The Tundra Engine Recall Is Confusing! Here's The Latest! | Ep. 334

The Toyota Tundra is Toyota’s full-size pickup truck, and this episode focuses on its engine recall situation. The hosts connect recall concerns to why buyers may prefer an older Tundra over a newer one.

A recall is when a manufacturer issues a safety or compliance fix for a problem found in certain vehicles. In this episode, the hosts specifically tie recalls to buyer hesitation and to perceived trust in older versus newer Tundra engines.

The Ford Super Duty is Ford’s heavy-duty pickup line, and the episode discusses changes planned for the 2027 model year. The key point is that Ford is removing some engine options from the ordering list.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty, off-road oriented version of a Dodge pickup, known for rugged capability and durability. It’s commonly brought up in truck discussions because it’s aimed at buyers who want a factory-built truck that can handle tough terrain. The podcast context lists Power Wagon news alongside other truck model updates.

“Tier D pro” sounds like a trim or package level for the truck being discussed, used to indicate a specific equipment level. In this segment it’s tied to the presence of Fox shocks and their rebuild schedule.

Fox shocks are aftermarket or performance shock absorbers known for being rebuildable. The host is saying these shocks have a service interval and may need rebuilding rather than replacement.

To “rebuild” a shock means disassembling it and replacing internal wear parts (like seals and valving components) so it performs like it should again. This is different from replacing the entire shock with a new unit.

An “off-the-shelf” shock is a standard, mass-produced replacement part you buy ready-made. In this context, the host is contrasting that with rebuilding Fox shocks, which can be serviced rather than replaced.

This is the approximate service interval the host gives for when Fox shocks typically need rebuilding. The exact timing depends on how the truck is used, but it’s framed as a common wear point for performance shocks.

BFG refers to BFGoodrich, a tire brand. Here, the hosts mention a specific BFGoodrich tire model, indicating they’re discussing tire choice and sizing rather than the truck itself.

An upsized tire means fitting a larger tire size than stock, usually to change ride feel, appearance, or traction. It can also affect speedometer accuracy, clearance, and how the truck’s gearing and rolling resistance behave.

“Debris” here means leftover material from the engine’s manufacturing process. If that debris ends up in critical internal areas, it can block oil passages and reduce lubrication, leading to engine damage.

Oil passages are the internal channels that route engine oil to lubricate moving parts. If debris clogs these passages, oil pressure and flow drop, which can cause rapid wear and damage throughout the engine.

The “bottom end” refers to the lower portion of the engine, including components like the crankshaft and related bearings. The hosts say this recall’s biggest issue is damage in that area, which is especially serious because it can lead to catastrophic failure.

A main bearing is the bearing that supports the crankshaft in the engine block. When Toyota says it redesigned the main bearing, it’s changing how the crankshaft is supported to address a specific failure mode in that engine.

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is the U.S. government agency that oversees vehicle safety and manages much of the recall process. When the hosts reference NHTSA documents, they’re pointing to official filings and recall details.

A voluntary recall is when a manufacturer chooses to recall vehicles (or components) to address a safety-related issue, rather than being forced by a regulatory order. In this case, Toyota is described as issuing a voluntary recall while stating a fix involving a redesigned main bearing.

“0W-20” is an engine oil viscosity grade. The “0W” indicates good flow in cold temperatures, and the “20” indicates a relatively thin oil at operating temperature, which can affect how well it carries and filters out microscopic debris.

In this context, “oil gets thinner” refers to lower viscosity, meaning the oil flows more easily at engine operating temperature. The concern raised is that lower-viscosity oil may not flush debris as effectively, leaving more particles to be trapped in the oil filter.

The oil filter is the component that traps contaminants as engine oil circulates. This segment suggests that if thinner oil doesn’t flush debris as effectively, more microscopic debris could remain in the filter rather than being fully cleared through the system.

A “6.2-liter V8” is an engine displacement and cylinder layout: 6.2 liters total displacement with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. The host mentions GM using a thicker oil for this V8 as part of recall-related fixes, implying oil viscosity can influence how debris and wear are managed.

“Thicker viscosity oil” means higher-viscosity engine oil that flows less easily at operating temperature. The segment frames this as potentially helpful, but not necessarily the underlying root cause of the recall issue.

Lubrication is the oil-based film that reduces friction and wear between moving engine parts. The hosts connect changes in tolerances to “more lubrication” and “more flow,” implying the recall fix is aimed at improving oil delivery to critical components.

In engine manufacturing, tolerances are the allowable variation in dimensions and clearances between parts. Looser tolerances can help oil get where it needs to go by improving lubrication flow and reducing the chance of overly tight clearances.

Engine efficiency is how effectively the engine converts fuel energy into useful work. Higher efficiency often comes from tighter control of combustion and airflow, which can increase engineering complexity and sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.

Emissions are the pollutants an engine releases into the atmosphere, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. The hosts frame government pressure for “fewer emissions” as a driver of design changes that also affect efficiency and power.

In this context, regulations are government rules that force automakers to meet emissions and efficiency targets. Those requirements can cascade into engine design decisions that affect durability and how manufacturers adjust parts and clearances.

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck known for strong sales and a wide range of configurations. It’s frequently discussed because it’s popular with buyers who want a truck that’s easier to live with than a full-size model, while still being capable. The podcast context points to how big Tacoma sales are and suggests ongoing interest in the model.

“Potentially involved vehicles” is recall language meaning the set of vehicles that might be affected based on the information available (like production ranges or component sourcing). It’s not always the same as the number confirmed to have the defect.

“Estimated percentage with defect” refers to how many of the potentially affected vehicles are expected to actually have the problem. The hosts note it’s hard to estimate accurately, which is why recall impact can be difficult to gauge.

The Buick Model 27 is referenced as a specific model year/ordering topic, suggesting it’s a new or newly orderable configuration within Buick’s lineup. It’s mentioned in the context of ordering timing and model-year availability. The podcast context indicates it’s been discussed for some time and that ordering is now possible.

Engine options are the different engine choices a manufacturer offers for a given vehicle model/trim. Here, the host says Ford Super Duty is removing some engine options, which affects what powertrains buyers can select when ordering.

Torque is the engine’s twisting force that helps a truck accelerate and pull heavy loads, especially at lower speeds. The host contrasts torque and horsepower numbers between two engine options, implying that even if horsepower is similar, torque can differ enough to change real-world drivability.

A “10-speed” automatic transmission has ten forward gear ratios. More gears can help the engine operate closer to its most efficient or most powerful range depending on driving conditions.

“High output diesel” refers to a higher-power calibration of a diesel engine than the base version. It’s typically paired with stronger driveline/transmission choices so the truck can handle the added torque under load.

In truck context, “towing” refers to hauling a trailer, which heavily loads the engine and drivetrain. That’s why transmission choices (like gear count and torque delivery) matter more when towing than for everyday driving.

The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup known for towing and payload capability, and it’s commonly offered with diesel engines. In this segment, the host is imagining a two-wheel-drive F-250 equipped with the high-output diesel’s quoted power and torque figures.

“Trim levels” are the different versions of the same truck model that vary by standard equipment and features. Higher trims usually add more comfort, tech, and sometimes drivetrain options, while lower trims are more basic.

In vehicle ordering, “packages” are bundled options—like a group of features—that you can add together rather than selecting each item individually. Packages are used to simplify ordering and marketing, but they can also create many possible combinations.

“Streamline” in this context means reducing the number of ordering and production paths—fewer trims, fewer engines, and fewer option combinations. That can make manufacturing easier and reduce the risk of delays when parts are constrained.

“Tremor” is a performance/off-road–oriented trim package used by Ford for certain Super Duty trucks. It typically adds off-road styling and capability-focused equipment, and in this segment the host notes it being offered with a long bed.

A “long bed” refers to the longer cargo-box length on a pickup truck. Bed length affects how the truck fits different use cases (cargo space vs. maneuverability) and can also influence which trim/option combinations are offered.

A “slate truck” (as described by the host) is a simplified build approach where the truck is delivered in a more basic configuration and customers add accessories themselves. The idea is that the factory builds a more standardized base, reducing complexity.

The Porsche 911 is known for offering a high level of personalization, even down to interior details like seat belts, gauges, and stitching. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a more “custom” manufacturing approach compared with cost-saving production methods.

A bespoke manufacturing process means the factory builds or configures the car in a highly tailored way for the buyer’s specific choices. It usually costs more because it reduces standardization and can require more labor and planning.

A destination charge is the fee added to a vehicle’s price to cover shipping the car from the factory to the dealer. It’s a common line item on new-vehicle pricing, and in this segment it’s cited as a major contributor to the overall cost of new heavy-duty or full-size pickups.

“V6 non-turbo” describes an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape that does not use a turbocharger. Without turbocharging, the engine typically relies on its natural airflow and engine tuning for power delivery.

A nine-speed automatic is a transmission that uses nine gear ratios to keep the engine operating in a more efficient range. More gears can help with smoother acceleration and better fuel economy, especially when paired with modern engines.

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s midsize pickup that’s known for its car-like ride and a modern, family-friendly interior. In this segment, the hosts focus on its current powertrain setup: a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic.

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV positioned for buyers who want more space and capability than a smaller crossover. It’s discussed alongside other Honda models because it shares the brand’s general approach to practicality and family use, and because model updates can affect what’s available. In the podcast context, it’s referenced as being a bit older than newer versions of the Pilot and Passport.

“Seven” in the podcast context appears to refer to a vehicle model name or designation being discussed alongside other truck models like Broncos, Rangers, and Super Duties. It’s mentioned as a possibility of what could be included in a lineup or future offering, rather than as a fully detailed specification. The key point is that “Seven” is part of a speculative list of trucks/models that might be involved.

A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. The host is describing how hybrid versions are selling well and how hybrid tech can be a “half step” between fully gas and fully electric approaches.

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling full-size pickup, and the hybrid version adds an electrified powertrain to improve efficiency. The host discusses Ford ramping hybrid production from roughly 40–50k units to nearly 120k per year, framing it as a major shift in how the truck is offered.

“Excel” here refers to a specific trim level (a package of features and equipment) rather than a general feature. The host’s point is that Ford’s F-150 hybrid isn’t offered on the lowest, cheapest trim—buyers have to step up to higher trims.

XLT is a Ford truck trim level positioned above the base model and below the top trims. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the minimum trim you need to buy to get the F-150 hybrid.

Lariat is another Ford trim level, typically higher than XLT and associated with more standard comfort and convenience features. The host uses it to illustrate that Ford restricts the F-150 hybrid to higher trims rather than offering it on the entry-level model.

This segment discusses a GMC Hummer X concept vehicle lineup, which is presented as a future concept rather than a production truck. The host frames it as closely related to the existing Hummer EV look and proportions, suggesting it’s an evolution of the electric Hummer design language.

The Hummer EV SUV is the electric SUV version of the Hummer EV lineup, built around the same electric performance and off-road focus. It’s discussed because it expands the Hummer EV concept beyond a truck body style into a more SUV-like package. In the podcast context, it’s described as a modified Hummer EV as it’s known today.

“37s” is shorthand for 37-inch tires, a common way enthusiasts describe very large off-road tire sizes. Bigger tires increase ground clearance and can improve traction over rough terrain, but they also add weight and can affect ride comfort and efficiency.

In modern concept and production trucks, “screens” refers to the digital displays used for infotainment, navigation, vehicle settings, and sometimes driver-assistance information. When a vehicle has “tons of screens,” it usually means a highly digital cockpit with multiple functions handled through touchscreens and panels.

“Seven iPad side by side” is a vivid way to describe a multi-display dashboard layout, where multiple large screens are arranged next to each other. This kind of setup emphasizes a tablet-like user interface for controlling media, navigation, and vehicle functions.

Approach angle, departure angle, and ground clearance are off-road geometry measurements. They describe how steep a vehicle can climb over an obstacle (approach), how well it can descend without the rear hitting (departure), and how much space it has between the lowest point and the ground (ground clearance). These numbers help predict how likely a truck/SUV is to scrape bumpers or underbody on trails.

Wheelbase is the distance between a vehicle’s front and rear axles. It strongly affects ride comfort, stability, and interior space, and it also influences how the vehicle fits on and off obstacles. Longer wheelbases generally improve straight-line stability, while shorter ones can help with tighter maneuvering and off-road angles.

The Rivian R2 is an electric vehicle positioned as a smaller, more accessible model than Rivian’s larger offerings. In this segment, it’s used alongside the R1S to illustrate the “nested” idea—how different EV models can share a family resemblance while targeting different sizes. The R2 is part of Rivian’s push to broaden its electric lineup.

The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV known for its adventure-focused design and off-road capability. In this segment, the hosts use it as a reference point for how the discussed SUV concept’s size and positioning compare to other modern electric “outdoor” vehicles. The R1S is also part of Rivian’s lineup that helped popularize the EV adventure-SUV niche.

The GMC Jimmy 3 Doors refers to a rumored or upcoming GMC model concept/speculation centered on a three-door body style. It’s generating buzz because a new compact SUV format could attract buyers looking for a smaller, more traditional off-road-friendly layout. The podcast context specifically notes the buzz around an upcoming GM Jimmy.

“Four by four” is a common way to say a 4x4 vehicle, meaning power is sent to all four wheels. That helps with traction on loose surfaces like mud, snow, or uneven terrain.

Hummer EVs refer to the electric Hummer lineup, known for very large size and heavy curb weight. The hosts highlight that this mass creates challenges even though they’re designed as off-road vehicles.

In this context, “competitive advantage” means a company’s edge over rivals—often tied to proprietary plans, technology, or product timing. The host argues manufacturers keep future-product details quiet to protect that advantage.

Wheel alignment refers to the set angles of the wheels (like camber and toe) relative to the vehicle. The hosts explain that after the truck was effectively riding on three wheels due to obstacle forces, the alignment got “tweaked,” leaving the wheel “wheel cockeyed.”

Downsizing in this context means reducing the vehicle’s size and mass to reduce the forces transmitted to tires, suspension, and steering geometry during off-road use. The hosts argue that a smaller version would be less likely to exceed the limits of alignment adjustment.

Electric assist is when an electric motor adds extra torque/power to help the engine, especially during acceleration or load. In hybrids, this can let engineers use a smaller engine while still meeting performance needs.

An overland expo is an event focused on overlanding—long-distance, off-road-capable travel often involving camping gear and rugged vehicle setups. The host is suggesting bringing the concept truck to such an event so people can see how it fits real-world adventure use.

The Ram Power Wagon is a heavy-duty off-road pickup built for low-speed traction and obstacle crawling. In this segment, it’s discussed alongside another truck at an off-road park, with emphasis on its ability to handle steep climbs and technical terrain.

“46-inch tires” means the truck is running extremely large off-road tires, which increases ground clearance and helps the tire maintain traction over rocks, ruts, and uneven obstacles. Bigger tires also change gearing and steering feel, so they’re a major part of how a truck performs on crawling courses.

Ram Off-road Park is an off-road facility used for testing trucks in controlled obstacle scenarios. The segment describes it as having wide-open obstacles so they can evaluate traction and crawling without constantly hitting trees.

A “30 degree slope” is a steep incline that strongly tests low-speed traction, torque delivery, and traction management systems. On off-road trucks, steep angles are where wheel slip and loss of control become most likely without the right crawling setup.

“Lockers” are off-road differential lock systems that force the axle’s wheels to rotate together. Having the rear lockers engaged improves traction when one rear wheel loses grip, which is crucial for slow crawling and steep climbs.

A “front locker” is a differential lock on the front axle, used to improve traction when the front wheels encounter low-grip surfaces. The speaker is basically saying that adding front locking would make the truck even more capable than rear-only locking in the same off-road conditions.

The Lotus Excel is a sports car model from Lotus, known for being a performance-oriented vehicle with a distinct design and driving character. In the podcast context, it’s brought up alongside off-road tire sizing comparisons, implying discussion about how certain trims or setups are used or configured. The mention is tied to “Excel off-road models” and the idea of running larger tires.

The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup, and the host is pointing out that you can get a Canyon configured with 35-inch tires from the factory. That’s used to argue that the Ram Power Wagon could benefit from larger tires too.

Stellantis is the automaker formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. In this segment, the host references Stellantis announcing planned updates over the next four years, hoping the Ram Power Wagon is included.

“Cummins form” refers to fitting a Cummins diesel engine, which is known for strong low-end torque and heavy-duty use. The host is suggesting that the Power Wagon’s next updates should include bigger tires, especially when paired with a Cummins diesel configuration.

A selectable locker is a driver-controlled differential lock that forces the left and right wheels on an axle to rotate together. Having selectable front and rear lockers greatly improves traction when one wheel loses grip on rocks, mud, or steep climbs.

“35” here refers to 35-inch tires, a common off-road tire size. Bigger tires increase ground clearance and help the truck roll over rocks and ruts more easily.

A boulder field is a terrain type made of large, irregular rocks that force a vehicle to climb, descend, and twist while keeping traction. It’s a tough test for lockers, tire size, and suspension articulation because wheels can lose contact or get hung up on rock edges.

Disconnecting the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) allows more independent wheel movement, improving tire contact over uneven terrain. The “disconnectable front” wording suggests a setup that can reduce suspension cross-linking so the truck can articulate better during rock crawling.

Articulation is how much the suspension can move independently to keep tires on the ground when the terrain twists or changes height. More articulation helps a truck maintain traction on rock faces and uneven boulder fields.

An open differential (often shortened to an “open diff”) sends most torque to the wheel with the least traction. In low-traction situations like wet ramps, that can cause one wheel to spin while the other wheel provides little useful drive.

Two-wheel drive (2WD) means the truck’s engine power is sent to only one axle (front or rear). On slippery surfaces, 2WD can be less effective than four-wheel drive because only two tires are available to generate traction.

“Treadless tires” means the tire has little to no tread pattern left to channel water away. Without tread, tires can lose grip quickly on wet surfaces, increasing the chance of wheel spin and loss of control.

A “peg leg burnout” is a colloquial way to describe a burnout where one wheel spins aggressively while the vehicle’s movement is limited—often due to traction limits and differential behavior. In water or mud, it can look like the truck is “stuck” while one tire does most of the work.

The “Power Wagon” is a Dodge Ram off-road trim known for heavy-duty 4x4 capability and off-road hardware. In this context, the host is arguing that the Power Wagon’s capability helps it stay controlled even when the hitch isn’t submerged.

A “Cummins version” means the truck is equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Cummins is known for durable, high-torque diesel power that’s popular for towing and hauling.

“Stilantis” is a mispronunciation of Stellantis, the automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA. Here, the host is talking about Stellantis product plans and upcoming truck/SUV models.

The Dodge Dakota is a pickup nameplate that the podcast references as a coming Ram-branded SUV, with additional performance talk such as an SRT version. It’s significant because the Dakota name carries pickup heritage, and any revival or reintroduction typically draws attention. The podcast context also mentions plans for an SRT variant and related details.

“SRT” stands for Street and Racing Technology, a performance sub-brand used by Stellantis for higher-output, sport-tuned versions. An “SRT version” typically means more aggressive tuning and performance hardware compared with a standard trim.

“Maverick” refers to the Ford Maverick, a compact pickup known for being relatively affordable and efficient compared with larger trucks. The host uses it as a benchmark, saying the Rampage will be a competitor in that same general size/role.

The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup from Stellantis’ Ram brand, and it’s one of the most important trucks in the U.S. market. In this segment, they’re talking about driving the new Ram 1500 across many trims, which matters because different trims can come with different engines and drivetrains.

“SRT Hellcat engine” refers to Chrysler’s SRT-branded supercharged Hellcat powerplant, famous for very high horsepower in Dodge and some Ram applications. The hosts are using it as a punchline to imagine launching a boat with brute force—highlighting the engine’s reputation for extreme output.

The Dodge Challenger is a performance-focused muscle car known for powerful engines and straight-line acceleration. In the podcast context, it’s discussed as a platform that could be paired with a high-output Hellcat-style engine concept. The mention is about imagining how that kind of engine would perform in the Challenger.

“Twin screw” means a boat uses two propellers (two “screws”) instead of one. That can improve thrust control and handling, especially at low speeds or when maneuvering.

“Getting up on plane” means the boat rises so its hull is mostly supported by hydrodynamic lift rather than just pushing through the water. Once on plane, boats typically accelerate faster and feel more responsive.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most widely recognized trucks in the market. It often comes up in discussions about engine options and special performance packages. In the podcast context, it’s referenced in a comparison about using high-performance engines in trucks, similar to how some boats use Raptor-labeled engines.

A supercharged engine uses a belt-driven compressor to force more air into the cylinders. That extra air lets the engine burn more fuel and make more power than a comparable naturally aspirated setup.