Camshaft Failures in new 5.7?

[longwoodklon]

Originally Posted by mxsjw

Read it again, he says 20 made it out the end of the assembly line.

You quoted the 2nd of his posts. But when you look at the first and second together, it really seems like they are just trying to be political about the situation. If I wasn't an idiot, I could figure out how to quote several different posts.

But take a look at the first TMS USA post:
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The engines are made at our facility in Alabama. We're continuing to investigate this issue so that we may isolate any units that could still be affected, if possible. However, you should know that the camshaft problem was discovered very early in the Tundra production system and corrected immediately. We're aware of 20 vehicles that have experienced the camshaft failure and have or are in the process of replacing the engines in these units.

Although the number of affected Tundras is very small, we very much regret that even one of our trucks was manufactured with a camshaft processing flaw and certainly any inconvenience caused to our customers.

The Toyota engineering, development and manufacturing processes applied to this new truck are among the most rigorous ever for our company. Nonetheless, when unforeseen problems do pop up, the very same processes also identify them as quickly as possible so that we can implement countermeasures pronto and minimize the impact.

We're committed to building the finest automobiles and trucks on the road today and fulfilling the expectations of our customers that come with that. Hopefully this response gives you dome degree of assurance that we stand by our high quality and customer service pledges and will work tirelessly to ensure that we fulfill those for our new Tundra owners.


BTW, our Toyota Customer Experience specialists are available to answer other questions about the Tundra or any of our products for that matter. They may be reached by calling
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So they are admitting that 20 have EXPERIENCED the failure. But in the 2nd response which you quoted, he makes it seem like only 20 were affected. So, which is it? I guess the real question is, will ANY truck with a defected cam blow right away? If so, then yeah, it'll happen in the first several thousand miles and no big deal it's under warranty. But if it's possible that it could take several years for this defect to show, then that's a problem and I wouldn't want to keep that truck past the warranty period.

Trust me, Toyota has swept stuff under the rug before. As I've explained, I had an '02 Seq. that had just over 50k miles on it before the A/C system took a crap. There was a TSB on it, but my truck NEVER SHOWED signs of a problem until 50k. So, a known problem that was made a TSB, but lucky for Toyota it crapped out after the warranty was up.
/Mike

[buttcrackboy]

Yes I would like to know the dates,VIN's,plant or plants,just for kicks & giggles. I will keep driving as if there was no exploding camshaft. Why worry? If I'm driving or pulling my trailer & Mr Camshaft detonates on me, I'll be taken care of. If I'm in the middle of BFE, Then Toyota will pay to get me to Toyota of BFE & put me up at the Ritz BFE. They will give me another DC to drive around the God forsaken hell hole (Phoenix) until my new motor is put in. First year bugs dont bother me at all. Thats why the automotive gods created warranties. Relax. If it blows you'll be taken care of by Toyota. You'll also have great stories to tell. In another 20 years when you're having a few w/ the boys, the camshaft issue will turn out to be the entire motor spewing shrapnal(sp) through the windshield. You'll all have a good laugh down the road. Life is stressfull enough w/out worrying about a truck motor. Drive the Tundra & enjoy.

[Mrlakeside]

TMS USA-- Six months ago Toyota was sending out cease and desist letters to Tundra Solutions.com for trademark infringement.

I noticed that you are using this thread for 2 things. 1. To provide the latest information on the 5.7 camshaft problem. 2. You are using this website as a tool to reassure readers that information on other mediums is untrue.

Do you think Toyota is getting value by using this message board in a time that Toyota is doing some “damage control" on the Tundra engine issue?

If you do, I would hope that you can take this experience with you so that the next time someone in the Toyota legal dept starts sending out nasty letters. You can reflect on the value you received by being able to get your information out to your customers that are debating and wondering how bad the issue really is.

The camshaft issue is something that your customers are talking about TODAY in almost real time. I think Toyota has value in this message board in that Toyota can make a position and a statement faster and more directed than if you published that information else ware.

In some of your posts you say that Toyota is "steeped in tradition". You also say that you are slowing evolving into seeing a message board type format as a "win-win-win deal"

Will I say the fact that Toyota was able to publish information yesterday on this board makes it a win-win-win deal and to be frank Toyota is lucky to have a medium like TundaSolutions.com to make its point.

-Ryan





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TMS USA wrote...

Thank you for your comments. We do support the efforts of quality Toyota-oriented enthusiast sites or forums. Some within the industry may not be as familiar with the extent and reach of these forums, but there certainly is a growing sense within Toyota that they exist as valuable communication and listening spaces across the web.

This is one of the reasons why within the past several months we have launched a consumer-generated or social media initiative meant to embrace and, where appropriate, participate in these important consumer dialogs re our products and services. I should say it is not without its internal controversy, for we are a company steeped in tradition--and those traditional business practices have brought us considerable success over the past many years. But we are slowly evolving across the Toyota enterprise to see it as a win-win-win deal, positively impacting consumers/customers such as you, dealers and us--Toyota corporate.

Are Toyota dealers supportive of online forums? I think so. (But not sure the term "bullet" will endear those who are not to come around!) The more technically and business astute dealers--many of whom are participating on this very forum--recognize the value to the business of specialized social media sites like TundraSolutions (brand image building, knowledge base for consumers--or the dealer in your case, breeding ground for poz buzz/WOM, highly influential).

That last attribute is probably one of the most important as a company like Toyota emerges from its 11th consecutive year of record breaking sales growth in the U.S. and embarks upon one of the most critical vehicle launches in our company's history with the new Texas-built Tundra. Current Toyota owners and those that might consider Toyota flock to these forums now in droves to seek out not only product information, but also the trusted opinions of online experts--in reality other consumers with relevant experience with one of our products or services.

It's like a giant 24/7 online cocktail party attended by folks who share a common bond--and you can drop in and gain information or share your own experience with others whenever and as often as you desire. How great is that? Those that host such "parties" are doing a great service to the auto biz, IMO. We also know that those who engage in such affairs--or merely exist as curious "lurkers"--trust these social networks more than anything else, more so even than that obtained from generally respected sources like our own brand website. That's powerful. That's influential. . . And that's one gem this company does not intend to ignore.
__________________

Corporate Communications
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

[dlarsen]

Cruiser- I'm so glad there's someone on this forum that uses logic and deductive reasoning to see through all the Toyota emotionally-attached BS many are spouting out here. There will most definitely be more than 20 affected engines; how many it will be should be very concerning to all current owners. Anyone who understands large corporations and how they operate should know very well their skill at damage control and spin. Leading the public to believe that Toyota feels the number is very small is very irresponsible and not a good showing of corporate governance or accountability in my opinion.

I have read about two cases of blown engines on this site alone, are we to believe 2 of the 20 affected engines, given that Toyota says they own a number of the affected vehicle themselves, just happen to belong to people on this forum? Common sense says no, considering many truck owners do not spend time on internet forums like this.

And to the guy that says Toyota will put you up in the Ritz Carlton BFE when you break down there (btw-Ritz Carlton doesn't usually have properties in BFE towns), I will believe that when you show me proof in my warranty where it stipulates free accomodations after roadside assistance. And even if they did, I would not be happy sitting in BFE on I-75 in 90 degree heat waiting to be towed, both truck and trailer.

I've owned Toyota trucks more on than off since 1990, and have had nothing but positive things to say about the company and products. That has changed drastically with the way this is being handled. From the customer experience line being useless, to multiple people at the dealership in Tampa, FL (Stadium) telling me as recent as June 1st they "were not even aware of the situation" to the corporate communications I see posted out here, I am very disappointed in Toyota overall. Unless they come out with more useful information on affected trucks ASAP and a plan of action, my next truck will be a Titan or Sierra. I'll take small recall issues that allow me to continue driving to the nearest dealer over major engine stopping problems any day.

[93cruiser]

Originally Posted by dlarsen

Cruiser- I'm so glad there's someone on this forum that uses logic and deductive reasoning to see through all the Toyota emotionally-attached BS many are spouting out here. There will most definitely be more than 20 affected engines; how many it will be should be very concerning to all current owners. Anyone who understands large corporations and how they operate should know very well their skill at damage control and spin. Leading the public to believe that Toyota feels the number is very small is very irresponsible and not a good showing of corporate governance or accountability in my opinion.

I have read about two cases of blown engines on this site alone, are we to believe 2 of the 20 affected engines, given that Toyota says they own a number of the affected vehicle themselves, just happen to belong to people on this forum? Common sense says no, considering many truck owners do not spend time on internet forums like this.

And to the guy that says Toyota will put you up in the Ritz Carlton BFE when you break down there (btw-Ritz Carlton doesn't usually have properties in BFE towns), I will believe that when you show me proof in my warranty where it stipulates free accomodations after roadside assistance. And even if they did, I would not be happy sitting in BFE on I-75 in 90 degree heat waiting to be towed, both truck and trailer.

I've owned Toyota trucks more on than off since 1990, and have had nothing but positive things to say about the company and products. That has changed drastically with the way this is being handled. From the customer experience line being useless, to multiple people at the dealership in Tampa, FL (Stadium) telling me as recent as June 1st they "were not even aware of the situation" to the corporate communications I see posted out here, I am very disappointed in Toyota overall. Unless they come out with more useful information on affected trucks ASAP and a plan of action, my next truck will be a Titan or Sierra. I'll take small recall issues that allow me to continue driving to the nearest dealer over major engine stopping problems any day.

Well, thanks. Logic and deductive reasoning comes from the engineer in me. Common sense is from learning and observing over the last 33 yrs. Its nice to see someone on here that uses logic as well.
Some people are easily fooled I guess, some just do not know better. I see people chiming in about the head gasket recall on the old 6 cylinder, and how toyota stepped up tp the plate. Well, I guess they dont know how long it took toyota to admit a problem, and how long they took the stance of nothing is wrong. Same with the sludge engines, nothing wrong here. BUt when enough people complain, and get lawyers, then they admit it is a problem and take care of it, but certainly not quickly.
I'm not ready to give up on Toyota. Why? Well, because nothing else out there really peaks my interest, and I know they have problems as well. BUT, I can assure everyone on here I will be getting an extended warranty free from toyota, unless they can provide me with failure analysis reports and data that proves thier stance of low volume issue, which they will not be able to do. SO, I will get my warranty.
This crap about outside suppliers doesnt fly either. It is toyota's product, they choose the supplier, and are responsible to ensure the supplier they choose builds and meets the specs provided. I am guessing the person who approved the first article cranks is no longer with toyota, or is hanging from his toe nails somewhere in japan at the moment.
The products I engineer use electronic components from thousands of diff suppliers on one single PC board. If anything fails on that PC board, it is my design, and my fault. It doesnt matter if I didnt make the chip that failed, I provide the product, so it comes back to me. I know how it works..........
So, I hate to say, but I think all 5.7 are affected. I am sure a # of things contribute to this failure, and toyota is calculating how mnay will actually fail, even though a problem exists with all of the 5.7's. I hope they come out with a real high %, so we all get new engines now, and not on a case by case basis while only in warranty.
I already have a case # from toyota, and expect a clear written statement from toyota with what they are planning to do with the life of the 5.7. I also requested failure analysis reports, and gave my vin # and want to know if I fall into this small range(yea, right, no small range). I will popst back what I hear, and what I get, but I dont know when I will get an answer.

[MOREPOWER]

Originally Posted by dlarsen

I have read about two cases of blown engines on this site alone, are we to believe 2 of the 20 affected engines, given that Toyota says they own a number of the affected vehicle themselves, just happen to belong to people on this forum? Common sense says no, considering many truck owners do not spend time on internet forums like this.

Legit 5.7 camshaft failure, posted by. Only Toyota for me.
The other claim is a Troll, Tundraaaah. this guy has been rooted out as just that, so far theres only one failed engine on this site, that I have seen, somebody correct me if I'm wrong, if there are others I would love to read about it, any other owners on the net posting cam failures? Please post a link.

[Rustywrenches]

Not trying to stir the pot here, but I doubt that any company that sells products of any kind (except food or drugs) will replace a product which is operating as intended. However, if the product fails for some reason and it is within the warranty period, then it is customary for the product to be replaced with another. I think Toyota will do the right thing and replace the engines that do fail for whatever reason. Toyota is not going to simply start replacing engines that have not failed unless their analysis has proven to them that they have a huge liability on their hands. Time will tell if Toyota, so far, has told the truth about how many units are affected. Until I learn otherwise, I will give Toyota the benefit of the doubt.

[kathyricks]

Originally Posted by 93cruiser

Some people are easily fooled I guess, some just do not know better. I see people chiming in about the head gasket recall on the old 6 cylinder, and how toyota stepped up to the plate. Well, I guess they dont know how long it took toyota to admit a problem, and how long they took the stance of nothing is wrong.

Ultimately Toyota fixed the head gaskets on the old 6 cylinder even if the engines had accumulated 389,000 miles. Then after the head gasket replacement, the owners went on to drive them over 500,000 miles. See for yourself:

[johndvm]

Since most of the replies on this thread seem to contain no real information regarding the camshaft failure let me add my own rant in defense of toyota. The much noted sludge problem IMHO just doesnt pass the sniff test. The problem cropped up supposedly in 1999 as toyota increased combustion temperatures in search of lower emissions and greater fuel economy from the 3.0 v6. The result seemed to be more of a tendency for the motors to cook their oils. Toyota fought owners tooth and nail saying that the sludge was caused by not changing the oil on schedule. Even though it is not in fashion to side with any corporation I believe toyota. The numbers of vehicles effected was too low for the engine design to be at fault. The engine design was less tolerant of neglect. People who are too busy to have their oil changed can find time to call their local lawyer. Lastly Toyota is not perfect but bluntly put they have more of a reputation to lose than GM or Ford and I think they will work harder at protecting it -bad american made camshafts or not.

[AZNTundra]

see this is why i bought the 4.7L engine ... i know that 1st year gremlins happen... im just not too sure about the 4.7's transmission... 5 speed yeesh!...

[Buckeyefan]

Originally Posted by johndvm

Since most of the replies on this thread seem to contain no real information regarding the camshaft failure let me add my own rant in defense of toyota. The much noted sludge problem IMHO just doesnt pass the sniff test. The problem cropped up supposedly in 1999 as toyota increased combustion temperatures in search of lower emissions and greater fuel economy from the 3.0 v6. The result seemed to be more of a tendency for the motors to cook their oils. Toyota fought owners tooth and nail saying that the sludge was caused by not changing the oil on schedule. Even though it is not in fashion to side with any corporation I believe toyota. The numbers of vehicles effected was too low for the engine design to be at fault. The engine design was less tolerant of neglect. People who are too busy to have their oil changed can find time to call their local lawyer. Lastly Toyota is not perfect but bluntly put they have more of a reputation to lose than GM or Ford and I think they will work harder at protecting it -bad american made camshafts or not.

I disagree. You have to overbuild engines and expect the worst from consumers, not the other way around. You never hear of sludge buildup in cars. Toyota should have taken that head on. Instead, they cost themselves a lot of repeat buyers. Now they even have disclaimers when you buy a new Toyota about engine oil sludge. That's B.S. in my book.

[seadragon]

I had a 2002 Highlander with the supposedly sludge prone 3.0L engine. I had NO problems at all with that vehicle. I had just under 60,000 miles on it when I traded it in for the Tundra. I don't buy any of the sludge stories.

There was 3000 engines out of 3.3 MILLION that apparently had sludge. Thats 0.1% folks!

[TexasToyota]

If Toyota suspects such a small number of camshaft failures then why don't they give them a new truck, after all it's only a few trucks affected and just think what that would do for public relations

[buttcrackboy]

[QUOTE=dlarsen;676288]
And to the guy that says Toyota will put you up in the Ritz Carlton BFE when you break down there (btw-Ritz Carlton doesn't usually have properties in BFE towns), I will believe that when you show me proof in my warranty where it stipulates free accomodations after roadside assistance. And even if they did, I would not be happy sitting in BFE on I-75 in 90 degree heat waiting to be towed, both truck and trailer.

I can see you are a glass is half empty person. I happen to be a half full kind of guy. You feel that, unless Toyota sends you a written contract, you won't be happy. I feel I will be taken care of by Toyota, & my tongue in cheek example shows that. I have been broken down in the desert in 109 degree heat for 2-1/2 hours. It wasn't fun, but we were prepared for this happening. I may have lived in the Virginia hills & worked in the Iowa cornfields, but I do happen to know about Ritz properties. (I work in the hotel industry). There are other trucks out there to buy. If you aren't comfortable w/ Toyota then look into buying another brand rather than waiting for assurances you may never get. If you do get a written guarantee from Toyota, Then you need to start working on the federal government. I need an assurance that I will get my Social Security checks when I turn 65.

[Deltablue]

Currently have a 2007 Tundra 5.7 Limited on order, been waiting four weeks so far and "chomping on the bit". This latest revelation has me concerned although Toyota is claiming that the only affected vehicles are among the first 30,000 produced, is that correct?