Kelly of Blairsville GA (05/15/08)
i am the second owner of a 2000 celica GT. Engine is using approx 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. toyota has not recalled or admitted fault for this year but has changed the engine design for the subsequent years. a google search will reveal this is a very common problem for this year/model.

Carlos of Monterey Park CA (05/06/08)
in Jan 2001 I purchased a 2001 solara with the 4 cylinder engine. I started having problems with it at 7,000 miles. oil burning smell, and undercarriage covered with oil. The car was serviced at Penske toyota in Downey, which diagnosed problem as a faulty transmission gasket. Returned 2000 miles later for same issue. They stated the issue was resolved. The car now has 15,000 miles and a severe oil leak, diagnosed by independent toyota as rear main seal, oil pan gasket. all gaskets are defective. Toyota dealer has been very arrogant citing car is out of warranty and no recourse. I am planning to file a class action suit against TOYOTA as they have previously been known to cover up engine defects. Need to know if there are other CAMRY 4 cylinder customers with these issues

Timothy of Hamilton OH (05/04/08)
My wife and I purchased a brand new 2002 Toyota Sienna. Three years after we purchased the vehicle we noticed the oil level was low after a few weeks after we changed the oil. I've changed the oil in all of our vehicles every three thousand miles. I took the vehicle to our local ASE certified mechanic and he felt that the oil plug may have loosened although our garage floor wasn't showing any signs of leakage. Two years ago we changed the oil and drove to Florida. When we arrived the oil was dangerously low. We filled it and drove home a few days later. When we arrived home the oil was again dangerously low. I called two local dealerships, Kings Toyota and Performance Toyota and both said they hadn't had an issue with this engine and it had to be due to not changing the oil. I was told the issue was probably a blown engine and it would be a significant charge to fix it. Since then I've added approximately one quart of oil per week hoping that at some point someone would recognize this was due to a faulty engine and not a result of negligent owners. It looks like that has happened. My question is what is the process for handling this? According to the reports I've read my engine is identical to those affected by the burning oil issue. Should I take the vehicle in to a dealership and refer to the class action suit or should I get my own attorney to help me? I would rather take care of this without my attorney as I've already spent probably 200 dollars in oil. Any direction you can provide is really appreciated. Thank you so much.

Sheila of Greenville SC (05/03/08)
I have a 2002 Toyota Camry V4 engine. In March I had an oil change, hours after having the oil changed, my oil light came on (while traveling to Columbia). The oil light went off after driving a few miles. Weeks afterward, I still had the intermittent oil light. My engine started making a crackling sound when I would start the car. Three weeks ago, the engine light and the oil light came back on with a loud crackling noise from the engine. A mechanic checked the oil and found that there was no oil and then told me that the engine needed to be replaced. We then took it the the local Totoya service department and was told that there was sludge found, however because my engine was a V4 and not a V6 (only 2002 Camry V6 engines are covered undger the sludge program) I would be responsible for the engine repair which would be $5800. Are there any other 2002 Camry V4 owners out there who have had or are experiencing this sludge problem? I find it very hard to believe that I am the only owner experiencing this known, identified engine problem. Please help and advise.

Sergey of Brooklyn NY (04/28/08)
I own 2001 Toyota Celica GT which has an oil consumption problem. It's been a numerous complains from other celica owners having the same problem. It's only with 2000-2002 GT models with 1ZZ engines. in 2003 Toyota revised the engine and newer cars don't have this problem. But Toyota has never accepted this as their fault.

Gordon of Lawrenceville GA (04/26/08)
After purchasing my 2000 toyota celica from a random car lot i had toyota diagnose and service my motor.They said i needed camshafts so 1 paid them 1900 dollars to repair the vehicle.2 hours after i picked up the car the motor seized.Upon taking it back to the dealership they ended up putting a new motor in at thier expense.1 month later that motor died.This time toyota tried to convince me i didnt know how to drive and it was my fault and oh well.After a toyotaq engineer came out to examine my vehicle toyota once again put a new motor in the car at their expense and also put a new clutch in.The clutch was making noises fronm the day i picked it up and now 23000 miles later my tranny goes out from synchro failure.I went to the dealership to ask what the deal was and was asked to leave their dealership and not come back.After taking the car to another mechanic he tells me the gear oil put in was not the right viscosity and way too thin.This of course leads to premature synchro failure.Was it intentional?Who knows.Are they grosely negligent and improperly trained?You decide. Caveat emptor

Sharon of Lexington KY (04/23/08)
Engine sludge. I leased a 2001 Rav 4 LE and at 42,000 miles the car died. I had it towed over 300 miles to the dealership because it was still under waranty. They refused to honor the warranty and said it was my fault. I have records and receits of changing oil. They stated that I had not done so and the warranty was void. I need help with this mater. I am disabled and ill. I contiunued to pay for the vehichle for 9 months after it broke down because I thought Toyota would do the right thing and fix the car. I tried to take it to another Toyota dealer but was refused service because they had made a univeral descision in this region that they would not help me. I have later found out that there is a class action law suit against Toyota and engine sludge. I am ill and do not know how to proceed. I am on a very fixed income and unable to find an attorney to work without money up front.

Jelson of Gig Harbor WA (04/22/08)
after changing my oil twice still had an intermittent oil light. pull head cover and found lots of sludge. about a year ago I did a flush at jiffy lube. figured it needed it. but I did find more sludge. please help 246,000 miles. bought 2004 at 89,000

Nancy of Austin TX (04/15/08)
I have a 1999 Toyota Camry V6 engine that seemed to be burning oil. The people at the dearlership looked at my care and said they thought the engine had sledge in it. I was not told this was a problem with certain toyotas and there had been a recall for this. I was then told it would cost about $5000.to $6000. to fix and questioned me about oil changes, which were done appropriately. I was told that even if they fixed the car, something would go wrong with the care later. Then I was encouraged to look for a car to purchase. I looked some and then declined on purchasing a vehicle at this time. Then took the car to be fixed at an automotive and the guy then told me about the problems associated with my car. I then went to another toyota dealership and they cked with the warranty people and was told my car was not under warranty anymore. I bought this car in 2004. The warranty people said the 1999 vehicle was bought in 1998 by the original purchaser. It looks like I am out of the 8year warranty time.The car has just over 72,000 miles on it. I think Toyota should stand behind any defects in their vehicles regardless of time limit. Especially considering I had no knowledge of this problem previously. Is there any chance of getting the repairs paid for by Toyota? Even maybe a partial payment from Toyota for fixing this vehicle? Would appreciate your review of this situation and advice.

Robert of Queen Creek AZ (04/10/08)
my wife was driving along in our 2005 toyota camry,the iol light came on,and the engine stopped.I checked under the hood and there was a lot of oil all over.I checked the oil and it was empty .i Have an oil change every 3000 miles.I reading a lot about problems encountered by hundreds of toyota owners who were told they have to replace engine.and toyota is not responsible.I have had car towed to my house,until i can check it over.but can this be possible that toyota has a sludge problem and they are still selling cars that eventually get this problem.

Mary of Chico CA (04/04/08)
Our 1997 Toyota Camry suddenly blew up in a cloud of smoke at freeway speeds. A fist sized hole was created in the engine block as a result on the above occurance. When we went to the Toyota dealer, we were told we were out of luck since a lawsuit was setttled some time ago and this car would not qualify because of it's production date being too long ago. We allege that we wewre not made aware of this suit by Toyota or it's dealers.

Krishnendu of Federal Way WA (02/18/08)
I was driving my camry ; suddenly engine made noise & smokes came out-oil spilled over inside the car;Hardly driven 61000 miles. Had 60000 service at toyota dealer one week back. Now the dealer is telling engine is gone due to block /oil sludge & need to replace the engine-which is unbelievable for Camry.Pls advice what to do in this . Will toyota take the responsibility for the engine of 99 camry?

William of Fort Myers FL (02/07/08)
Engine Oil Slude Problem, toyota is blaming us , car has 40-300 miles, never driven in adverse driving conditions, only locally and in Florida for vacation, have small child riding in the car, we are terrified that it is a time bomb, smoking, we understand it could throw a rod or crack the block or catch fire! We have certified mail letters to Toyota in Calif, called them, they said they cant help us, also to Corporate Customer Relations in Ohio, and to local dealer. We cannot afford the engine replacement costs of over $7,000 and no warranty on the block and crank case. We purchased this car in good faith. Are there any other complaints for the 2003 Highlander with this Engine Sludge problem, we understand that this happened with 79-02 highlanders also and other models in Louisiana and they settled a Class action law suit with these owners. Toyota never told us there was a silent recall on this problem, and also never told us about the engine oil sludge problem. Just that it had to be replaced at the cost above mentioned. We are original owners of this car, and never have been otified anything about it, had to find it out on our own. Can you please help us? The phone above is a relative, for messages. Our cell phones we cannot use at work and it is hard to get ahold of us. We do not have a house phone. Y

Helen of Pittsburg CA (02/06/08)
When the settlement first came out I received a letter stating that my car may need service for the Oil Gel issue. I did notice that when I cranked my car I would get a cloud of blue smoke, until this day I am still getting this smoke, not only that my engine light has stayed on for almost a year. I took this paperwork to Antioch Toyota but they wanted to charege 250.00 just to check it out. I can not afford to pay this amount of money and than have them tell me that it is somthing else causing the problem. My car has all the flaws that were mentioned by this Blue Oil settlement suit. But I never heard anything else about the settlement. My vehicle is a 2000 Camry, I bought it in 2001, it has 105,000.00 miles on it. If you have any Idea has to what I can do, please let me know. Thank you.

?

Gary of Glastonbury CT (02/06/08)
01 Rav 4 had engine replaced in 04 under warranty (47000 miles). 25 000 miles later after inspection at Meineke I was informed that Flex Plate was cracked. From a number of mechanics and web sites I have perused it states this normally occurs as a result of incorrection engine installation (bolt torque, alignment etc.). Meineke also stated on report that stiffner plate was missing. After handing Meineke report to Lynch they confirmed Flex Plate was cracked but that they check torque values were all correct and that strangely Stiffner plate was present! Anyways they completely absolve themselves from any responsibility to assist me with costs in repairing the vechile. Their estimate to fix was over $1500. I lodged a complaint with Toyota, they gave me a case number but todate I have not heard another word from the dealership. I have subqequently taken the vehicle to a transmission specialist to repair. They have the cracked flex plate but had to also replace the torque converter. I need to know why at 72000 miles on the clock and a replaced engine at 47000 miles the flex plate cracked. The service manager tells me this has happened before and in all likeyhood is due to poor materials and nothing else. Well why is toyota using inferior materials if that is the case? In addition to this issue a problem I had with the Rav from the day I drove it off the lot, was a rattle in the dash. Over several years, I had the vehcile at the dealership to correct this problem, but in all these years it was never resolved. I guess after this experience I fail to see the quality of a toyota product or their after market service.

Charles of Manvel TX (01/16/08)
very similar experience to recent oil sludge class action settlement except our car is a 2004 Toyota Sienna (50,000 miles). Our check engine light came on and as we were taking our Sienna to the dealership, it stalled and smoke started billowing from the engine. There was no indication of overheating while we were driving the car to the dealership until it stalled. We have very good service and maintenance records on this mini van and actually just had it's regularly scheduled service 7 weeks earlier at the same dealership. They are claiming we drove it when we should have known it was overheating and that we burned out the engine which will require a complete replacement ($5600 to $9000) even though we are still within the powertrain warranty.

Dale of Ishpeming MI (11/10/07)
I had owned a 1989 Toyota 4-Runner..3Ltr 6cyl..There was a head gasket recall, in which in 1997 the gasket went. We had it fixed in which they had charged us other fees?? 2500 miles later the engine seized.Upon investigating the oil in the pan was like jello.The oil was just changed within the last 2000 miles.

Bijal of Redmond WA (11/08/07)
Our Toyota Camry stopped working with a large noise and smoke coming out of the hood. A car mechanic opened the hood and found broken connecting rod and the block had a big hole on the side of it below the oil filter housing. On Checking the oil level, the dipstick showed too much oil in the system even with the hole. We got views from two different mechanics and both concluded that too much oil in the engine caused this failure.

Frank of Kingsland GA (11/06/07)
I have never owned a Toyota, but after I started riding in a carpool with co-workers, one of whom drove a '98 Toyota Avalon, I was so impressed with it I found one on the internet and went out and bought it. It is a 2001 Avalon XLS with only 65K miles on it. After driving it for awhile I noticed it blew blue smoke at cold startup and eventually figured out it uses a quart of oil every 300 - 400 miles, but doesn't leak at all.

I took it to a Toyota dealership in Jacksonville, Florida to have a computer analysis performed. They asked me if I wanted them to perform a jell test. I had never heard of such a thing! Anyway, they did the test and said my engine is sludged and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. They also said I had to furnish maintenance records for the oil changes.

I just bought the car through an estate sale in Miami Florida, the deceased owner was 86 years old and never drove it out of town, I don't have any maintenance records. I'm trying to locate the owners son who sold me the car but so far have not had any luck. The dealer has been honest and upfront about the engine jellification problems but says I need the maintenance records before they can call Toyota for a disposition on repair or replacement. Right now the car is sitting at the dealer while I figure out what to do.

Well, you can see the dilemma I'm in, having never owned a Toyota, and now that I do I'm not very impressed with the engine reliability as I had always heard they were extremely reliable. I paid cash for the car so I have no recourse as for trying to return it.

Yilin of Lexington MA (11/06/07)
While I was driving, the engine started to make some noise. I stopped the car and noticed the oil/gas leaking from under the car. I was told it will take about $3,000 to fix it. The car is Toyota Camey LE 1999 with only about 70,000 on it. My wife just spent over $1,000 for tune-up service last year. Unbelievable!

Lydia of Marksville LA (11/06/07)
I own a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS and have had routine maintenance performed on a regular basis. My 2000 Toyota Avalon suddenly started knocking in the engine. I called Toyota and stated what occurred. I was told that it may be sludge. I took it to 2 dealerships and was told that because I changed my oil regularly that sludge buildup would not show up in my engine but that they did see shavings in my oil pan. My only option is to purchase a new engine for $4,000-$5,000. I don't feel that I should have to do this!

Mary of Evansville IN (10/29/07)
i own a 1999 toyota camry v-6. i have maintained the engine well. i even had the timing belt replaced 10,000 miles before toyota recommended it. i have always used mobile one oil. i loaned my car to my boyfriend to drive to north carolina for a funeral for a marine friend of his. while driving down the highway, the car made a noise and the car lost all power. i have been told that i need a new motor. how does this happen? i did everything i was supposed to do to keep my car running and thru no fault of my own i am now out 4-5000 dollars to repair it. and its in another state right now. toyota should be ashamed of themselves for not informing me of these problems but always advertising that the camry is the number 1 car of the year!

Michael of Zion IL (10/29/07)
I bought my 2000 toyota corolla new. I only had 56,000 miles on it when I started have problems with the engine. I bought this car with the knowledge that toyota was a good brand. Now seeing I have cracked piston ring, burnt out fuel injector, but instead of just replacing one I have to replace all since if I replace one it will be stronger then the other injectors. This work required a semi- rebuild almost causing it to cost more then getting a new engine. Then to top it all off the water pump is leaking too. All this on a car with only 56000 miles. Total for all repairs I could have put a good down payment on a brand new car and since the car is more then 60 months old the warrenty is void. So in result Toyota said they could do nothing but fix it and charge me full price.

Kendall  of Potomac MD (10/26/07)
Bought a Toyota Avalon 2002 from a used car dealer with a limited warranty. Of course the engine light came on after the 30 days and was told that there was sludge in the engine. I am sure that the deal was aware that there were problems prior to selling the car but I am sure he just wanted to get it out the door. We'll I was told bay a reputable mechanic that there was little use in tearing down the engine and that a replacement engine was my best bet. I did call a dealership and was told that the sludge/bottom end problem was not covered since I was not the original owner (essentially tough luck very politely - I was there to have something else attended to). This dealership was in Maryland. I have had the engine replaced and now have read that Toyota does plan to settle some class action law suite on this very issue. How do I participate in this action now that I have paid out of pocket for repairs? Can you identify a place to call - submit recipts. I am not sure what kind of evidence is needed????

Norah of San Antonio TX (10/24/07)
I have had 2 Camray's and now have a 1999 4 runner that I bought brand new in San Antonio. I was on a trip to AR. and stopped to get gas in OK. When I pulled out onto the busy highway, I stepped on the gas -- to speed up to get back in traffic -- my engine, all of a sudden, sounded like something exploded and started shaking and sounded like metal grinding.

I immediatly pulled off the road and stayed on the same side of the road and drove back up the shoulder to the station where I had just filled up with gas. I looked under my 4 runner and oil was pouring out of it. Several men looked at it and said that oil was all over the engine. I have AARP Road Service, so I called them and was towed back to McKinney, TX.

My daughter lives there so I knew that I would have a place to stay. I bought my 4 runner brand new and I have every single receipt for every oil change, and every receipt for anything that has ever been done to my car. I really baby my cars. The service manager said that he could tell that the car was very well maintained and that it is VERY VERY RARE to see this happen. He looked at all of my receipts and could not understand how this could have happened.
u for your help.

Sharon of Newtonsville OH (10/10/07)
My engine froze up and had it towed to our local machinic. We live about 50 miles from the nearest Toyota dealer. After inspecting the engine it was determined it was sluge that froze up the engine. I had kept good records of the oil changes though out since I purchased my car new. I called the dealer and they said No, we do not cover sluge in the engine. Therefore, I had my machanic remove my engine and send it out to be cleaned then replaced in my Toyota. After all was done, it cost me about $4,000. It took my machanic almost 3 months to complete the job. I bought my car new in 1995. It is a 6 cyclinder.

Jan of Concord CA (10/02/07)
In 2001 we purchased a Toyota Solara. Before it reached 75,000 miles it started smoking on start up and burning oil. We took it to our trusted mechanic, not Toyota and he ended up having to replace engine, costing over $8,000. He had the engine apart and we received a postcard in the mail about a class action law suit. Now we are told by Toyota the ONLY way they will reimburse us is if we show proof of payment.

Our mechanic is owed around $5,000 and we cannot afford to pay this. I told Toyota I would wear my sandwich board sign referring people to Consumer Affairs to view complaints from customers and pass out fliers of several of these complaints. I was contacted a week later and told by someone from Toyota that they would send the mechanic a check and send us a check for what we had paid.

Now I am being told that never happened, there are no notes in my file that I had that conversation with anyone. What are my rights? I cannot pay my mechanic, he needs the money or he will take me to small claims court. I feel that Toyota is giving me the run around and it would be very easy for them to do what this one person said she was doing, which would be to pay him directly.

Dwight of Marietta GA (10/01/07)
I have a 2000 Camry that has an oil gel problem. I took it Marietta Toyota (Marietta, GA) for an oil gel test as the Toyota mail out says to do. The dealership says I need proof of oil change every 5,000 miles (Toyota says 7,500) and they want me to agree to pay $ 600 for the test.

Toyota's oil gel hotline (888)279-4405 says it is typically $70 to $150 and Toyota says the dealers are independent and they do not have a standardized test for the dealers to perform. When I would not agree to the $600, the dealership says I am not eligible on the paperwork they gave me for oil gel damage. One Toyota spokesman said they would take the owners word regarding oil changes.

I changed the Toyota oil to Mobil 1 synthetic and changed every 5,000 to 6,000 to make sure I did not have the problem. I drove the car for a lot of long trips for about 142,000 miles and the car has developed the problem since I have typically driven short trips between 142,000 and the current 186,000 miles which may have contributed to the problem or it took about 170,00 for it to show up.

There was a class opt out lawsuit in Louisiana that appears to 1) Pay the lawyers $1.8 M, pay a Louisiana Attorney to be an arbitrator, 3) Indemnify Toyota from lawsuits and provide no relief or responsibility for Toyota to fix oil gel damages. I have done a minor test by removing one of the valve covers and I have pictures and the oil gel removed from the engine. Pictures are available if you want them.

Frank of Stow MA (09/19/07)
I own a 2005 Prius. Generally I like the car. But it has a life threatening design flaw related to the traction control. On several occations, I have tried to get up slightly slippery hills. Each time the wheel spins a little, the car comes to a complete stop. The number one rule in getting up a slippery hills is, don't stop. On other cars, I do a little controlled wheel spinning if necessary to keep momentum. The Prius traction control makes that impossible. Last year, for example, I was leaving a friends house at night. They live up a dirt road. I drove down an incline, across a wooden bridge around a bend and up a plowed but slippery hill. The car stopped half way up the hill. I was unable to proceed because the car lost it's momentum. I had to back the car back down narrow snow covered dirt road with steep drop offs on both sides in the very dark night around a corner and over a bridge. this occurred 4 times before I was finally able to get enough momentum to get up the hill without Traction control stopping me. I almost slid into a 20 foot deep gully trying to back around the bridge. This system is massively flawed and Toyota apparently has refused to install a traction control override switch. How do you suggest I proceed? should I wait until I have a major accident to pursue the matter? Or is there someway to encourage Toyota to put their customer's safety first? Thanks.

Dan of San Dimas CA (08/22/07)
This is an addendum to Toyota Prius owners experiencing full throttle excelleration unexpectedly. This was reported to Toyota of Glendora who noted that 2004 and 2005 models have a computer flash to solve the problem. The event occured about summer 2006 when the car had less then 10,000 miles. I left a resteraunt with a high center type driveway, momentarily lost traction as I made a rapid right turn to the left lane to make a left turn. As I was almost stopped for the light, my foot was on the brake (NOT on gas) the car was surging forward being held back by brakes. I quickly checked for anything under the accellerator including the floormat, foot on the gas, any other cause, all were negative. I pulled into the gas station on the corner with the engine still reving max rpms, put it in park and shut down the power. I waited a moment, aware of anomolies with computers ( I am a computer engineer). I double checked external causes finding none. I turned the car back on and it behaved normally. I cautiously drove it home. I reported this to the dealer on the oil change and he said there was a service bulletin on the 2004-2005 models but not on the 2006. He offered to reflash the computer.

George of Los Angeles CA (08/01/07)
I drive a 2001 Solara V6 SE and one day was driving 55-60 mph on Ca. highway 60 East bound when the car did a jerking motion. At first I thought it might be a flat so I turned down my radio and after a few minutes after the jerking motion occured again and at the same time my check engine light came on and a bluish smoke came out of the car. I in fact did receive a letter regarding certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles with this so called sluge incidents that will ruin the engine.

Sarah of Poughkeepsie NY (07/23/07)
My 2000 six cyl. Toyota camry motor burned out a year ago after engine light had come on. I had car towed to toyota service where I have history of regular service. They never mentioned there was oil gel problem. They wanted 4500 just to take motor apart. I found a small repair shop and had motor replaced for 3500. Then Dec.31, 2006 I get notice of class action suit too late to object to being member of class. I submitted paper work etc. to Toyota who determined I am entitled to be reimbursed, however because I was working with a small independent repair service and making small payments of from 100 to 500. until I paid off the cost of engine replacement, Toyota now claims that this doesn't constitute proof of payment. The small repair dealer wrote and signed under penalty of purg. a letter stating he had been paid,Toyota won't accept anything less than an AMex. or Master charge or cancelled check.

Stephanie of Keyser WV (07/22/07)
engine has locked up and broken down again for the third time in 3 years. i have been told it has a broken crankshaft and other internal problems. i have had to spend over $2000. to repair this engine for the past 3 years in a row. i cant afford to spend anymore money on this vehicle and i am stranded at home alone with my 4 year old grandson. please help.

Jim of Marietta GA (06/29/07)
2000 Toyota Avalon XL with 69,500 miles on it partially stalled while driving. Check engine light came on and so did oil light. Car was parked on side of road and engine restarted. Oil light went off. Local Goodyear service manger said the check engine light was for transmission and he coud find nothing wrong with engine oil presssure. He recommended towing it to dealer for transmission work. Dealer went after oil light problem which was now back on. Wanted to pull oil pan, about $200. Called us and said that In 13 years I've never seen any thing like this claimed metal in engine. We were aware of oil sludge/gumming class action lawsuit. Dealer claims that there is no recall and no warranty, engine replacement $5000. Has not looked at transmission yet but said road test showed transmission slippage, requires 4K work to replace. Obviously they drove it with oil light on. However, we checked oil and transmission levels before Goodyear got it and both of us verified levels were ok. I think real problem is oil sludge/gelling in engine and maybe adjustment to transmission or defective sensor there.

Kimberly of Westerville OH (06/24/07)
At approximately 100,000 miles on my Toyota Camry my oil light came on abruptly and then my engine locked up.I found out later that Toyota had a recall out for sludge problems with this cars engines. I would like to be part of this class action law suite.It cost us $3,400.00 to replace this engine and I feel Toyota should help us recoup this money.

It took us several months to get enough money to get an engine. We are just blue-collar people and that is alot of money to us and many more I am sure.We fell behind in other bills trying to save money. This hurts your credit standing. We were also a car short which creates problems when my husband and I go opposite directions. At times we would have to borrow a car from family or ask for favors.

Brittany of Angleton TX (06/16/07)
I bought a 2006 Toyota Corolla S last year. I made the decision to buy a Toyota product because of the Toyota reputation of SAFE. I work in the flooring business and spend about 6 hours a day in my car going to customers houses to give estimates. Yesterday on my way to yet another appointment I happened to glance down at my mapquest to look at my next turn as the vehicle in front of me decided to come to a dead stop for no apparent reason. We were traveling about 45-50 mph. Since I was looking down I had no warning to hit my brakes. So I plowed into the back of the Honda Pilot doing 45 or 50. It was like hitting a brick wall. Not only did my airbag not deploy my seatbelt delayed before locking up causing me to slam into my steering wheel before being slung back by my seat belt. Looking at my car it does not take a genious to know that there should have been air bag deployment. The entire front of my car was completely smashed in all the way up to my doors. A witness had to actually pry my door open to get me out. I have bruising all over my body and a severe case of whiplash. I use to sell Toyota products and have stood by their safeness to all of my previous customers. Now I can only think of the people I put into these what I now see as very unfit cars. The Corolla is a very popular car for people who travel way too much, and teenagers. I can only think after reading all of these statements...Who's next? What if next time the person isnt as lucky as some of us. What is it going to take for Toyota to fix these issues? I dont care if i hit a pole at 5mph I feel my airbag should deploy. I want to be safe. And isnt this the purpose of airbags?

Mano of Glen Allen VA (06/13/07)
I wnet to Jiffy lube on 04/07/2007 for an oil change for my TOYOTA siena mini van(1999 model with 80000 miles), The guy took the key and did the service(apparently not) and charged me 43.93$ . After 2 months my Van engine suddenly gave me very loud rattle noise in the middle of the road, I asked the towing service to tow my vehicle to the auto repair shop and they told me there is not enough oil in it and due to that the whole motor burned up. It would cost me thousands of dollors to replace the engine. apparently the jiffy lube didn't put the oil or didn't put the enough oil. I also went and talk to the Jiffylube guys and the manager said he can not help me over the issue that happened 2 months back, I am really feeling helpless in this situation.

Alan of Riverview FL (06/06/07)
My 2005 Toyota Corolla was purchased used in 2005 with 15,000 miles on the engine. I changed the Oil every 5000 miles 5 times and Walmart changed the oil the last time. The car now has 44,000 miles on it. When the engine idle is increased the the engine makes a noise presumably a bearing problem. The car was taken to Courtesy Toyota for diagnosis along with the 6 year 100,000 mile ($990.00) Warranty and a copy of the Owner's manual wich states that lack of reciepts are not soley a reason for warranty denial. The car was not diagnosted further than inspection of the oil pan. The warranty claim was denied due to a large amount of sludge.

The unofficial quote from the Toyota dealer was $7000 to repair the engine. The car is worth almost nothing for resale value although we still owe $18000 in principle not including the repair. I also own a 2006 Corolla if this car has the same problems it will cost me over $50,000 for the two cars and ruin my credit.

Thomas Babb of Salisbury NC (06/06/07)
motor threw rod in motor due to sludge 4500 estimate on my 99 camry le

no car to get to work

Todd of Raleigh NC (06/04/07)
We bought a 2004 toyota Corolla S brand new in 04. I did the oil changes in it up to date, I did not keep the receipts from the oil and oil filter purchase. I recently took it to Leith Toyota because of oil consumption, Derrick McClay told me that Toyota has vehicles with the oil consumption problem but he didn't hear of and corollas having that problem. I left the car there at Leith for them to check out. I then received a call stating that the engine was full of the jelled oil but because I did the oil changes myself and didn't keep the receipts for the oil and filters, that there was nothing they could do about it for me. On top of everything in order for me to get my car back I have to pay them $112.72 for one hour labor, a test on the oil, and an oil change on the car. Is there anything you can do to help me?

Engine is basically needs to be replaced in excess of $6000.00 cost to me.

Sandra of North Ogden UT (05/29/07)
I bought my 2001 Toyota Camry with 1 mile on it. I changed the oil every 7,500 miles as suggested in the owner's manual. Since I put alot of highway miles on my car, the 6 month thing didn't apply. In December of 2004 I had 122,000 miles on my car and the engine just stopped. I paid $4200 to replace that engine and now 73,000 miles later I am being told that the engine needs replace yet again, another $4000. Granted there are high miles on this vehicle but it has been maintained and should not be costing me $4000 evey couple of years just to keep it going.

 

Brentl of San Diego CA (05/15/07)
Had to replace both Trottle Body Assemblies in both of my Toyotas. 06/23/2006 on my 2002 Sienna XLE with only 40522 miles and on 02/07/2007 on my 2003 Camry XLE with ONLY 24350 miles. Toyota refuses to reimburse me for $2041.21 which I had to pay for replairs. Under their California Emission Warranty the Throttle Body and Fuel system are cover for 70,000 miles or seven years. Toyota refuses to acknowledge THEIR OWN WARRANTY, which is in their Owners booklet. I've reported this to the Federal Trade Commission and BBB but haven't received any help yet, Can you help or advise me as to where to go from here. Thank you very much. Brent E. Marshall.

Michaeltino of Winter Garden FL (05/11/07)
My 2002 Toyota Camry (55,000 miles) was brought in today for a 60,000 mile servicing. As part of the inspection, I was told that my car had a problem with sludge buildup in the engine. I have had two oil changes within the last 12 months (both done at Sears), and neither time was I told that sludge was a problem. When I was told about the problem by the Toyota service department, it was explained that it would cost $2,400 to have the sludge removed, and that it was not covered under warranty. I have mentioned the class action suit mentioned on your website, but have not received a response.

Judith of Bronx NY (05/06/07)
I bought a Toyota Camry in March of 2006. The first week my car stalled a tow rruck was sent. Toyota found nothing wrong with my car and returned it. Again, the car would not start. A tow truck came started the car up and I drove away. The engine light began to come on.

Called toyota was told to twist the gas cap, di it engine light went off for awhle but came back on and continued to stay on. Took car to dealer agsin at this time I was told that my warrenty was uo and I needed several repairs which I had to pay for. I bought the car at 69998 and warrenty was up at 100000 miles I now had 101000 miles. The work would cost me over 1000.00.

I tried to return the car for another car with no success. Before having my car inspected I had to have the engine repaired because the engine light was on and could not get inspected this cost me 500.00. I recently had to have timer belt fixed, car stalled, cost 800.00. I will have to fix leaking transmission and struts soon. I would like to have a new car because this car is costly and I can not enjoy the car.

My car is a 1999 model, but I was told that all toyota's get a 160 point check and that this car received this check. So why did I drive off the lot with a car that is costing me so much money within the first year.

Cindi  of North Ogden UT (05/04/07)
I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner that I purchased new and it now has approx 104,000 miles on it. I was getting massive smoke from the tailpipe and I took it to the dealer where they said I had engine sludge and needed a new engine. The 4Runner is not on the list of vehicles that Toyota has recalled for engine sludge. I do not have evidence of oil changes since my husband performed almost all of the oil changes. However, he purchased a Nissan X-Terra one month after the 4Runner was purchased and the oil in the Nissan is fine with absoutely no sludge. The oil changes on both vehicles were performed at the same time. He changed the oil approx. every four months. I have not had the vehicle repaired as of yet, because of the estimated cost. The dealer indicated that it was probably my fault for not changing the oil often enough, but if that was the case then I would expect our Nissan to have the same problem AND the oil changes were done on a regular basis and within the guidelines that Toyota recommends.

Steve N. of Tamarac FL (05/01/07)
The engine and transmission in my new 07 Camry is a disaster.I can not understand how Toyota Engineers would think this NEW combo is acceptable.The transmission shifts when you do not request it to,it loses power around turns and then agressively downshifts and lurches forward to maintain speed.It is a danger when you are not asking the car to perform these high RPM shifts.I am not an agressive driver,yet this car wants to perform like I am.I have been driving for the past 40yrs and this is my fifth Toyota and probably my last if this problem is not corrected.With $3.00 a gallon gas I drive to conserve not use more. This Camry will not allow this.I had it in to the dealer twice,and both times it was tested the service person told me NOTHING WRONG that is the way it is designed,LIVE WITH IT.I even had the area service rep drive the car and she said the same thing OH WELL LIVE WITH IT!This is unacceptable.This car can barely get up a slight hill without mashing the pedal to the FLOOR and then goes into race mode to catch up.I have had it.

John of Pittsburgh PA (04/28/07)
We've had constant, numerous issues of sludge problems. In short, we've had to add an average of 1 1/2 quarts of oil every 1-2 weeks since about 35k miles and have gone through two major spark plug replacements and tuneups, only to be back to the same white smoking exhaust and oil buildup issues within a week from being out of the shop. Labor and diagnostic costs by themselves also increased. We were also told by Toyota and other mechanics than an engine rebuild or replacement would be needed. A no brainer, if the engine ran poorly, which it did, I'd say you've got problems with design or something. But it all came down to owner fault, lack of proper oil changes. Obviously, mpg decreased, slow sluggish startups from off and from idle persisted. Having bought this pre-owned, pre-leased 1998 Sienna, (with all previous owner/dealership records of maintenance and oil changes) we learned too late (years later) that Toyota came clean with admitting their faults.

Patti of Pawnee IL (04/27/07)
This is not a complaint YET, however, I do want to pose a question for Toyota and other experts. We have a 2001 Toyota Celica with a blown rod in the engine. This engine has not been torn apart yet nor replaced. However, we are curious as to whether or not Toyota has received any complaints of engine gelling in the 1.8 liter, 4 cyliner engines. Thanks ...

Theresa of Islip NY (04/27/07)
I had to have my 1998 Toyota Sienna towed by AAA to this Sunrise Toyota dealership for service, about two weeks ago, in April 2007. I had originally purchased my vehicle from them in 2000.

I purchased my 1998 Toyota Sienna as a new used vehicle. Well anyway, my husband was driving my car and the oil light came on, then he heard a horrible knocking noise in the engine, then the car stalled out. Luckily my husband got out of the car safely. The car sat at Sunrise Toyota all weekend, then they looked at it on the following Monday, they told me that it would cost me $99.95 to have the car diagnosed.

Then later on that Monday, they called and told me that my engine was damaged beyond repair! I was in shock? My car only had 80,000 miles on it, and I had always serviced it and babied that car! The car never had any oil leaks, and I always had the oil changed on time by Sunrise Toyota! They also told me that it would cost me more to have the engine diagnosed than the value of the car, and that in total it would cost me around $10,000 dollars to have a new engine put in!! then I brought up the oil sludge problem with my particular vehicle, they said that even if that were the case, that that warranty / recall had expired on March 15th.

I said that is ridiculous! because I did not put a lot of mileage on my car, I am not covered!! Maybe if I drove my car more often, it would have failed sooner! prior to the March 15th oil sludge date! Well anyway, after giving a bit of a fight, the service clerk let me speak with the service manager. The service manager said that he would look into the car engine failure, more in depth and have a special person come to inspect my car for me. So I waited three days and never heard from Sunrise Toyota, so finally, that thursday, I called them and asked them what was going on with my car?

The service clerk said that he did not know, and that the service manager was dealing with my car. So the clerk, supposedly spoke to the service manager, while I waited on the phone, then he came back and said that there was nothing that they could do for me, and that my car did not have oil sludge. They never told me why my engine failed or if they even diagnosed it?

I said how do you know if the car had no engine sludge? if it were not properly diagnosed? I don't think that anyone ever even looked at my car, it was still in the same spot as when I originally had it towed to. They wasted my time and gave my husband and I a false hope, We feel royally screwed!!!

Robert Mcgowan of Abbotsford, Canada (04/27/07)
I purchased a 2000 Toyota Avalon in September of 2006. I am now having to completely rebuild the engine - estimated cost of $5000.00 CND. The interior and exterior of the car is extremely well kept. The original owner stated that she changed the oil every 3000 miles. The original maintenance receipts were given to a Toyota dealer in Florida when she traded the car in. They have no record of having the receipts. Also, the Car Fax stated that the car was serviced at Toyota of Hollywood - Florida. When I call there with the VIN number and the original owners name they had no record of it. The car is extremely sludged and now requires a compete rebuild. It seems that no one wants to take responsibility. Please help.

William & Gloria of Stone Mountain GA (04/18/07)
Our Toyota Avalon Oil and Check engine light came on we took it to a Toyota Dealership to verify what another mechanic had evaluated, on April 11th 2007, the toyota service called Rodger, called my husband and said we have a Sludge problem and he needed for us to send him 3 copies of oil change receipts, which I emailed on 4/13/07. He said this will be covered by the manufacturing company toyota. Rodger assured us everything will be taken care of. The weekend went by and Rodger spoke to my husband on Tuesday April 17th and he had changed his complete story, stating the cause of the problem is a lack of lubricant. I called the toyota dealership on 4/18/07 and a service representative named Ron said Rodger had been fired. We have lost trust in these people. We do not know why his story change, this problem they are claiming is going to cost per toyota dealership est. $8000.00. Please help we do not have this kind of money.

Norma of Newport News VA (04/18/07)
I received a notice in the mail some time ago about the Class Action Law Suit against Toyota concerning the engine oil sludge problem which my car is included among the list of affected cars. I called the number that was given but I only was able to leave a voice mail message. On another day, someone returned the call and gave the number they were calling from but that number is not in service. I have since misplaced the notice that I received. My car burns oil badly. I bought the car when it was only 3 years old and it had 77,000 miles on it. I have always kept up with the oil changes and have been having them done at the Toyota dealer. CAn you give me a number to call and perhaps a person;s name to ask for so that I may attempt to contact someone about this?

Sabine And Richard of Demorest GA (04/16/07)
My 2002 Toyota Rav 4 developed severe engine sludge-gelling at 66000 miles (or before) the check oil light came on, next thing I know, the Toyota repair shop tells me I need a new engine for about $ 6000. I have mantained the car regularly, I have the receipts to prove it, but Toyota denies any wrong doing and will not repair the car. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, again to no avail. I need HELP as I can not afford to carry the costs of repair myself. By the way, I leased the car for the first 4 years and then purchased it, if I had treated it poorly, why buy it? Apparantly I am not the only Rav 4 owner with that problem, there are many more voicing their opinion on the internet!!! The lawsuit that was settled with Toyota in the beginning of 2007 did not include Rav 4s, why not?

Linda of Bowie MD (04/11/07)
took my 1998 toyotal avalon in for a oil leak. The mechanic said there was sludge/gel in the engine and it would require a new engine. Said i should contact Toyota because he knew of some other vehicles that were having the same problem. Contacted Toyota and received a case number. Still waiting to see what happens.

engine ruined. Much money put into repairing the car.

Janice of Alabaster AL (04/09/07)
The saga continues.....please see my earlier post when I first took my Solara in for the oil gel issue. We took the car in and left it on Feb 21, 2007. Today is April 9, 2007. Today, they called to say the car is ready......along with a bill for $400+. They refused us a loaner. They've been rude and dishonest. Now, they want money. I'm searching for an attorney in my area.

Joan  of Stantonsburg NC (04/06/07)
I have a 1998 toyota Avalon, at 41,000 miles,the car started smoking. Blue smoke came from the tail pipe, after I started the car.I took the car back to the dealer, and was told that I NEEDED A USED ENGINE FOR $3,400. I should not need anything major done to this car, because I have taken very good care of this car.

Jason  of Indianapolis IN (04/04/07)
Well nothing as of yet just noise coming from the valves and I'm pretty sure that the piston is backing up into the head, thus causing a tapping noise and vibration from the engine. The car right now has about 205K miles on it. It has been cared for meticulously by ASE certified technicians. My father recently, within the replacement window, took it to Beck Toyota. The outcome of that was disappointing, they said that the VIN number didn't fall under the recall. However im inclinded to disagree. It is a 1998 Avalon, previously owned by a school teacher and then purchased by me. I have the case number, given to my family, by Toyota's recall pamplet about the involved court proceedings.

Right now im looking at having to get the engine, replaced or rebuilt. But seeing how I dont have the funds to fix it right now, it could end up costing me more than the car is worth. I still feel somewhat safe as far as if i were to get into a wreck, but as a cosequence to the engine damages, the cost and outcome could be unaffordable. Thus losing fatih in my car and the manufacturer. I would like to see forth that the company stand behind their products and not see another Firestone type of effect. My main concern is the safety of myself and my family, while driving the car. Lastly, I would say that I have dealt with the noises and growing damage since the car has had about 185,000 miles, and only recently it has become more than just low pithced noise. I have had the Timing belt replaced, and regular maintainence. I have owned 3 toyota vehicles, i still have 2, and i was thinking of buying another. However, if there is no action taken by the maker, THEY TOYOTA would forever forfeigt the right of selling me another of their product, PERIOD!!!!!!

Heide of Queens Village NY (04/01/07)
im driving in the middle of expressway my car suddenly stop running i only see a glance light of oil indicator but it was completely disappear and my car was copletely dead before exiting the freeway. it takes me 2 different tow truck one to the nearest gas station repair, then i contacted the toyota dealer- which stated im still covered under warranty for engine- they insist to be better to bring it to toyota dealer-my second towing otherwise if something happen whenthey open the engine - it will not covered ,from then they confirmed that the engine is no longer useful due to SLUDGE buildup and needs to replace completely $6000 plus other thing if they find a problem underlying on it.,the toyota dealer stated this is not now covered because its beyond there parameter warranty, my car is 2002 toyota corolla with 57000 miles and us other common responsibility that we do to maintain it oil change every 3 mons.it feels like i am the one to blame for the trouble for poor maintenance?now i have to take the car out the dealer station immediately which is another towing to bring it to repair shop if i dont decide for them to fix it and provide the payment and also otherwise will extra charge me for storage fee.please help, are there any similar situation happen regarding TOYOTA SLUDGE ENGINE PROBLEM what next plan they do since i was already denied for warranty , thank you

Wilfredo of Elizabeth NJ (03/31/07)
I have 2000 Toyota Sienna LE(purchased brand new),but last year i'm always experiencing on/off ENGINE light(warning light) on my dashboard,according to manual,i may be having problem w/ a gas cap so i purchased one,but still the same,the problem now is it's permanently lited,I am regularly changing my engine oil as prescribed and i don't have any problem w/ my electrical.I have 2 friends w/ Sienna, both w/ the same problem too like mine.What's goin on? How much this will cost to fix? Is this not a problem in State Vehicle Inspection? Any suggestions?

Benjamin of Plano TX (03/29/07)
Toyota issued TSB # EG 018-04 which describes a faulty intake manifold on '02-'04 Camrys. I had to replace mine at a cost of over $1,000. They offer no additional warranty in the TSB. If Toyota makes a part they know to be faulty they should at LEAST pay for the parts. Instead I had to buy a NEW manifold, on which I'm virtually certain they profited.

Over $1,000 repair bill....$858.61 in parts alone.

Lisa of Wheelersburg OH (03/21/07)
my toyota celica 2000 broke down mechanic sd engine was locked up i called dealership where i purchased it they told me to tow it there they told me it was caused by sludge but factory would not approve new engine because i did not have receipts for seven yrs with ven number on receipts for oil changes when i said i didnt the service manager said that was my fault my owners manual told me to keep all receipts then she asked me if iwanted her to price me a new engine

Sharon of Waipahu HI (03/20/07)
In 2001, we spent $3,500.00 to get the sludge cleaned out of our 1997 Toyota Camry. We were told it was our fault, and we were never informed about Toyota agreeing to reimburse owners. We are having the exact same problem now. I understand that Toyota won't compensate us for this occurrance, but we'd like to be reimbursed for our previous expenses.

Besides having to pay $3,500.00, I was without a car for a week.

James of Simpsonville SC (03/20/07)
The 2001 Sienna I bought new had oil gelling problems at approx.75,000mi. The dealership preformed some sort of repair and said it was O.K. At Christmas the the vehicle started losing power and I turned the vehicle off and had it towed. The Sienna has 130,000 mi so I had it towed to a local mechanic who reported engine gelling and metal in the oil pan. I was informed that I needed to have the engine replaced to the tune of $5000.00.

Gut of Hearst, Canada (03/19/07)
my 1998 toyota avalon has a sludged motor...how can I get toyota to fix it at their own cost...the rest of the car is in top shape..I have always used synthetic oil since I bougth the car in 2001...but I had the head gasket changed and the mechanic told me it was full of sludge...a week later the red light came on and it goes off and back on every now and then...help me please....before the motor stops working...

Maritza of Pacoima CA (03/16/07)
I bought a Toyota Camery 4cyl.4dr. sedan with 6yr extra care warranty in November 2002. In April 13,2006 after a regular routine oil change(Tune-up). Car started making noise, engine started rattling and then made loud noise car broke down and did not turn back on, not even a ticking noise when trying to start the car back up.

We called The Tow Truck from our Toyota extended warranty they picked up the vehicle took it to Hamer Toyota.

Because the vehicle breaking down on friday we had to waited through the weekend to find out what was wrong with the our car the service mechanic Nicholas Moreno found number 2 rod damaged , they replaced short block balance shaft,oil pump. total balance $4056.38 thanks to the warranty I paid $50.00 but vehicle has not been the same.

When we got vehicle back, black smoke comes out of tail pipe at start up we called right away to talk with service mechanic Nicholas Moreno to let him know about smoke he told us it had nothing to do with what service was done to vehicle and if we wanted it looked at we would have to pay service fees because that was not covered under the warranty, black smoke till this day still comes out of tail pipe and they never mention oil gel problems or trying to fix tail pipe problem. please tell me if my vehicle can be fixed because it totally dont run the same as before when I first got vehicle.

Alveria of Clearwater FL (03/14/07)
I brought my car in on 12-08-06 complaining about oil loss and having to add oil between oil changes. They said they found the leak and repaired it for $208. Today, 3-14-07 the engine was rattling and I had to pull over at a service station where they added 2q of oil and said I may make it one more day.

I had it towed to Lakeland Toyota and they said the engine was destroyed and, by the way, they found the real oil leak, but too late to avoid needing a new engine. They said it's my fault even though I paid for a service that was not completed correctly, resulting in engine failure. I called the corporate office and they said that corollas are not on the consumer support program for engine malfunctions, just camrys and the lexus.

I think that Toyota has manufactured faulty engines that are burning oil excessively causing engine failure and they are not acknowledging the problem adequately. They should replace my engine or the dealership should for not fixing the leak like I paid them to do.

Inez of Lanett AL (03/13/07)
My motor just quit. I knew that my oil changes were current, well, current enough not to warrant a blown motor. I could feel something the week before happening to my car, but wasn't sure.

So, I took it to Days toyota and I told them that I remembered getting a letter last year about a call back on the motor of some kind. So, they said that they were aware of this letter and immediately went to work to see if my problem qualified.

They found gel in the cylinders and said I qualified, but I need 3 years (2 reciepts per year) of my oil changes. I got them from the computers at Walmart, old receipts, notes from mechanics, ect. I turned them in and they are now working on my car! Thank you Jesus. I could not afford a new motor or a new car.

My next question is will Toyota pay for the rented car that I am using? They also said that I would have to pay for any broken belts if one should occur. Do I have to pay? Thank you so much. Write soon!

James of Simpsonville SC (03/12/07)
The engine in my sienna suffered from the sludge problem despite oil changes at 3,000 miles, not the dealer recommended distances. In most cases I used synthetic oil to help prevent the sludge problem. The engine had to be repaired while it was still under warranty for this problem and it returned Dec.24 of last year. Toyota has been of no help, blaming the problem on me even though I have driven twelwe other American automobiles and never had an issue such as this. I operated an auto repair business and oil changing has always at the front of my list when it comes to auto maintenence. Toyota simply sold their customers vehicles a product which they had to have known was defective, and that blaming the customer was a tactic to try to absolve them of having to DO THE RIGHT THING and make the proper corrections. I am glad that they finally lost the class action suit concerning this problem, as i do not possess the five thousand dollars to make necessary repairs.

The vehicle has been sitting since Christmas and i have been forced to lease another auto, which will not accomodate my self, wife, and four children.

Janice of Alabaster AL (03/09/07)
Our 1999 Solara began spouting white smoke and the engine light came on. About two weeks later, we received a letter about the recall giving instructions to take the car to a Toyota dealer.

My husband called the dealership where we bought the car, Hoover Toyota. He was told that we probably didn't have the oil gel problem because the number of cars that actually have this problem is an extremely small per centage of what was reported. They agreed to check the car, but told us that there would be a charge of around $100 for inspecting it (pulling off the valve cover) if we DIDN'T have this problem. (Since that time, I've spoken to other owners who did not yet have the problem.

They were all charged inspection fees. Luckily, or not, we did have sludge. We left the car and my husband took me to my job, only about five miles from the dealership. He then drove back to his job, about 20 miles away. We live another 10 miles in the opposite direction from my office. He later picked me up and I said we needed to get a loaner from the dealership because we work different schedules and so far apart. I called the dealership and spoke to the service manager. He proceeded to treat me like a criminal getting away with murder.

I explained our situation and said we needed a loaner in order for both of us to get to work and not lose time. He said, Toyota has bent over backward for you and I don't see how you could ask for more. I said, I don't understand. I didn't do anything to the car. He said, I didn't say you did, but you didn't buy the car new, did you? Since I'd never consider buying a car off the showroom floor, I couldn't think why this was important, but I replied that we hadn't purchased the car new. He said, Yeah, and what was the mileage on it already when you bought it? I said, I don't remember. I suppose you could look it up since we bought the car from your dealership. We continued in this vein until he finally agreed, very grudgingly, to allow us a loaner for 3 days.

I said, But we were told it would take about a week to rebuild the engine. He said, Well, we like to give ourselves a little room for error. It doesn't take long for the job, but we say a week in case we run into problems. When I picked my husband up at work, we went to the dealership to pick up the loaner. My husband was upset that the service manager hadn't said until the car was repaired but had only inferred that it would be ready when we returned the loaner. So, when we went to sign the papers for the loaner, my husband said to the service clerk, Now, is this loaner for until we get our car back, or not? The young girl said, Sure. This was on Wednesday, February 21, 2007.

We explained that we had to drive to a funeral, out of town, and the young woman said just to be sure we filled the car with gas before we got back or they'd have to charge us to fill it. On the following Tuesday, my husband called to see if we could pick up our car. He spoke to a woman in the service office. She said our car wasn't ready, but we needed to bring back the loaner, a 2006 Scion. My husband said he thought it was on loan to us until our car was returned. The woman said, No, the loan is only for three days. The girl you talked to was a temp and didn't know what she was talking about. Nowhere around that girl was there a sign saying she was an idiot and the dealership was not responsible for anything she said. The woman said she'd try to forgive the fact that we'd actually had the car for five days if we'd bring it right back. We took the car back.

It is now Friday, March 9, 2007. My husband called and spoke to the man who wrote up our service, Joey Swift who, by the way, is the only person there who has acted like this problem might not be our fault. However, we weren't happy with his report: The car still needs rings. They are on order, but are on a National hold and they have no idea when the car will be completed. Obviously, repeat business is of no interest to these people, nor is common courtesty. I believe we have been very tolerant with this dealership.

However, I hope there is a limit to fair and timely delivery of our repaired vehicle and that that limit is now breached. I just don't know where to go for assistance. I'm tired of missing time at work to be sure my husband and I can both get home. I'm tired of getting up at 4:00 a.m. to drive him to work, then drive home to get ready for work, then driving to work. I'm tired of driving our second vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Tacoma.

I'm almost out of personal leave time, so I'm going to start having to pick up my husband a couple of hours late, or I'm going to have to pick him up, then drive back to work to finish my day while he sits in the truck. Where can I go to try to get assistance to get my car returned? Needless to say, the truck and car will both be sold as soon as possible. We will return to being Nissan customers. Thanks.

Vijay of Plainsboro NJ (03/08/07)
I recently bought a toyota avalon 1995 model while driving it just stopped in the middle of the road I took to a mechanic who said OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM replace engine which costs thousands of dollars

Kiran of River Ridge LA (03/04/07)
I bought a 98 toyota corolla ten days ago from a individual. I got it inspected by a mechanic and it was in excellent condition as per mechanic. However when I was driving it yesterday on freeway, it broke down. Engine wouldnt start and check engine light was on. I had it towed to a Pepboys near by. Mechanic said that the engine is dead due to sludge problem and I need to get the engine replaced which as per him will cost $3000 approximately. I bought the car for $3200. I am in a fix. I heard about the Toyota Sludge problem. Please help me as I am in a helpless situation.

Wally of Knoxville TN (03/02/07)
I have a 2001 Rav4. Recently I received in the mail a letter from Toyota about a malfunction with the Engine Light. Two days after I received this letter, the Engine light came on and the oil light came on.

This car is only driven on weekends and has had regular oil changes. I made an appointment at the Toyotal dealer and took it there this morning. I was told that there was sludge and too much oil and that possibly the engine would need to be repaired but in order to do that they would need to take some of it apart at a cost of $175.00 just to determine the problem.

I had read about the sludge problem and mentioned it to the customer representative, he said that it did not apply to the Rav4's. I am now waiting at home for what I am sure is going to be a $4,000+ repair cost(that is what I was told the approximate cost would be) and I am extremely angry. This will be the last Toyota I ever own!

`

Prakash of Jersey City NJ (02/28/07)
Please Help! I have Toyota Highlander [4 cyl.] (2002). It is 4 cyl base model. I looked into the lawsuit text and my model is not there as only 6 cyl. is listed. My car stalled on the road two weeks ago. I have towed the car to the Toyoto dealer for repairs.

The dealer is telling me that I need new engine and will cost me around $5000.00. I have taken good care of the car with only 77000 miles. I had it serviced with the toyota dealer six months ago. I can provide with almost all the receipts of oil change.

Dealer is asking for $5000.00 for a new engine. No prior accidents which could result into any mechanical problems. please advice. I looked into the lawsuit text and my model is not there as only 6 cyl and my car is 4 cyl. please advice.

Julie of Boonville IN (02/25/07)
My check engine on my 2000 Corolla came on and I took it into Toyota Dealer to have it checked out. They called me the next day and told me that it would cost 4,000 to fix all of the repairs. The car had been serviced every 3 months regularly, most of those services at the dealership. The car only had 75,000 miles on it.

I am single and only have one vehicle. I could not see putting that much money into a car that would be traded in a few years. I ended up having to buy a new car which caused me to have a car payment that I was not ready for and of course higher insurance and plates. Now I am having to budget tightly due to having to purchase a reliable vehicle at a time when I was trying to save money for a future down payment on a house.

Johanna of Uniondale NY (02/24/07)
I bought a brand new 2003 toyota corolla. After 3 years of use. My engine started making a sound and I was told my engine failed and I needed to replace it. There were no signs, no alerts on the car.

One day it was riding smoothly next day I needed a new engine. I bought a toyota because it is suppose to be dependable. I had service done on my car and now I have to shell out $3000 to get a new/used engine. I beleive toyota needs to investigate all their passed vehicles because many of us are having the same problems.

The vehicles need to be recalled and we all need to be reimbused. This is ridiculous.

Lisa of Madison TN (02/22/07)
I purchased a 1995 Toyota Corolla about three weeks ago for $2500 cash. The vehicle has an oil leak that I took in to have looked at. The mechanic told me the engine block is cracked and the head gasket is blown.

The underside of the vehicle is covered in oil. It almost looks as if it was dipped in oil. The mechanic told me that there is no way that anyone who knew anything about cars was not aware of this problem at the time of sale as it has been going on for quite some time to allow that much accumulation of oil on the underside of the vehicle. I called the salesman who said he spoke with the owner and they both decided there was nothing they could do.

I asked him if it was common business practice for them to sell vehciles knowing something was wrong and he said all of there purchases are AS IS. He did not deny knowing there was a problem, and just told me that is was now my problem.

Gloria of Brooksville FL (02/22/07)
I purchased a 1999 toyota sedan in 1999. I recently learned from my mechanic that the engine failed due too it had sludged up. I also read that toyota has settled a class action lawsuit for customers who reported similar problems with their vehicles. I have been trying to contact a representative from the toyota company to help with the repair cost of my vehicle. If anyone has a contact number or address, please e-mail me with it. Thanks

Engine in my vehicle had to be replaced

Jo Ann of La Canada CA (02/21/07)
re: Toyota oil sludge. I have not seen any mention of the exorbitant cost of getting a dealer's service dept. to even check if there is a problem or not. I have quotes from 3 local dealerships for a diagnostic fee of $89, $85, and $80. Why should I pay so much for Toyota's screw-up? I even called the 800 # for Toyota and didn't get any satisfactory response. I have documented regular oil changes to show. Shouldn't that be enough?

I don't want to sue anybody. I feel like there should be others who resent this cost and I don't know if it is just in Southern Calif. or what.

Dwijen Duluth GA (02/21/07)
I was the owner of Toyota Camry 1997, I have repaired the oil leakage problem once and another time Auto Transmission. But in Dec 2006, my car just died down, I got it checked and came to know that it was becasue of OIL problem, anyway the cost of repair was $2500/$3000. Hence I sold it for $600. Question is can I get the money for I had to sell my car?

Had I not sold the car, I would not have to buy a new car and pay 8% interest on it.

Randi of St. Augustine FL (02/19/07)
I took my Toyota Camry in because it started smoking. They told me I had an engine problem. They said they fixed the problem but they never told about the sludge engine. It wasn't until I received a letter a month ago. I think they should have told me about it. I am still having problems what can I do?

My car engine light goes on and off how do I know if it has something to do with the sludge engine problem. They say my car is fine all I needed was something done that had to do with the engine but it was not a sludge problem. I had to pay to have it fixed. Is their anyway of knowing what to expect about my engine in the furture? Can I get my money back for that problem? What can I do?

Karen of Orwell OH (02/15/07)
Took very well cared for 1999 Toyota Corolla CE 4DR Sedan to dealership for service on 1/18/06 because of engine trouble, engine light and oil light had been coming on and car ran rough and was losing compression. Tech inspected and confirmed the complaint.

Tech diagnosed that oil pressure is under specifications and that the engine is using oil internally, tech recommended replacing engine. I declined repair and engine replacement because asst. service manager said it could cost 4,5 up to 6 thousand dollars for the work. Then Toyota Corp. sent a e-mail customer satisfaction survey. I replied to the survey and complained about the oil sludge up problem that a friend had told me he had heard about. The car had behaved as if it had the oil gel problem.

After replying to the survey Toyota Motorcars service manager calls me at home two weeks later to say they could help me with my Corolla engine problem for no charge. I told them I tried to get the car repaired already for less than they had previously quoted and they said they would not help me if I had taken the car to someone else to fix. I was ticked off when I asked for them to help me and at least just split the repair costs even though a non-Toyota mechanic worked on the car, they said NO, we can't do that.

I had purchased for $900 a used engine from SASS Auto Wrecking located on W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH. The engine was to be installed for $500 by PCS Automotive Inc. at 13920 Triskett Rd. Cleveland OH. I still had the same problems with the car after PCS allegedly installed the used lower mileage engine. Come to find out later that the engine block had the same original VIN number on it so I didn't get a used engine installed as I was told and as my receipt states. PCS never installed the used engine but supposedly took parts off of the used engine and put them on my car.

I should have been told that is what they did when paying them for the work. I took the Corolla back to PCS Automotive because the car started to run the same as before just a few days after getting it back. I finally filed a complaint with the Cleveland, OH. BBB about PCS Automotive and the complaint number is #12010072 dated Aug. 3, 2006. After PCS worked on the car and it had kept running poorly the timing chain ended up jumping 2 teeth and the engine died so I had to then call AAA to come and get me.

The Corolla was towed to Jeff's Automotive in Bristolville, OH. Jeff could not get the car to run properly after replacing the timeing chain and some other parts. So Jeff's Automotive towed the Corolla back to my home at my rerquest and I ended up selling the dead vehicle for $500 in July 2006 to a man from Pennsylvania who thought he could fix it.

The gentleman who purchased the car called me one evening in August to let me know the VIN on the engine was the original number. I was forced to purchase another vehicle so I could get to my clerical job at Case Western Reserve Univ. located in Cleveland, OH.

Theresa of Lakeland FL (02/15/07)
Our check engine light appeared, the 2002 Sienna was taken to Lakeland Toyota where we were told that due to negligence on our part that we had sludge in the engine. We were told that due to not having the oil changed that our warranty would not cover this damage.

The vehicle was purchased new from Lakeland Toyota with less than 100 miles on it and when this occurred it had 14,000 miles. After several months of the vehicle being out of commission and arguing with Toyota we paid in excess of $3,000 for repairs, incurred a rental car bill, attorney's fees and endured stress that no one should have to experience.

Lakeland Toyota and Toyota were very rude, demeaning and unprofessional as they accused my husband and I of wrong doing. We had receipts for oil changes and Affidavits from another dealership (not Toyota) stating that even if the oil had NEVER been changed, this should have never happened at 14,000 miles. Toyota refused to take responsibility.

Chris of San Diego CA (02/14/07)
On February 1st, 2007 I was in Ontario for business. Once completed with my appointment, in efforts to avoid rush hour traffic, I stopped into the Crown Toyota in Ontario. I was greeting by a salesman Mohammad who assisted me w/ test driving a few vehicles.

I decided to purchase a 2003 Toyota Corolla Type S w/ 106,600 miles and a 30 day/1000 mile warranty. I paid $8,700 CASH for the vehicle. As I got 20 miles or so from the lot the Check Engine light came on, at which time I immediately pulled off to the side of the road. I phoned my sales rep at the dealership. He stated that There is no one in service and to bring the car back tomorrow and it's not usually a big deal...dont worry about it at which time I explained how far San Diego is from Ontario, his response was oh well.

I drove on to San Diego and didn't think much of the light for about a week and a half. I took the car into Toyota San Diego to have it inspected on February 13th and received a $1,446 estimate for the repairs necessary. I promptly called Crown Toyota and spoke w/ Sonny Dario who is apparently the Assistant GM for the Service Dept at Crown and he stated we are not putting another dollar into this vehicle and I reminded him of the warranty sticker that I have for the vehicle at which he stated we are going to just unwind the deal then, as he became flustered and hung up.

I then called Toyota Corp in Torrance, CA and they referred me back to Anna Matthews at the dealership. I called Anna on 2/14/2007 at 9:15AM and she requested a short time to look into the matter and wanted to return my call. At 9:30 I received a call back and Anna parrioted the exact thing that Sonny had on 2/13/07.

I asked her if I bring the car back will they repair it she said no we won't and I asked about having Toyota San Diego make the repairs at which she replied Chris, you just need the car back PERSONALLY. ok? in a very condisending tone.

I expressed my concerns about driving the car 105 miles back from San Diego to Ontario and what kind of damage that may cause and offered to have it towed, she replied again very condisendingly you just need to bring it back PERSONALLY. OK? I don't know what to do. It sounds as though they are trying to play some kind of game with this. I have paperwork that clearly outlines the warranty and just need help with this ASAP...PLEASE!!

Jim of Walkerton, Canada (02/10/07)
Just wondering if the Sludge Settlement for Consumers from Toyoto, is good in Canada ?

William of Highland IN (02/08/07)
On 2-1 06 I received a check engine light and made an appointment with the dealer on 2-2-07. found DTC codes PO302 PO305 ign coil failed. They replaced the ignition coil and wire at a charge of 292.79.

The following morning on Saturday 2-3-07 the oil light came on. Finally got an appointment for wednesday 2-7-07. They inspected it and found to have internal engine noise and low oil pressure.

They said engine will need replacement. 1st estimate was for 4500. I believe they should have known of the problem when diagnosing check engine light. Before releasing the vehicle to me.

Kimberly of Lilburn GA (02/07/07)
My mother bought a 1996 Toyota Camry in August of 1996 a month before the 1997 models came out. Her check engine light came on and I immediately took it to the dealership.

They told me that she had not change the oil enough, which was not true because I always took it for her, and the exaust was built up from not driving it fast enough to blow it out. I took it up there twice to have it blown out while it was still under warranty. As soon as the warranty expired, they gave us a estimate of three thousand (3000+) plus, to desludge the engine.

Then the technician preceeded to tell my mother that 'he would not give her five hundred dollars for this car'. The car today, February 7 2007 only has 52,000 miles on it!!!! I found a great mechanic to clean it out but unfortunately the check engine light is on again and I am faced with replacing the engine. The car is in such mint condition otherwise it would be a shame to junk it.

Maryann of Long Beach CA (02/05/07)
My car is 2002 toyota camry,the engine light went on, so I took it to get service they said the engine needed to be checked, so they revised and supposely flushed it, they said it was dirty inside, so later my car was back on road driving again, 2 months later the oil and engine lights came on I take it back they say theres some sludges and the oil isnt passing right that ill need a new engine soon.  my car only has 98,000 miles.

They told me it that the warranty wouldnt cover it, and it would cost me about 4-5,000 for a new engine.I dont have all my reciepts

Robert of Cincinnati OH (02/02/07)
We have a 2.2 liter 1999 Toyota Camry LE. It had approximately 121,900 miles on Sunday, December 17 when the engine blew. The engine started making a loud noise. The driver pulled off the highway and the car died. There was a lot of oil leakage and we were told it had blown a rod. Our mechanic says that it was caused by an insufficient oil pressure and flow created by oil sludging. He says the engine could not lubricate properly due to sludge and caused the engine to sieze and throw a rod through the block. Normal oil changes and maintenance had been done to this vehicle.

Our mechanic had to install a used Toyota engine, which cost us $3500. We had to rent a car for the week while the engine work was being done at a cost of around $200. We have recently heard that there is a Toyota class-action lawsuit over engines with oil sludge. Of course we now have a used Toyota engine in this car and are concerned that the same thing will happen to it.

Jennifer of Highland NY (02/01/07)
After regular oil changes, engine seized and had to be replaced (2002 RAV4)

Car seized on a main highway. Replacement engine was $6000 and three weeks of rental car was $700.

Uries of Escondido CA (02/01/07)
I have had a 2003 toyota corolla for about 2 years most of my maintenance was done by a good friend of mine and some of them by local shops then at about 76k miles my engine started dying on me while on the freeway and completely died on me once i came to a stop.i had my toyota towed in to toyota of escondido and i was informed that my engine was full of sludge since all i could find were two reciepts proving service for my car the dealer informed me that the extended waranty would not cover a new engine and that it would cost me approximatly 6k to get a new one.

Damian of Wake Forest NC (01/31/07)
We bought a used 1999 Toyota Camry in early 2003. In June 2005 the car suffered catastrophic engine failure due to supposed improper maintenance in terms of having the oil changed.

We sold the car, valued at $4000 - $6000 in good condition, for salvage value - $300, as the cost of repair was estimated at $4000 - $5000.

Chain of Antelope CA (01/31/07)
My son drives my car Toyota Camry 1994, LE 4 cylinder to school every day. He noticed some oil drops on the drive way. He took this car to the above repair shop for inspection of the oil leak and a quote to for repairs. The repair shop inspected the car and advised him to get the oil pan gasket and the valve cover gasket replaced. Quote for labour and parts was $203.00 plus tax.

On 01/17/07 my son dropped the car at this repair shop for the repllacement of the same. A day later the repair shop told him that the following parts need to replaced:- Oil pan gasket valve cover gasket Cam seal Crank seal Oil pump seal Oil pump o ring Timing belt with two other parts . Revised estimated Quote for the job with parts and labor was $285.00 plus tax. On 1/19/07 my son picked up the car after repairs. He paid a total of $506.40 tax inclusive. My son drove the car and heard some funny (engine rattling) noise.

He also noticed the car did not have the gut (power) it had before the repairs. The following morning he also noticed some oil drips on the drive way. My son and hos nephew took the car back to the repair shop on 1/25/07. He told the shop about the broblems ( oil leak, no power and the engine rattling noise). On 01/29/07, after dropping my son to school I went to the repair shop to check on my car. The manager told me that he did not wittnes any oil leak on the ground so he would run the engine and see if there was any leak then.

After this discussion I came back home. I left for wrk at 1200 hrs. I called my second son to go back and check on the progress on this car. My son went to the repair shop at approx. 1600 hrs. He was told that we need to replace the engine because there was more oil leaks from other areas and probably the crank bearings were damaged.

On 01/30/07 I went to the shop and was told the same. The shop would replace the engin with a second hand engine at estimated cost of $1200.00 plus tax. My concern is that when I took my car to the shop there was only one problem, oil leaks. After repairs with so many replacement parts , despite leaks from other areas the engine is now making the rattling noise with less gut (power). I now have to pay $1200.00 to get the engine replace. I hereby seek your openion and the action and solution to this problem.

John of West Yarmouth MA (01/30/07)
I have a 2001 limited edition 4Runner with only 72000 miles on it and the engine seized the other day with no warning of any problems. My father was driving the vehicle when he heard a strange sound and the engine stalled and would not start again. None of the dash light indicators lit up as a warning or anything. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby Toyota dealership and they said that the engine had seized and that I needed a new engine. I have taken very good care of this vehicle and have a great history of service records.

There is no reason that a $40,000 vehicle with just 72,000 miles and no other problems should do this. There was plenty of oil in the engine and there wasn't any oil leaking. I have talked to several mechanics and they all say that this should not happen if there is oil in the engine. I do not know who to contact about this. The dealership service department can't even give me a cause for why this happened.

They just want me to get a new engine or trade it in for a new vehicle. The service center said that they contacted Toyota and they said they would cover half of the cost of a new engine which is $11000. This means that I have pay $5500. Before this happened, the trade in value was about $15000 and now they said they will only give $7000 for the vehicle. I saw that there was a class action law suit against Toyota for similar cases and I was wondering who I might be able to contact to help me with this case.

Kathleen of Columbus OH (01/25/07)
I bought my 2001 Toyoya Corolla.used at 37,000 miles. Ive kept excellent maintance on it ever since i owned it. The motor needed flushed within two years of purchasing the car.my mechanics said it was dirty. Ive had to do bare maintance on it since ive had it. A belt,battery,and brakes. Thats it. Well last week my oil light came on. Fickered on and off. After changing the oil it didnt come on again till the next day. on the way back to the mechanics My engine locked up and ceased. They said the oil pump,timing chain went, and my engine is ruined.

I only have 88,000 miles on it. Had the oil changed regulary and now the engine repair place said there was oil sludge in the engine. I just had it flushed in Dec.2003. Its costing me close to 4700.00 for a new engine and between renting a car. I feel like this is part of the oil sludge problem. Can you help me. Ill have pictures,records, ect. I dont know what to do .I still Owe 3700.00 on it. Ive kept excellent care of my care. I didnt expect to replace the engine in 2001 with 88,000 miles on it. Its a toyota for sake. Ive emailed toyota, But they just tell me warranty this owners responsibility that What do i do. Am i screwed or do I have a case.

James of San Jose CA (01/24/07)
Without warning, my 2000 Toyota 4-Runner started leeking large amounts of oil. On my way to my mechanic, the engine froze and it had to be towed. When the engine froze, it was the only time the indicators came on.

Prior to this, the indicators never came on. My mechanic informed me that the leakage effected the engine and led to its death. I would have to get another engine to the tune of $7,000. The car only had 75,000 miles on it. I purchased this particular brand because of their reputation of integrity and longitivity of the car. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place, having to come up with this amount of money.

My research had shown that there is documentation that Toyota had problems with faulty engines in their 3.4 liter V6 vehicles. I have read accounts from other owners describing the exact same serenio that I experience. I was never notified of a recall.

Do I have any recourse with this problem? Is there a next step for me?

Meshika of Escondido CA (01/16/07)
This is in reference to the oil sludge settlement. I received the letter late November 2006. I own a 1997 camery which I purchased used. I had an oil change done shortly before I received the notice in the mail regarding the settlement.

My vehicle has been smoking periodically for several months. I had the oil change doing thinking that maybe that would help eliviate the problem. It didn't. Shortly after having the oil change (about 2 weeks later), my oil light came one. So I took it into the Toyota dealership in Escondido, CA. The technician looked at it and said that it did have the oil sludge problem. But because my engine light did not come on, he had to consult with the Toyota representative first before proceeding with repairs. He said that if the check engine light had come on, he could proceed with approval. So I waited on his call. When he got back to me, he said that claim was denied. He said that I would have to call this 800 number to proceed further on my own, but he couldn't anything for me.

So I called the 800 number. It was the number to the 3rd party hired by Toyota to settle the claims. I believe the gentleman I spoke with was David. I explained to him of the events that had happened. He said that they had been told that if they received claims with any one of the 3 signs: smoke, oil light coming on, and/or check engine light, they were to be approved.

However, because of the timing, he was denying my claim. The claim had to be submitted within 8 years of the original purchase date. I have a 1997 Camery so my cut off time would have been in 2005. He said that I could try paying for the repairs myself and then submitting a reimbursement. He could not guarantee that I would be reimburse but to try it. I don't have that kind of money. I am a single parent on one income.

This is a complete unfair advantage to those of us that own 1997 vehicles. Our make and models are included on this settlement, however, we are excluded because of the timing issue. I asked the gentleman at the 800 when the notices were originally sent out, and he said November 2006. I asked because I thought that maybe Toyota owners were notified before and I didn't get the notice. But that is not the case at all.

We are just completely excluded. And why are the dealerships and the 3rd party arbitration people giving out 2 different guidelines on claim acceptance. I do have the exact number. If someone should choose to contact me, I will be able to provide everything in detail.

Marsha of Statesboro GA (12/27/06)
I leased a 1997 Toyota Camry in 1997. Within a year the engine light came on. I was told it justed needed to be serviced and made an appointment to have the oil changed. Which was two days later. The next day the engine blew. I had always had the car serviced timely at the dealer and one other business. I have the paperwork to substantiate this.

The dealership informed me then that this was my problem. I was told I would have to pay to replace the engine. Being a single parent that was completely out the question. I did contact a lawyer and explained the situation. His advice was just to let the car go. Which I did. I lost my credit and was stuck without any transportation. My family had to step in and help me out. This was a very difficult time for my daughter and I. I lost close to $10,000 in this matter and hope that this claim can be somewhat rectified. From all the notices received in the mail I can assume that I might realize some compensation for my losses.

Marty of Lawrenceville GA (12/20/06)
Service Manager indicated that a new engine would be installed in a 2005 Toyota Corolla after determining the engine block was cracked. The 2005 Corolla has 40,000 miles and has had all of its scheduled maintenance by Toyota Mall of Georgia including a 30,000 mile service. 3 days after dropping the car off for repair, I was informed that the car was ready and that they did not install a new engine as promised. I was told that they just installed a engine block. The only indications of this condition was the car was running hot and a loss of antifreeze. There were no leaks or no indicator lights. The service manager bragged on how Toyota will intall a new engine and how this is covered in the warranty unlike other car dealers. He then decided to take this repair to a lesser level by just replacing the block.

Daniella of Franklin Square NY (12/13/06)
The engine blew. We have had problems with a 2000 Toyota Corolla that we bought there. The check engine/Oil light came on in the car within 2 weeks after pick up. The car has been in 3 times already.

It took them a few days to finally call me and tell me this. Now they want money for the loaner car. They have made no attempt to advise me. Pretty much they say I am stuck with this vehicle. $6500.00 for 4 months.

Leanne  of Sanford FL (09/26/06)
I bought a brand new Toyota Corolla last year. its a 2005 with 40,000 miles now. IT NEEDFS A NEW ENGINE! They are refusing to cover it under the factory warrenty or the extended warrenty that i purchased because they are saying i didn't do enough oil changes. I showed them reciepts for 6 OIL CHANGES! TOYOTA was no help and was rude to me on the phone. I am a 26 year old mother, and both me and my husband rely on the car to get to work. we cannot afford the new engine for $3,800 and still owe $15,000 on the car! I dont know what to do. Please help!

Regis of Ruwi, Oman (09/12/06)
I purchased a new Toyota Prado from Toyota Oman Wattayah on March 26, 2005. It got regularly serviced by Toyota as per the 6-year warranty plan. After the last service performed on Sunday August 13, the car remained parked for 5 days in the house. The following Friday August 18, it was driven for 20 minutes before being parked in Shell-PDO Office. 15 minutes after, the office fire alarm rang. On the way out of the building, we saw the car engine on fire. The Shell-PDO fire brigade extinguished the fire. A report was made to the Wattayah Oman Police.

The Oman Civil Defense made an official inspection and diagnosed an electrical short circuit in the fuse junction box. On Monday August 21, after 3 days being parked in front of the main door of the Shell-PDO office, the car was moved to the Royal Oman Police for damage inspection then delivered to Toyota Wattayah. It was actually extremely fortunate it occurred within the PDO facilities, where a fire brigade could be mobilized immediately. Had it occurred while driving, in a remote place, at a supermarket car park, or simply inside the house during the night, the consequences could have been catastrophic and probably fatal. Four weeks after this incident, Toyota Oman has yet only provided a RO29522.800 repair estimate quote.

Was a mistake done during the maintenance? Is there an engineering defect in this model? Is there a manufacturing defect in this series? All theses questions remain unanswered by Toyota, while rumours are growing. The idea of walking straight to Toyota based on reputation to purchase a new car in order to drive trouble free during a 6-year warranty period seems today highly questionable.

Months without car. Rumours growing among the Omani population No answer to provide to people asking what Toyota is doing about it ... ...

Tere of Longview TX (09/01/06)
My Mother began having her 1995 Toyota Avalon serviced @ Toyota of Longview in Jan.2006. Servicing was done in Jan., which cost her $357.00 to change the valve gaskets and do a valve check. In June,2006,her car had smoke coming from the exhaust. She took it in to find out what the problem was. The Service Advisor, Jason, said it was a cracked head, and the car needed a overhauled engine which would cost my Mom $6500.00. She took her car for a second opinion with another mechanic. The mechanic ran tests on her car. There was no cracked head, and her engine did not need to be replaced. The mechanic repaired her car for $267.00. He changed the valve gasket covers and valves, which were leaking, and said they were not new, since they were leaking so badly. I feel Toyota of Longview owes my Mom $357.00, since they did not do the job they claimed to do.

Toyota of Longview is obviously getting by with padding. They are taking advantage of the vulnerable and elderly. This needs to be looked in to, and taken care of right away.I phoned and spoke with Jason, and he was very rude and unethical, saying that he told my Mom that she had the choice of paying $6500.00 for a new engine, or taking her car to the junkyard.

Lauren of Tampa FL (08/16/06)
In May 2006, the check engine light of my 2003 Toyota Celica came on. I also received a recall notice for my car pertaining to the gas tank. I took the car to Stadium Toyota and requested an oil change (the 3 month change was due) and requested they find the cause of the check engine light. AFter 2 days, my car was ready to be picked up.I went to Stadium Toyota and was informed that the check engine light had to do with the gas tank and told not to worry about it, the car was fine. I was charged for an oil change and told that the gas tank was replaced, per recall.

3 mos later in Aug. 2006, my check engine light came on once again so I immediately returned to Stadium Toyota. The next day, i received a call from Stadium Toyota telling me that my engine is damaged due to engine sludge and it will cost me $4500 to fix it. I asked them why this problem had gone unnoticed and they told me I had obviously not been maintaining the vehicle. I produced receipts for the last year and a half of maintenance and oil changes, not done at toyota and they said that they would not cover it. I was told that this problem happens over a long period of time. My car only has 60,000 miles on it so I cannot see how it needs a new engine. Now, my car is at Stadium Toyota and I have been given a $4500 estimate to have the car repaired.

Valerie of Lawrenceville GA (08/10/06)
I have a 2002 Toyota Sienna. I took it to the Service Dept (Mall of Ga. Toyota) after a mechanic (a former Toyota employee)took one look at my car, smoking and losing oil weekly, and told me about Toyota's sludge problems. I've done all the research, followed the directions given to me by the Toyota Customer Support Program, have a case number and have confirmed that my van is part of their oil gelling/sludge program. I am supposed to be given a loaner and at no cost to me, the engine and/or pertinent parts replaced. My van is still at the dealership and I can't get anyone to talk to me. It's been five days.

The service dept at the dealership says that I'm not entitled to anything, corporate Toyota says that the Customer RElations person, Marissa, at the Mall of GA should be in touch with the SE Regional Director for Toyota. I'm willing to be patient, but I feel like I'm being tossed around. I have gathered as many receipts as I can that show oil changes, I don't have them all and am having trouble with that, but I have all of them for 2004 and Toyota Mall of Georgia changed my oil one year ago. I even complained that I keep having to add oil and was made to feel like I wasn't taking care of my car porperly.

Samuel of Anaheim CA (07/31/06)
Remember when Toyota advertised by showing a Toyota owner standing by their Toyota saying “My Toyota has 250/300,000 miles on it with no engine repair.” In my experience as an auto shop teacher and mechanic, I think that about 20 years ago Toyota made the decision to make their engines wear out sooner so they could sell more cars and make more money on repairs. They made sure the engine would wear out sooner by mounting the oil filter horizontal or upside down and above the crankshaft. The oil runs out of the center of the oil filter and back into the oil pan when the engine sits over night. Now when the engine starts in the morning the oil filter has to be pumped full before the engine bearings get oil so the bearings run dry and wear out. The camshaft and rod bearings are damaged first.

I can hear the rods knocking on my 2004 Sienna for 3 to 4 seconds when it starts in the morning. I cured this problem by mounting the oil filter below the crankshaft with adapters and stainless steel oil lines. This 3.3 liter engine is used on many other Toyota’s. The new 4 liter Tacoma’s has the oil filter mounted completely upside down. About 90% of Toyota engines for the last 20 years have the oil filter mounted so the engine will slowly destroy its self.

Will Toyota fix these engines when they start to go bad, or will they blame the customer like they are doing to 2000 to 2004 Sienna’s whose engines sludge up and blow up on almost new cars? In 2000 Toyota engineers decided they could get better gas mileage, more power, and less emissions by limiting the flow of water to the heads on 3 liter engines used in Sienna’s and Camry’s. The heads ran hotter which could help these three things, but the heads were so hot that it cooked the oil to a thick goop. When this goop/sludge gets down to the oil pump screen it plugs the screen and the engine will blow up on new cars with 30 and 40,000 miles.

Toyota claimed it was the customers fault for not changing the oil often enough. When customers would prove that they had the oil change every 3,000 miles then Toyota said they were still at fault for not using a Toyota oil and filter. Toyota keeps saying that their oil filters are better but when I cut apart a Toyota filter it has exactly the same back flow valves and bypass valves as all the other name brand oil filters. When customers who could prove that Toyota had changed the oil and filter at the Toyota recommended intervals, Toyota changed a few engines, which blew up 30,000 miles later. Even if Toyota replaces a few engines (which then go bad) there are millions of customers who pay for the repair themselves or sell the car thus loosing millions of dollars. This is a rip off of the consumer. Toyota produced a bad design.

They are trying to fix some engines by following a new service bulletin which says to replace the valve cover with one that has a better veneration system, cleaning out the oil pan, and oil pump screen. Toyota should fess up and get the word out to the public that they will fix the engine completely when it goes bad and that until then everyone must use synthetic oil, which is not affected by the extreme heat. Do we need to stop buying Toyotas to get them to be honest? 

Jan of Apex NC (07/19/06)
I own a 2003 Toyota Camry, which I maintained in a normal, responsible manner, with appropriate oil changes.While on a trip two weeks ago, the oil light came on, and I put in 1 quart of oil, and the light went off. A couple of hours later, I drove the car and it started making a loud clacking sound and the check engine light came on. I drove it to the house and parked it; called a mechanic to come over and take a look. He said it was the engine and needed to be taken to the Toyota dealership. I had it towed to the closest dealership, approximately 30 miles away. They checked it over the next couple of days, then called and said that the engine had sludge in it, and it needed a $7,000-$8,000 repair.

They also said it was my fault, because the oil had obviously not been changed properly. when I purchased the car, the Toyota dealer talked me into a $999 extended warranty plan, which he assured me would cover any major issues that might come up with a car -- it is called their Tender Loving Care package. Now the warranty (which Toyota is now distancing themselves from, saying is an outside company, therefore not anything to do with them) company denied the repair. Also, Toyota denied covering the repair, even though I have researched and found tons of material online indicating that they have had an ongoing problem with the Camry engines and sludge issues.

It looks like thousands of consumers have had the same problem, and Toyota always says it is the owner's fault. I had regular oil changes, and have some of the records. I do not have all of the receipts, but have well over half of them. The car has 96,000 miles on it, and the extended warranty is for 100,000 miles. I am very frustrated, and feel that they are not standing behind their product. I would like for Toyota for fix the engine properly at their expense.

I have been without my car for two weeks, and as a realtor who needs my car for my livelihood, this is a real problem. I borrowed a family member's car, but will have to rent something starting this weekend. also, a $7-8k repair is a monumental expense for our family.

Samuel of Anaheim CA (07/01/06)
My 2004 Toyota Sienna 3.3 engine has rod knocking sounds on start up. this is because the horizontaly mounted oil filter is 5 inches above the crankshaft and oil runs out of the center of the oil filter. now the oil filter has to be pumped full before the bearings get oil. because of this eventually the engine will fail early on all 2004 thru 2007 sienna minivans.the toyota mechanic recognizes the problem but says it will not cause a problem. of course it won't be a problem for him but when it is out of warrantee i will have to pay.

Ronald of Kaysville UT (01/10/06)
In August 2004 I purchased a used 2000 Toyota Sienna Van with 35,655 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase we also paid for an extended warranty on the van. The van currently has 48,352 miles. The engine oil light came on in late December and we had the vehicle towed to a Toyota Dealership. The dealership reports that the engine has sludged up and needs to be replaced. The dealer that we bought the vehicle from changed the oil in the vehicle prior to selling it to us.

We have changed the oil 4 times in 16 months and in 12,697 miles of driving. (I have documents for 3 oil changes and performed one oil change myself.) The Toyota dealership where the van was towed for repairs reports that this van was taken into a dealership in Lousianna in early August of 2004 and that the engine oil sludge problem was addressed and corrected at that time. The company that we bought the extended warranty from, Heritage, has refused to pay for the repair because they claim lack of maintenance by previous owners caused the problem. Toyota refuses to pay for the repair under their sludge repair program because they claim to have already done the work once.

It is hard for me to believe that with the maintenance that I have provided that the vehicles engine could have sludged up in a little over 12,000 miles. I am getting the same run around that I have read that other people have received from Toyota. The Toyota dealership says that they have never heard of a Toyota engine having a re-occurrence of the dreaded sludge problem

I still owe about $10,000 on this car. A rebuilt engine will cost about $3,000. I purchased this car expecting it to last for many years. I must either decide to pay for the repairs and owe $13,000 on a lemon or not make the repairs - pay off the loan - and then buy another vehicle.

Ted of Baltimore MD (11/14/05)
Approximately one week after changing the oil in my 2002 Toyota Camry it started leaking significant amounts of oil and the engine was making unusual noises. We took the car to our local auto shop run by a formerly certified Toyota technician (he previously worked at a Toyota dealership). After a brief examination, he thought the problem was a blown headgasket and recommended we take it to the dealer for repair and possible warranty coverage.

The dealer looked at the engine more extensively and proclaimed that the problem was a head bolt that came loose. They could not figure out why it came loose other than through an error in assembly but said that if it was a manufacturing defect, the problem should have occurred well before its 77,000 mile mark. The estimate to repair the resulting engine problems was $2,200. However, after attempting to make the repair, they discovered that the engine block itself was damaged and needed to be replaced. The price, approximately $4,500. Although the dealer's own mechanic suggests that the only likely cause is a manufacturing defect, Toyota has declined to cover the repair as it is outside the 60,000 mile warranty.

Charles of San Antonio TX (08/27/05)
At 92k mile I had the engine blow out on my 1996 Camry 4 cyl. I took care of this car extremely well. At first I thought the timing belt broke because when I accelerated up to speed to merge into traffic, the RPM got to 4000 (red line is at 650) The belt was changed with a factory-made part at 70k just what is called for. I never went past 4000 mi on oil changes. I bought this car because none of my american made cars went past 120k, and I was told that Toyotas have a reputation for lasting nearly forever. This was my first Toyota and it just might be my last. By the way, I sold the car to a salvage yard and bought a GM car. A local Toyota dealer said that no recalls were issued for my car and the engine is covered under a 36 month 36k mile warranty.

I got $150 for the car because it would take $7000 to replace the engine. I had to purchase another vehicle, and It is taking over $200 a month for 3 yrs.to pay it off. My Camry was paid for. Now I have an unscheduled debt that is making things difficult for me.

Greg of Lake Tahoe CA (08/22/05)
My 2001 Toyota Highlander burns excessive oil (1 quart per 1,000 miles. There's been insufficient checking of the engine to find the problem. Warranty is over in about 2,000 miles. These v6 engines are known to have a sludge problem that will seize up the engine but with no oil change paperwork from me they say Toyota will not fix the problem.

Replacement engine will cost $5-$6 thousand dollars even if it is a defect from Toyota as many other owners have found out the hard way.

Boris of Slidell LA (03/25/05)
After rutine maintenance work done on my Tyota Camry 1999 CE 4D by Door's Auto Speed Shop in Sldell, La,the engine suddenly exploded during a test drive. The shop called Toyota of Slidell reporting to them the incident, alleging the sludge problem. Mr.Morreale,Asst. Service Manager of Toyota Slidell asked the shop to tow my car to the dealership promising to replace the engine without charge because Tyota Co.announced a recall of cars with the sludge problems.

However, after examining the engine Mr. Morreale declined to change the engine free of charge explaining that engine exploded for different than sludge problem reasons. He did not know, however, what those reasons might have been.Mr. Morreale was aware of the evidence showing that the vehicle had been maintained according to Toyota Co.'s specifications, including oil change. He agreed, however, to change the engine for $4,000.I agreed to pay.

Kristi of Lewiston ID (03/14/05)
On January 14th 2005 my 1992 Toyota 4runner spontanously ignited. It burned so quickly that I barely had time to pull over and get out, I did not even get my keys out. The fire inspector had determined that the fire was due to a an electrical short and/or malfunction. The fire originated in the control panel and it is believed the short took place with the heating system. The NHTSA has a complaint as early as Aug. 29th 1997 regarding this very issue.

Toyota refused to send anyone to look at the 4Runner. The have refused to acknowlegde a problem with my 4runner. My 4runner was in like new condition, it has always been maintained inside and out. It had been in a dealership for repairs just 3 weeks before it burst into flames, and had been on the computer that is suppose to pick up any faulty codes. Toyota acted like what happened was no big deal and that they deal with this sort of thing all the time (which I now believe they most probably do). They refused to do anything for me. Didn't even offer getting me a discount on a new Toyota. They acted as if it was normal wear and tear and said you must understand that your vehicle was 12-years-old with nearly 166,000 miles on it.

Had there been some type of design or manufacturing defect, it would have become evident long before this incident. I think that is a rather idiotic statement when they use to run adds stating that 250k miles was just getting your toyota broken in. I have went through an engine recall, there has been break issues with this 4runner, seat belt issues just a few years ago, and within the last two years they most certainly did something with the air conditioning and heating system at the dealership they told me it was some sort of service issue that was taken care of when I had it in for an oil change. My service record indicates they Performed P01 recall that was 05/15/02 when there was 139,100 miles on the 4runner. I demanded to have records of the listed complaints on this model but they also refused to provide that information. I live in a small town of about 30k people, I was on the news, in the newspaper and was on the job at the time my 4runner went up in flames.

Andrew of Lawrence KS (01/31/05)
Toyota Motor Company does not stand behind their own vehicles. I believe they will do anything to get around having a recall and ruin Toyota public image. I have a 1999 Toyota Camry with a V-6. The engine started smoking severely from engine being gelled up inside with sludge. This engine is known for having an oil gelling problem. My engine gelled up at about 80,000 miles.

Our local dealership rebuilt the engine (rings, valves, heads, replaced clogged parts, etc.) free of charge. They made me believe in Toyota by telling me they were doing this because I purchased it as an off lease vehicle and the leasee may not have done proper maintenance. They never told me about a Toyota engine gel program. This program was the real reason they were able to repair free of charge. Toyota started this program so they would not be forced to recall some or all of