Toyota’s V6 Troubles Remind Us Why the Old Tundra V8 Was Built to Last

Toyota’s recent recall of over 100,000 V6-powered Tundra and Lexus models has sparked fresh conversations about the brand’s engine reliability, and it’s shining a spotlight on a true legend: the million-mile Tundra V8. 7-liter i-Force V8, which powered Tundras from 2007 through 2021, earned a reputation for running past 200,000, 300,000, and even a million miles with little more than routine maintenance.

While the new twin-turbo V6 has been plagued by machining debris that can cause catastrophic failure, the V8’s cast-iron block and simple, naturally aspirated design have become the gold standard for durability.

The recall affects 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX 600 models, where loose engine debris can block oil passages and lead to engine seizures. Toyota is replacing entire engines free of charge, a costly fix that underscores how far the company has moved from the old-school V8 era. 2 million miles on its original engine before Toyota bought it back for study.

7-liter V8 may drink more fuel and lack the latest tech, but it’s a workhorse that keeps going when newer engines stumble. And for anyone shopping for a used Tundra, the recall might just make that pre-2022 model with the V8 look like the smarter bet, even if it’s not as flashy.

Sometimes the best engine is the one that doesn’t make headlines.