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Goodbye Toyota and Lexus – over 100,000 cars recalled for engine failure – here’s the list of models

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Toyota is facing one of its most expensive and complex recalls after discovering a defect in the V-6 twin-turbocharged engines powering both the Tundra pickup trucks and the luxury Lexus LX SUVs. This issue affects vehicles from the 2022 and 2023 model years, specifically those produced between November 2021 and February 2023, and for the Lexus LX, from July 2021 to November 2022.

 

 

What’s wrong with these engines?

 

 

The defect that triggered this large-scale recall can cause the engine to stall suddenly while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The root of the problem stems from machining debris left inside the engine during production, which can lead to engine knocking, rough operation, difficulty starting, and, in the worst cases, total loss of power.

 

In May 2024, Toyota notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of this issue. At the time, the company estimated that only 1% of the 102,092 potentially affected vehicles might exhibit the defect. However, this figure was largely due to limitations in NHTSA’s reporting system, where Toyota explained that it was unable to provide an accurate estimate of the number of vehicles affected.

 

 

Drastic solution: complete engine replacement

 

 

 

Two months after the initial filing, Toyota still had not determined exactly how many vehicles were affected, leading to a radical decision: replace the engines in every potentially impacted vehicle. This means swapping out the engines in over 100,000 vehicles, including approximately 98,600 Tundras and 3,500 Lexus LX SUVs.

 

So far, this solution only applies to non-hybrid versions of the 3.4-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged engines (designated V35A). The hybrid Tundra models are not included in this recall because, in the event of an engine failure, their electric motors can still provide power to the vehicle.

 

 

How the issue was discovered

 

 

The investigation began in March 2022, when a customer reported a sudden engine stall. Toyota found that the main engine bearings had seized. More reports followed, and as Toyota continued its investigation, it became clear that machining debris was responsible for the engine failures.

 

By 2023, Toyota had accumulated 166 technical reports, and 824 warranty claims related to this problem. This led the company to issue a voluntary recall of the affected vehicles. Even engines that initially appeared to be in good condition were found to have issues after thorough inspection.

 

 

Financial impact of the recall

 

 

Replacing over 100,000 engines will come at a significant cost to Toyota. Beyond the price of the new engines themselves, the company will also need to cover labour costs for removing the faulty engines and installing the replacements. There’s a concern that this massive recall could affect the production of new vehicles, as manufacturing capacity may need to be redirected to produce replacement engines for the recall.

 

Despite the high cost, Toyota has been praised for taking such a comprehensive approach to safety, even though it’s uncertain how many vehicles are actually at risk. The company plans to send notices to vehicle owners before the end of the month, informing them about the recall and the next steps.

 

 

Toyota’s commitment to long-term customer trust

 

This recall highlights Toyota’s dedication to maintaining long-term customer trust by addressing issues head-on, no matter the scale or cost involved. Although only a fraction of the affected vehicles may experience engine failure, Toyota’s decision to replace over 100,000 engines is a testament to its proactive approach to safety and reliability. By opting for a complete engine replacement rather than a smaller-scale fix, Toyota is reinforcing its brand reputation as one that prioritizes customer well-being over short-term financial concerns. In a competitive market where reliability is a key selling point, this recall serves as a clear message: Toyota is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the performance and safety of its vehicles remain uncompromised.

 

 

Toyota has taken a bold and proactive stance by addressing this engine defect in their V-6 twin-turbocharged vehicles. Replacing all potentially affected engines, while costly, ensures that customer safety is the top priority. By doing so, the company demonstrates a strong commitment to resolving quality issues, even if the financial co

nsequences are significant.

 

 

– Union Rayo

 

 

 

News and Report

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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