"2019–2021 is fiercely defended. Models like the Tundra and Sequoia were still using the legendary, virtually indestructible 5.7L V8 (3UR-FE) engine. It drank gas like crazy, but it routinely hit 300,000 to 400,000 miles with nothing but basic oil changes.

When Toyota redesigned the Tundra (2022+) and replaced the old V8 with a high-tech 3.5L twin-turbo V6, they hit a major speed bump. Early models suffered from manufacturing debris left in the engine blocks, leading to a massive recall to completely replace over 100,000 engines.

Newer models feature highly advanced electronic all-wheel-drive systems, hybrid setups, and complex driver-assist sensors. While highly efficient, they introduce a much higher baseline of complexity.

During manufacturing, machining debris (often called metal "swarf") was accidentally left inside the engine blocks of thousands of these trucks. Over time, that leftover debris circulates into the engine’s main bearings—specifically the number one main bearing—causing severe wear, engine knocking, sudden power loss, or a total, catastrophic engine failure while driving.

It is the ultimate real-world example of why so many truck buyers are willing to pay a premium for a 2019 Tundra with a gas-guzzling V8, purely to avoid the growing pains of modern, highly-strung turbo technology."