Quote:
Originally Posted by mesa8699
I found out mines ok  I went to my dealer and had my customer rep check the vin.  ,mines not one of the ones. Now i can go out race me a few more Rams and not worry about it!!  |
First, before you read any further, let it be known that I'm not worried one bit about a camshaft failure. The percentage is so small and the truck has been so great that I find it useless to worry about failures.
Now, on to addressing your post:
Your dealer might be yanking your chain by telling you that your truck isn't one of the ones. They don't really know for sure which ones are 'the ones'. Do you feel better that your dealer told you that your truck wasn't affected? Of course. How would you feel if it failed anyway? The dealer is taking a chance telling you that your truck is not affected. It is a calculated risk that weighs heavily in their favor with the extremely small percentage of reported failures.
Following is a letter that I got from a local dealer today:
Tundra 5.7 Liter Engine Camshaft Issue
Q and A
Background: Toyota dealers have received approximately 20 consumer complaints of damaged intake camshafts on 5.7 liter Tundra engines. Toyota is currently in the process of fully investigating each of them. Thus far, it appears that the cause was an isolated processing anomaly during the camshaft manufacturing process by the supplier. Current information suggests that only a very small number of vehicles might potentially be affected. For those vehicles, rather than replacing only the camshaft, TMS is replacing the entire engine to assure customer satisfaction.
Automotive News learned of the issue from an individual at a Toyota dealership and from online forum postings. We expect additional inquiries to follow the Automotive News story.
Statement:
Toyota regrets any inconvenience caused to customers who have experienced this condition and remains confident in the Tundra. To date we have received approximately 20 customer contacts on this issue. The issue stems from an isolated processing anomaly, affecting only a small number of camshafts, during the manufacturing process at the supplier. We believe that the number of contacts for this issue will remain extremely low and expect that the majority of consumers’ vehicles will not be impacted by this condition.
To assure customer satisfaction, Toyota has replaced the entire engine, rather than just the camshaft, and feedback indicates this has exceeded customer expectations.
Q1: How many Tundras are affected?
A: To date we have received information related to approximately 20 vehicles. This is out of approximately 30,000 Tundras with 5.7 liter engines. However, all indications are that the condition was discovered and corrected very early and we are confident in the action that was taken. The number of camshafts potentially affected is very low, affecting only a very small number of vehicles sold. Toyota will continue our investigation.
Q2: How many camshafts were in that batch from the supplier?
A: Because the Toyota production system depends on just-in-time deliveries and a nearly constant flow of parts, it does not produce large inventories of parts. For this reason it is generally easier to catch and rectify problems when they are discovered. The supplier had a small stock at the time and those components were quickly inspected.
Q3: What happens when the camshaft fails?
A: Customers will typically notice a loss of engine power and a rough idle. Once the engine is stopped, the customer will experience difficulty restarting the engine.
Q4: Who is the supplier?
A: As a matter of policy we do not disclose the supplier.
Q5: Where were the engines made?
A: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama
Q6: Does this affect Tundras made at both Texas and Indiana plants?
A: Yes, both plants (Tundras) use engines assembled by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama.
Q7: How many engines have failed?
A: We have confirmed approximately 20 customer contacts.
Q8: Will you do a recall?
A: Our investigation is still under way and we will make a final determination when it is concluded.
Q9: Why are you replacing entire engines?
A: We are shipping new engines via airfreight to assure complete customer satisfaction and demonstrate our confidence in the Tundra. Feedback from our customers so far indicates that replacement rather than repair has exceeded their expectations and demonstrated that Toyota stands behind its products.
Q10: Automotive News reported that the 5.7 liter engine was rushed into production and demand has been higher than expected. Was this a factor in the camshaft failures?
A: No. Any inference that this issue was caused by production timetables or increased demand for the 5.7 liter engine is unfounded speculation.
Q11: This would appear to be another example of how Toyota is growing too fast, and reaching too far. Isn’t your quality suffering as demonstrated by this problem and others?
A: No. Toyota remains committed to producing high-quality, dependable vehicles that meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. The Tundra engineering, development and manufacturing processes have been among the most rigorous ever for Toyota. However when unexpected problems occur, our processes also identify them as soon as possible so countermeasures can be taken quickly, minimizing their impact.
Q12: Tundra is advertised as rugged and heavy duty. Were the camshaft failures a result of too much stress on the engine parts?
A: No. The camshaft does not experience any differences in stress according to how it is driven or payload.
Q13: Have there been any accidents reported?
A: There have been no reported cases of accidents related to this condition.
Q14: What should an owner do if they experience the condition?
A: Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for diagnosis repair or our Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.