Send us Fan Mail NHTSA has escalated its investigation into GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8, moving the case into an engineering analysis that could affect nearly one million Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVs. Tim Esterdahl explains what the expanded federal investigation means for GM owners and whether the current recall remedy is resolving the engine problems. This week’s truck news also covers Toyota technicians using a hammer test on recalled Tundra engines, Ford Super Duty engine changes...

Send us Fan Mail Toyota has a new way to inspect certain 2022-2024 Tundra engines, and yes, it involves a plastic hammer. Tim breaks down Toyota’s V35A crank bearing inspection, why the automaker is testing these engines, how an accelerometer and software are used to analyze the results, and why this unusual-sounding procedure is actually based on established engineering principles. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Ford has revealed the Fathom, a new electric pickup expected to start around $30,000. But who is this truck actually for, and can Ford find enough buyers to make it successful? In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl examines what we know about the Ford Fathom, its expected size and range, and how it could compete with the Slate truck and Ford Maverick. He also explains why commercial fleets and urban drivers may be the real target customers. Other topics include Pickup Truck...

Send us Fan Mail Which heavy-duty truck is the most reliable: Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD or Ram HD? Tim Esterdahl ranks today’s heavy-duty trucks using Pickup Truck + SUV Talk’s original reporting, NHTSA data, recalls, technical service bulletins and owner complaints. The Ford Super Duty claims the top spot despite its recall history and death-wobble complaints. The GM heavy-duty trucks follow closely, while valve-body concerns prevent them from finishing first. Th...

Send us Fan Mail The 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability, but owners and used-vehicle shoppers should know about recalls, transmission complaints, ECU-related stalls and several other reported problems. Cory Fourniquet examines the Highlander’s loose second-row seats, airbag concerns, transmission whining, hybrid braking behavior, infotainment glitches and unusual fuel-tank readings. He also explains how owners can check their VIN for open recalls before buying or ser...

Send us Fan Mail Which full-size truck is the most reliable today? Tim ranks the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Toyota Tundra using PUTT’s reliability reporting, NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, failure severity and recurring problems. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power are included for comparison, but they do not determine the final ranking. The results may surprise you, especially the trucks finishing first, second and last. Read the full report: http...

Send us Fan Mail The 2027 Toyota Tundra has arrived, and viewers have two major questions: Did Toyota finally fix the twin-turbo V-6, and why isn’t the V-8 coming back? Tim Esterdahl examines Toyota’s engine recall solution, the sharp decline in reported failures among newer trucks and whether buyers should trust the Tundra again. He also covers the revised grille, persistent remote start, recovery hooks, the new Trailhunter package and lingering problems Toyota has not publicly addressed. Pl...

Send us Fan Mail Why won’t the 2027 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon get GM’s new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8 engines right away? Tim explains GM’s rollout strategy, the engineering and investment involved, and what buyers can actually expect from the 2027 Tahoe. Also in this week’s truck news recap: Cummins hydraulic lifters versus flat tappets, a modified Silverado owner’s reliability problems, Ram’s new TRX warranty restriction, Tim’s 90-minute Flock camera traffic stop and the expensive hail dama...

Send us Fan Mail The EPA has released its long-awaited proposal to revise the 2027 heavy-duty diesel emissions rules, but does it mean diesel owners can finally delete their trucks? In this episode, Tim Esterdahl breaks down what the proposal actually changes, including the plan to eliminate many DEF-related engine derates, reduce warranty requirements and delay some emissions durability standards. He also explains what didn't change, why DEF systems and emissions deletes remain a hot topic, ...

Send us Fan Mail Fifteen years after Ford tore down a production 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in front of a live audience to prove its durability, truck owners are still arguing about what the test actually proved. Tim looks back at the famous Detroit Auto Show teardown, the results Ford revealed, and why debates over carbon buildup, 10,000-mile oil changes, and turbocharger reliability continue today. Plus, a quick roundup of the week's biggest truck news, including EPA DEF rule changes, Ram TR...