Free used car buyer guide / XK70 / 2022-2025
Toyota Tundra common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: v35a machining debris / main-bearing failure recall exposure. Score methodology.
The 2022-2025 Tundra is not the old 5.7 V8 truck with a new dashboard. It moved to the V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6, 10-speed automatic and optional i-FORCE MAX hybrid, and the big buyer issue is Toyota's expanding engine-debris/main-bearing recall story. A good truck is strong and refined, but a used one needs VIN recall proof, cold-start listening, turbo/wastegate checks, hybrid battery/cooling checks, bed/tonneau recall status, brake/electrical software updates, water-leak inspection and payload/towing abuse review.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
V35A machining debris /
Best years
2024-2025
Best buys
- 2024-2025 truck with clean VIN status, warranty remaining, no engine noise, and complete dealer service history.
- i-FORCE MAX only after hybrid cooling/scan checks and no towing-abuse signs.
- Non-hybrid V6 with oil history, no recall exposure or documented remedy.
Inspect hard
- 2022 launch trucks for turbo wastegate, wind noise, infotainment and build-quality campaigns.
- Any 2022-2024 V35A for engine recall and bearing-noise history.
- Trucks with tonneau covers, bed accessories or towing equipment for recall/abuse evidence.
Avoid
- Any V35A with knock, metal in oil, no-start/rough running history or unclear recall status.
- Turbo/wastegate failure stories without Toyota warranty paperwork.
- Flood/water-leak interiors or modified trucks with powertrain warranty risk.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Toyota Tundra viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Toyota Tundra should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
V35A-FTS 3.4 twin-turbo V6 non-hybrid
2022-2025
RECALL STATUS DECIDES
Machining debris/main-bearing recall exposure is the defining risk; do not treat it like an ordinary Toyota V8.
V35A-FTS i-FORCE MAX hybrid
2022-2025
STRONG BUT SCAN IT
More torque and complexity; hybrid cooling, high-voltage codes and towing heat matter.
10-speed automatic / part-time 4WD
2022-2025
GOOD IF SOFTWARE AND FLUID HISTORY CLEAN
Shift quality complaints can be software/adaptation, but towing neglect can turn it expensive.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2022
XK70 launches; twin-turbo V6 replaces 5.7 V8.
Buyer: Launch-year truck; inspect turbo, wind noise, software and recalls hard.
Owner: Keep every warranty/TSB invoice.
2023
Production matures, but engine recall concern remains.
Buyer: Better than first year only if VIN and service record are clean.
Owner: Investigate engine noise immediately.
2024
Engine-debris recall population expands in public records.
Buyer: Do not buy before checking latest VIN recall state.
Owner: Save recall completion records with oil reports.
2025
Late current production; long-term data still thin.
Buyer: Buy with warranty and no modified/towing-abuse evidence.
Owner: Keep drivetrain stock if relying on Toyota warranty.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
V35A machining debris / main-bearing failure recall exposure
Affects
2022-2024 and later-expanded non-hybrid V35A populations; verify every VIN.
Symptoms
Knock, rough running, no-start, stall, metal in oil, engine replacement history.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall if eligible; USD 12,000-25,000+ engine replacement outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire, oil-pressure, crank/cam or manufacturer powertrain codes may appear.
Root cause: Manufacturing debris can remain in the engine and damage crankshaft main bearings under load.
Quick check
- Run VIN through Toyota and NHTSA on the day of purchase.
- Listen cold and hot for bottom-end knock.
- Inspect oil/filter history and ask for any oil-analysis or engine-replacement paperwork.
- Reject trucks with unresolved recall status and symptoms.
Fault 2
Turbo wastegate actuator / turbocharger failure on launch trucks
Affects
Mostly 2022 early V35A trucks, but inspect all.
Symptoms
Low boost, limp mode, check engine light, wastegate rattle, turbo replacement record.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 warranty; USD 2,500-6,000+ turbo/actuator repair outside warranty.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, boost/wastegate actuator codes.
Root cause: Wastegate actuator/turbo hardware or calibration issues on early production.
Quick check
- Cold start and listen for wastegate/turbo rattle.
- Perform safe boost pull and watch for limp mode.
- Scan pending/history boost codes.
- Ask for Toyota turbo replacement campaign/warranty invoices.
Fault 3
i-FORCE MAX hybrid cooling / high-voltage fault risk
Affects
2022-2025 hybrid trucks.
Symptoms
Hybrid warning, reduced power, fan noise, towing heat, battery cooling blockage.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 warranty; USD 500-1,500 cooling/diagnosis; USD 5,000+ major HV parts outside warranty.
Codes / scan clues
Hybrid battery, inverter and cooling codes vary.
Root cause: Cooling airflow restriction, towing heat load, software faults or high-voltage component issue.
Quick check
- Scan hybrid ECU with Toyota-capable tool.
- Inspect battery cooling inlets and cabin/under-seat area.
- Test under load after warm-up, not just parking-lot driving.
- Avoid modified trucks with warranty-risk electrical accessories.
Fault 4
10-speed harsh shift, flare or adaptation complaints
Affects
2022-2025.
Symptoms
Clunk into gear, delayed engagement, hunting, towing shift flare.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-500 software/adaptation; USD 800-2,500 valve-body diagnosis; USD 6,000+ replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Ratio/pressure/solenoid codes may appear.
Root cause: Software/adaptation sensitivity, fluid heat, or internal clutch/valve-body wear.
Quick check
- Test cold Drive/Reverse engagement.
- Drive city stop-start and highway grades.
- Scan TCM history before reset.
- Ask if towing service intervals were followed.
Fault 5
Factory tonneau cover / bed accessory recall detachment risk
Affects
Trucks equipped with certain Toyota tonneau covers.
Symptoms
Open recall, loose cover, missing clamps, wind noise, cover movement.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall; USD 600-1,800 cover/hardware replacement.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Cover/hardware can loosen or detach if affected parts are installed.
Quick check
- Verify VIN/accessory recall status.
- Inspect clamps, rails and labels.
- Road test for cover lift/noise.
- Remove price value if cover has no paperwork.
Fault 6
Water leaks, wind noise and cab sealing complaints
Affects
2022 launch and later trucks after glass/body repairs.
Symptoms
Wet carpet, musty smell, wind whistle, headliner stains, module warnings.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-600 adjustment/seal; USD 1,000-3,000+ interior/module repair.
Codes / scan clues
Body/telematics/airbag codes if water reaches modules.
Root cause: Door/window/sunroof/rear-window sealing or poor repair alignment.
Quick check
- Inspect carpets, rear cab wall and headliner after rain.
- Drive at highway speed and listen around mirrors/doors.
- Check for replaced glass or body repair.
- Scan body modules if dampness is present.
Fault 7
Infotainment, camera and trailer-assist software faults
Affects
2022-2025.
Symptoms
Screen reboot, camera loss, trailer backup assist errors, phone pairing failures.
Typical repair cost
USD 0-300 software; USD 800-2,500 head unit/camera/module.
Codes / scan clues
CAN/camera/telematics codes vary.
Root cause: Early software bugs, low voltage, camera calibration, trailer wiring faults.
Quick check
- Test all cameras, CarPlay/Android Auto and trailer screens.
- Scan for stored infotainment/telematics faults.
- Inspect trailer wiring for DIY splices.
- Confirm OTA/dealer software updates.
Fault 8
Towing/payload abuse hidden by low mileage
Affects
2022-2025 used work/tow trucks.
Symptoms
Sagging rear suspension, brake judder, overheated tyres, hitch wear, dark fluids.
Typical repair cost
USD 600-1,500 brakes/tyres; USD 1,500-4,000 suspension/cooling; more if powertrain damaged.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission temperature, trailer brake, ABS or stability codes.
Root cause: Heavy towing before break-in, over-payload use, poor cooling/fluid maintenance.
Quick check
- Inspect hitch, bed, rear springs, tyres and brake rotor condition.
- Ask what it towed and compare with service intervals.
- Check transmission and diff service records.
- Scan for temperature and trailer-brake histories.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall check for Toyota Tundra 2022-2025.
- Service invoices matching the engine/drivetrain and mileage, not only stamped history.
- Inspect tyres, leaks, accident repair and water entry before the test drive.
- Look specifically for evidence related to V35A machining debris / main-bearing failure recall exposure.
- Check every warning light, infotainment function, climate mode, camera/sensor warning and battery condition before moving.
- Cold start, full warm-up, low-speed manoeuvres and motorway-speed pull for Toyota Tundra.
- Recheck for smells, warning lights, harsh shifts, vibration or coolant/oil leaks after the drive.
- Scan engine, transmission, ABS/body and driver-assist modules where fitted.
- Treat cleared codes or incomplete readiness monitors as negotiation or walk-away evidence.
Bottom line
Buy: 2024-2025 truck with clean VIN status, warranty remaining, no engine noise, and complete dealer service history. i-FORCE MAX only after hybrid cooling/scan checks and no towing-abuse signs.
Avoid: Any V35A with knock, metal in oil, no-start/rough running history or unclear recall status. Turbo/wastegate failure stories without Toyota warranty paperwork.
Quick answers
Toyota Tundra buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Toyota Tundra 2022-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: V35A machining debris / main-bearing failure recall exposure; Turbo wastegate actuator / turbocharger failure on launch trucks; i-FORCE MAX hybrid cooling / high-voltage fault risk. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Toyota Tundra years are the best to buy?
2024-2025 stand out in this generation. 2024-2025 truck with clean VIN status, warranty remaining, no engine noise, and complete dealer service history. i-FORCE MAX only after hybrid cooling/scan checks and no towing-abuse signs.
Which Toyota Tundra should I avoid?
Any V35A with knock, metal in oil, no-start/rough running history or unclear recall status. Turbo/wastegate failure stories without Toyota warranty paperwork.
Is the Toyota Tundra 2022-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: v35a machining debris / main-bearing failure recall exposure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Toyota Tundra guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.