How to Spot Turbo Issues in the V35A-FTS Engine – V35A-FTS turbo problems
How to Diagnose Turbo Failure on the V35A-FTS Engine — V35A-FTS Turbo Failure & Replacement Guide
If you are the owner of a Toyota or Lexus automobile with the V35A-FTS engine, you are already well aware of the impressive power this 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine can provide. It is a masterpiece of modern engineering with excellent power and fuel economy balance. Like all modern turbocharged engines, the V35A-FTS engine is no exception—unfortunately with the turbo system. V35A-FTS turbo problems
Whether you have a tuner, enthusiast, or street car and your engine isn’t behaving like it should, this guide is going to help you diagnose turbo issues in the V35A-FTS engine, determine why they’re happening, and most importantly—when it’s time to replace the engine.
We don’t just explain the problems—we sell fully tested, high-quality V35A-FTS engines with complete specifications. If your current engine is beyond repair, we’ve got your back with reliable replacements ready to ship.
What Is the V35A-FTS Engine?
Toyota’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine is the V35A-FTS. Toyota manufactured and launched it in 2017, and it powers several Toyota and Lexus flagships, such as:
- Toyota Land Cruiser 300
- Toyota Tundra (3rd Generation)
- Toyota Sequoia
- Lexus LX600
The engine was designed to succeed the old naturally aspirated V8s with the same (boosted) power in better gas mileage, lower emissions, and updated technology.
V35A-FTS Engine Specifications
And now let us find out what is new in this engine.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | V35A-FTS |
| Configuration | V6, Twin-Turbocharged |
| Displacement | 3.5 Liters (3444cc) |
| Bore x Stroke | 85.5 mm x 100 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel System | D-4ST (Direct & Port Injection) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 24-valve, Dual VVT-i |
| Horsepower | Up to 437 hp (model/tuning dependent) |
| Torque | Up to 583 lb-ft |
| Turbochargers | Twin parallel single-scroll turbos |
| Intercooler | Air-to-liquid |
| Transmission Compatibility | 10-speed automatic |
Common Turbocharger Issues with the V35A-FTS
The V35A-FTS is a high-torque, high-power, and long-lasting engine, but turbo engines are by nature more complicated in their design, making them more prone to failure in a variety of different ways.
Some of the typical turbo issues V35A-FTS owners and mechanics notice are explained below:
1. Turbo Lag or Lack of Power
One of the very first things you ever notice something is wrong is when you’re trying to floor it so you can accelerate and there’s just no power. Worse than usual turbo lag could be an indication of boost system or wastegate issues.
2. Turbo Oil Leaks
Turbos are also lubricated by oil. Oil leakage from ancillary seals or turbo housing is an issue, most likely due to dirty bearings or clogged oil lines.
3. Whine or Siren Noise
A whine on rising RPM is a dead turbo. Turbine blades or turbine bearings are probably the culprit.
4. Check Engine Light (CEL)
P0299 (underboost) or P0234 (overboost) codes are the most typical indications of turbo failure.
5. Exhaust Smoke
Blue or gray smoke out of the exhaust from oil burning in the combustion chamber when turbo oil seals are leaking and damaged.
Symptoms of Turbo Failure in V35A-FTS Engines
If any of this is happening, your turbo likely is on its deathbed:
- Slow acceleration
- Low or erratic reading on boost gauge
- Rattling or hissing sound in engine bay
- Excessive oil usage
- Worse fuel mileage
- CEL with turbo-related codes
- Excessive exhaust smoke
These problems usually end up ruining the engine if not properly fixed.
Why is Turbo Fail in the V35A-FTS?
The causes below are some of the reasons for turbo failure in this engine:
1. Oil Starvation
Dirty or low oil makes the turbo bearings seize and overheat. Use the right oil grade and follow the service intervals.
2. Foreign Object Damage
Anything sucked into the turbo (e.g., a blown air filter or intake hose trash, for example) will ruin the compressor wheel.
3. Boost Control Failure
Sticky or faulty weld on wastegate or boost solenoid will cause overboost or underboost, which will ruin the turbo and the engine.
4. Excessive Heat
Too-high exhaust gas temperatures, especially under hot running (aggressive driving), will ruin the turbo housing or internal components.
How to Diagnose V35A-FTS Turbo Trouble
Following is how to diagnose turbo trouble:
1. OBD-II Diagnosis
Scan for code including:
- P0299 – Underboost turbo
- P0234 – Overboost turbo
- P2262 – No turbo boost pressure received
2. Visual Inspection
Inspect for:
- Oil leak around turbo
- Intake or intercooler piping cracks
- Loosely connected or crimped hoses
3. Listen for Sounds
Listen for auto to whine, rattle, or hiss.
4. Boost Pressure Test
Boost gauge or professional tool can be used to test boost pressure under load.
Repair vs Replacement: When Do You Need a New Engine?
You might only need a turbo replacement or rebuild if:
- Engine compression is retained
- No damage internally
- Isolated failure of the turbo
But you might need to replace the entire engine if:
- Knocking or low compression is audible
- Oil contaminated intake and intercooler
- Crashed turbo debris destroyed the engine
- It would cost more to repair it than replace it
Purchase a V35A-FTS Engine – Reliable Replacement Options
If your V35A-FTS is totaled, don’t worry—cover it.
✔️ Replacement V35A-FTS Engines Fully Tested
Our replacement V35A-FTS engines include:
- Full compression test reports
- Clean and inspected parts
- Warranty programs available
- Nationwide and international shipping
📌 Engine Specs Brief Summary:
- Twin-turbo V6
- 437 hp / 583 lb-ft (tune dependent top power)
- 10-speed auto friendly
- Fuel efficient and emissions friendly
✅ Why Buy From Us?
- Competitive pricing
- Professional customer service
- Stock engines for shipping
- Repair shops & performance tuners trust us
📞 Need Help in Choosing the Right Engine?
We have personnel waiting to help you choose the right engine for your vehicle’s make and model year.
Conclusion
The V35A-FTS engine is a work of art—but as with any turbo setup, it is not a perfect piece of art. Don’t delay when you experience symptoms of turbos. Having things checked and repaired in advance will prevent further damage from occurring, but if the damage is already done, replacement of the damaged engine with a new engine will be the best and most cost-effective measure.
We’re licensed to sell premium replacement V35A-FTS engines, complete with all you need to be back on the road or racing once more. You’re a do-it-yourself homeowner or a repair shop needing overnight delivery? We’ve got your engine.
📦 Ready to Order?
Call us today to receive a quote for a replacement V35A-FTS engine shipped directly to your door.
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