The Toyota 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Lexus LX 570) develops a notorious oil leak where the cam towers meet the cylinder head and front cover. The leak is hard to seal because it sits behind the timing chain cover. Toyota addressed it with TSB T-SB-0020-19 and a customer support program that extended coverage on the specific repair.
A correct cam-tower reseal usually requires pulling the timing cover, water pump, and front accessories. Out of warranty, dealer cost is commonly $2,000 to $3,500. The customer support program covered the repair within a defined window.
The 3UR-FE has two aluminum cam towers per head, sealed to the head with FIPG (formed-in-place gasket). Heat cycling breaks the FIPG bond between the cam tower and the head, especially at the rear/back corners. The leak weeps oil down the back of the engine, gets blamed on valve covers or rear main seal, and reappears after improper repairs. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0020-19 with the proper resealing procedure: pull the timing chain cover, clean the FIPG track, and reseal with the updated sealant. Toyota also issued a customer support program extending coverage on this specific repair for affected build years.
| Model | Years | Engine | TSB / CSP | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra | 2007-2019 | 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 | TSB T-SB-0020-19, CSP ZL3 | High |
| Toyota Sequoia | 2008-2019 | 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 | TSB T-SB-0020-19 | High |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 200 | 2008-2021 | 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 | TSB T-SB-0020-19 | High |
| Lexus LX 570 | 2008-2021 | 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 | TSB T-SB-0020-19 | High |
Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), manufacturer technical service bulletins, and publicly filed class-action documents. Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.
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The 3UR-FE cam-tower leak is addressed primarily by manufacturer TSB and customer support program rather than a class settlement, though some state lemon-law and breach-of-warranty claims have produced individual outcomes. There is no active nationwide class action specific to this defect as of 2026.
If you see an oil leak from the back of either cylinder head, ask the dealer to perform a UV-dye trace and reference TSB T-SB-0020-19 on the RO before any cam-cover or rear-main work. Confirm CSP eligibility by VIN with Toyota Customer Experience. Out of CSP, get a quote from a Toyota-specialist independent.
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No. Valve-cover gaskets are a different seal. Many shops misdiagnose the leak as a valve-cover gasket and the leak returns within a few thousand miles.
Yes. The 3UR-FE is one of the most durable Toyota V8s ever built. The cam-tower leak is its main weak point but does not threaten longevity if sealed properly.
Typically 12 to 16 labor hours. Most dealers schedule it as a 1.5-2 day job.
No formal NHTSA recall, but a customer support program (CSP) extended coverage on the repair for specific VIN ranges and build years.
Short term, yes. Long term the leak migrates to the bellhousing and starter, eventually causing electrical and clutch/converter issues.
No. The new 3.5L twin-turbo V35A-FTS uses a different sealing approach. It has its own separate issues but not the cam-tower FIPG leak.