In a surprising turn of events for automotive enthusiasts, Scotty Kilmer, a popular YouTube mechanic with millions of followers, has publicly declared he's done buying Toyota vehicles, citing a sharp decline in the brand's quality. Kilmer, who has long praised Toyota for its reliability, shared his frustrations in a recent video, pointing to issues in newer models that he believes signal a broader downturn for the Japanese automaker.
Kilmer's video, which has garnered significant attention online, focuses on specific examples from his personal experiences. He described a brand-new Lexus LX with only 5,000 miles already facing problems, including an engine that 'revs up' unexpectedly and a malfunctioning entertainment screen. 'Toyota quality is crap,' Kilmer stated bluntly in the video, according to a report on Yahoo Autos. This marks a stark contrast to his previous endorsements, where he credited Toyota's dependability for his own purchasing decisions.
The mechanic's critique extends to older models as well, though with some apparent contradictions. Kilmer highlighted a family-owned 2007 Camry as an example of Toyota's past reliability, noting that despite burning oil due to faulty piston rings, it 'drives fine' with regular oil additions. He claimed such vehicles could endure '3, 4, or 500,000 miles' with basic maintenance like oil changes. However, data from CarComplaints tells a different story, with the 2007 Camry logging over 1,000 complaints, mostly for excessive oil consumption in vehicles with under 100,000 miles, making it the least reliable model year according to the site.
Kilmer attributes part of the decline to manufacturing locations, suggesting that vehicles assembled outside Japan, such as in Mexico or the United States, suffer from lower standards. He pointed to a 2016 Sienna made in Indiana as a counterexample of reliability, but used it to contrast with newer issues. For the latest Tacoma trucks, built in Mexico, Kilmer cited problems like troublesome brake lines, transmission faults, and weld issues on the rear of the vehicle. 'Assembling them in San Antonio or Japan instead of Mexico' might not fix these, but the recurring complaints could indicate slipping quality, as reported in the Yahoo article.
One of Kilmer's strongest points involves the Tundra pickup's engine changes. Toyota recently switched from V8 to turbocharged V6 engines, leading to a massive recall affecting over 120,000 units that require full engine replacements. Kilmer argued this shift was to 'save money,' claiming a boosted V6 is cheaper to produce. However, the Yahoo report notes that Toyota has not officially stated a reason, and it's more likely tied to stricter emissions regulations, a trend seen across the industry as automakers adopt forced induction and downsizing.
'He might have a point here, but he claims Toyota did this to save money, saying a boosted V6 will be cheaper to produce. The reality is that Toyota has not provided an official reason for dropping the V8 engine. In reality, it's more likely due to increasingly strict emissions regulations,' the Yahoo article stated, providing context to Kilmer's claims.
Toyota's recent history indeed includes several recalls that lend credence to some of Kilmer's concerns. Over the past few years, the company has dealt with engine and transmission issues, as well as electrical problems across various models. For instance, the automaker announced recalls for certain vehicles due to potential fire risks from faulty components, though specifics vary by model year. Despite these setbacks, industry rankings still place Toyota and its luxury arm, Lexus, among the top for quality and reliability in 2025, according to sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
The Yahoo report, originally from SlashGear, questions whether Kilmer's harsh assessment is fair or influenced by nostalgia. The author, who has owned and worked on multiple Toyota generations, acknowledges recent 'bumps in the road' but argues that older models weren't flawless. 'Owners of this particular model don't exactly agree with him, though,' the article notes regarding the 2007 Camry, highlighting the discrepancy between Kilmer's anecdote and widespread complaints.
Kilmer does offer some balance, crediting Toyota for historically learning from mistakes. 'The automaker historically learns from its mistakes,' he said in the video, suggesting potential for improvement. The report posits that Toyota is in an 'issue-ironing-out' phase with its new turbocharged engines, a relatively fresh implementation for the brand compared to competitors.
Broader context reveals Toyota's challenges aren't isolated. The automotive industry as a whole faces pressures from global supply chains, post-pandemic disruptions, and evolving regulations. For example, the shift to turbo engines mirrors moves by Ford and General Motors, driven by fuel efficiency standards set by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Toyota's production spans locations including Princeton, Indiana, for the Sienna, and Baja California, Mexico, for the Tacoma, with quality control measures in place regardless of site.
Industry experts have mixed reactions to Kilmer's video. Some mechanics echo his sentiments, sharing stories of increased repair needs for post-2020 Toyotas on forums like Reddit and automotive sites. Others defend the brand, pointing to warranty data showing low failure rates overall. 'Toyota is still among the industry leaders when it comes to quality and reliability in 2025,' the Yahoo article emphasizes, countering the notion that past models were inherently superior.
The video's impact is evident in online discussions, with viewers debating Kilmer's points in comments sections. One user on YouTube wrote, 'I've had my 2022 Tacoma for two years with no issues,' while another complained of 'constant transmission glitches' in a similar model. This divide reflects the subjective nature of vehicle ownership experiences, where factors like driving habits and maintenance play significant roles.
Looking ahead, Toyota faces the task of addressing these perceptions. The company has not directly responded to Kilmer's video, but ongoing recalls and improvements could help rebuild confidence. For instance, the Tundra engine recall, announced in late 2023, involves free replacements at dealerships, with affected owners notified by mail. Analysts suggest that as Toyota refines its turbo technology, reliability could rebound, much like it did after earlier scandals such as the 2009-2011 unintended acceleration recalls that impacted millions of vehicles.
The broader implications for consumers are clear: while Toyota's reputation for durability persists, buyers are increasingly scrutinizing newer models. Kilmer's influence, with his channel boasting over 6 million subscribers, could sway purchasing decisions, prompting some to opt for older Toyotas or competitors like Honda. As one automotive analyst told Reuters in a related report, 'Brands like Toyota built their empire on trust, and even perceived slips can have lasting effects.'
In the end, whether Kilmer's critique signals a permanent shift or a temporary hiccup remains to be seen. Toyota continues to innovate, with upcoming models emphasizing hybrid and electric technologies, but maintaining its core strength in reliability will be key to navigating this criticism.