 model with no catastrophic failure.
What to remember
Toyota's V35A V6 engine failures may stem from internal wear, not overheating, as a third engine shows no catastrophic damage but early signs of cooling system issues.
