Engine Failure at 35k

Agreed. from Op’s description tho it sounded like they were wanted to shaft him

 

Uhh I guess I got some wires crossed or something because the new Lexus 3.5 TT is a different motor entirely.

Rest of my comment still stands though.

 

I don't think the engine in your Tacoma is the exact same spec as the 3.5 in the ls500, I see your point though.

 

From the service manual on head bolt set

 

Doesn't sound like torque-to-yield to me.

 

Replace head bolt only if smaller than minimum outside diameter.

 

Good ! So they were probably within spec and you should have nothing to worry about.

 

What do you guys think happened here? Did he just have bad luck and get a lemon?

 

Who knows, maybe something wasn't oiled well. Maybe cheap gas. Maybe he hit a bump at a wrong angle going to wrong speed. It's just on of those "stuff happens" moments. Since they're repairing it, I would just shrug it off as such. However, if it generates other issues in the future, then I would question the vehicle as a whole.

 

I was speaking with one of the techs at my local dealership and he said they have done several head jobs due to faulty valve guides. Obviously with how many Tacomas are on the road it is a small number comparatively but still a problem.

 

Maybe consider an extended powertrain warranty as you approach 59K miles... unless you’re going to sell. The powertrain only warranties (not bumper to bumper) are relatively inexpensive.

 

Interesting.

I have had a few lemons in the past (all American vehicles) so now I am super paranoid about my truck.

I am starting to have a few issues, like the vibrations when slowing down and coming to a stop, as well as the transmission slamming into 1st sometimes when slowing.

I only have 1K on her, hopefully it gets better with more break in.

 

Did you notice these issues before or after visiting TW?

 

another case of TW Derangement Syndrome

 

I had to stop reading about the vibration issues and tranny issues, it kept making me paranoid and I couldn’t enjoy the truck. If there’s an issue I feel that’s worth noting, I’ll have it looked at. Otherwise if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

In regards to the OP’s issue, I wouldn’t worry either. The amount of these trucks on the road there’s bound to be issues like this come up on a few of them. Hell mine could do the same thing down the road or tomorrow even. People aren’t perfect and people built these trucks.

 

As some have said, looks like they are replacing damaged parts and re-using parts that are still serviceable. I see no problem with that, it's common practice. If the valve is what failed, that's what gets replaced. If the head is not damaged, it gets re-used.

Looking at it as if it was another part failure, for example: if an ignition coil failed under warranty, they would replace just that one coil, not all 6.

Now the thing that DOES worry me, as others have said, I'd inquire if the head studs/bolts are TTY. From my experience, they are for many makes/models. If they are, they should be replaced on Toyota's dime.

 

I will say though, my 2018 has zero issue where as my 2017 had a few things going on the dealer couldnt figure out. It's just the luck of the draw. So many trucks, only a few isolated issues.

 

I also spoke to my local tech. Said that he sees cars and trucks come in with problems all time. In fact, he said that most of the cars that come in, not for routine maintenance, normally have some kind of problem. Weird huh?

 

Look at the bright side. You could be driving a Honda V6.

Then the #4 spark plug would be ejected and destroy the head just as it goes out of warranty. Oh and then the rear main seals that start leaking at 60,000 miles regardless if new or replacement.