Engine Replacement Wait

This just doesn't sound right to me. I have a 2022 Tundra and the engine blew about 2 weeks ago while i was driving. The dealership told me Friday they have no idea when they will be able to fix it. The truck is still under warranty due to the power-train warranty being 60k miles and I only have 36k. Before the dealership will do anything they have to wait for the official recall to come out. I called Toyota corporate and they said there is no estimate on when that recall will happen, she said it will be months before that official recall happens.

I have a loaner which isnt the issue, my issue is that this loaner will be long term (3+ months) and any damage that happens to it i will be responsible...if a rock hits the window...that on me. Someone decides to open door into the truck, i have to eat that cost....you see where i am going here. Its almost like i dont even want to drive it.

What doesnt make sense to me is why i have to wait for the recall to happen before they do anything. There is no question on what needs to be done, a new engine is the only fix for my truck but for some reason i have to wait till Toyota comes out with a remedy for the engine replace recall. Was hoping the lemon law would apply but in my state if the truck is over 1 year it doesnt and mine was purchased 9/2022 so do i really just have to sit and wait till they get around to fixing it?

 

Is yours a hybrid? The non hybrids are covered in the recall.

 

It’s a non hybrid

 

I really feel for you OP. Some of Toyota’s “remedies” take a very long time to take effect (see fuel tube recall, already over a year with no remedy in sight).

Regarding your loaner vehicle, your existing insurance should cover this. You need to ensure this is the case: do NOT drive a loaner with no insurance on it, you do not have to “eat the cost” for liability or collision. Make sure of this or don’t drive it.

I would contact Toyota corporate right away and consider acquiring legal assistance. You have an undrivable 2 year old vehicle subject to a clear recall and cannot wait an indefinite amount of time for a remedy that may take years.

In a perfect world, Toyota should replace your truck (and all other subject vehicles currently bricked while awaiting the remedy) with another Tundra. This is highly unlikely, so they should provide you with a new comparable Tundra as loaner the entire time you await the engine swap. Make sure your loaner is insured.

 

Yup, sucks that Toyota is dragging their feet with this issue. Only good news for you is you'll get a full engine assembly instead of a short block. I read a complaint on NHTSA for a '23 recent blow up and customer is concerned that they're still doing a short block build-up until official recall is released.

 

No it’s insured. I wouldn’t drive it without that….my issue isn’t collisions. Its worrying they are going to ding me for every little scratch or dent they find for normal wear and tear…you can’t expect to have a truck for months and not have small scratches and stuff from using it. They did give me a 24 tundra for a loaner….i just don’t want this thing for god knows how long.

 

I still don’t understand what you mean by “ worrying they are going to ding me for every little scratch or dent they find for normal wear and tear…”. Insured is insured. Look at the rental documentation you signed. Contact your insurance company and learn. Don’t “worry” about it: get the legal facts and “know” what you are and are not responsible for. Protect yourself and then drive the vehicle as you would your normal truck knowing it’s covered.

 

I believe if it takes them longer than 30 days then you can use the lemon law to force a buy-back. Each state has slightly different rules, however.

 

All I know is the guy held money on my account for any damages that happen ($150) when I have the loaner. He told me any scratch, dent, window chip they would charge me if it’s more than the money they held out. He made me do a walk through of it and point out anything I see wrong. Insurance covers it but I would have to pay deductible which will usually be way more then just paying out do pocket.

 

I am outside the 1year limit for the lemon law. It only applies if the truck is less than a year old.

 

You can check if your vehicle is recalled here. https://www.toyota.com/recall. If it's listed, you may be able to press the issue and get the dealer to move a bit faster.

 

I have had dealership new Tundra loaners every time I get service without having to put down a $150 deposit for damages. I call BS on this: it sounds fishy. Talk to your dealership and get the policy in writing. Go to another dealership if needed. Write to Toyota and cc your dealership. Meet with the manager of this and other dealerships in your region. You have to fight for your rights as an owner of a 2 year old truck experiencing issues beyond your control.

 

lunatara, just curious, what state are you in?

 

Louisiana.

 

Always do a slow walk around video on rentals before you leave the lot.

 

Me too. Which dealer are you working with?

 

Lunatara, Just wondering if you have checked with a lawyer? This is what I was able to look up on your lemon law. "The customer must report the nonconformity to the manufacturer within either the duration of the warranty or within year of delivery of the vehicle; whichever is sooner." The way I read it, while is does say 1 yr. It would seem to imply that if you had a defect that you knew about prior to 1 year of delivery but chose not to address it then you would be out of luck. On the otherhand, you are within the warranty and the law should apply.

 

The main reason you have to wait is Toyota doesn't have the replacement engines ready yet as the remedy for the recall vehicles. It's a multi step process and they've only gotten as far as announcing the recall and then stating what the remedy will be once it's available. As soon as the replacement engines become available per Toyota, they'll be able to fix it. The damage agreement for the loaner isn't anything out of the norm as with any rental or loaner car. On the flip side, it's just like if you take your vehicle in to the dealer for service. They typically walk around, take pictures, and examine it when they check it in. If they cause damage that wasn't there originally, they'd be responsible to fix it. But, as others have stated, you can explore other rental options and reimbursement as well if their loaner program isn't to your liking.

 

I would think OP could take insurance off of his truck except for fire and theft as it isn't going anywhere and use the money to cover for extra insurance on the rental. Is that possible?

 

From the Turbo Failure sticky: TIFWIW

 

If the truck has a lien on it, you generally have to have full coverage regardless. Though, even with just comprehensive for theft, etc. you would still need liability for driving the rental. His insurance would cover driving a rental so he wouldn't be paying more unless opting for the rental company's optional insurance.

 

Vandalism, tornado, hail storm, theft etc. gotta keep insurance on the vehicle, dealer would not be responsible for those things.

 

"Nevada also has a Live Program that keeps insurance information on all registered cars in the state. If your coverage lapses, the state will send you a notice and suspend your registration."

Could be same in other states.

 

Look at the bright side, you're driving a new 24 truck for free! I'd say let the dealer take their time and rack up the miles on the loaner instead of your truck. You'll eventually get it back with a brand new engine and lesser miles than if this hadn't have happened.

Relax and look at the positive side. Life is too short. When the truck is fixed, if you have any concerns about it, get rid of it and buy something else.

Don't worry about something happening to the loaner. Make sure it's properly insured and move on. Sounds like a dick move for the dealer to hold onto $150 of your money. Something to think about when it's time to buy your next new truck.

 

Call 1-800 Toyota. Tell them what you want then to do. If they dodge and deflect call 1-800 lawyer. Have the lawyer restate your requests in a demand letter.

I know several folks who have gotten blown off by 1-800 Toyo for peeling paint and defects from port installed options that damaged the vehicle. They lawyered up and got buybacks.

 

It is amusing for folks to say don't worry about it. You are correct to be wary. Now you can't even do any projects. Try putting some gravel in the back without a scratch.

Personally, I bet I am not going to cause an accident and carry a $1,000 deductible to lower my insurance cost. Now the dealer keeping the truck for months will ding you for any little thing can add up.

If the dealer holds $150 for any ding or scratch you would ignore on your truck (if you use it as a truck) is ridiculous. It is no better getting a rental from another company if your dog(s) are in your truck often. Rental companies specifically don't allow it.

 

Contact a lawyer and start the lemon law countdown

MANUFACTURER’S DUTY TO REPURCHASE OR REPLACE A VEHICLE
The manufacturer must repurchase or replace a motor vehicle (other than a motor
home) if either of the following occurs:
1. The nonconformity is not repaired after four or more attempts within the warranty
term or within one year of the vehicle’s original delivery to the consumer, whichever
is earlier, or
2. The vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for cumulative total of 90 or more
calendar days during the warranty period.

 

maybe the 90 days language is the angle here, but it’s still three months until it kicks in. Shame.

 

Check with Toyota Corp see if they will reimburse you for the insurance on the rental.