Toyota Engine Problems

The car has 40k miles and is burning oil at an alarming rate. I'm a college student on a fixed income, cannot afford to fix a problem that is Toyota's fault. Please help.

Our 1996 Toyota Takoma was brought back to evaluate for rust problems on the frame. The mechanics at Toyota (DarCars Silver Spring) said all was okay. We just brought the car back after 3 years and now the car is undrivable due to rust. The mechanics at this Toyota dealership as well as my personal Toyota mechanic said this was a previous problem and the rust could not have spread to this extent in 3 years. The rust was so bad into the frame that the front suspension arm has 1/8 inch metal left holding it. We could have been killed! Toyota Motor Corporation said that the extended warranty was over 3 months previously and we were out of luck. They would not look at any pictures or testimonies from the mechanics. This was obviously a previous problem that we should have been warned about!

I bought a new Toyota Camry in 2007. In early 2011, when I had about 65,000-70,000 miles on the car, the emergency oil light came on. I frantically looked for my manual and it said, "Pull over immediately and don't drive." Turns out that I had 1 1/2 quarts of oil left in my car! I took it to my dealer several times for tests--I called mechanics that I knew. The dealer said it would cost $4,000 to fix the problem. Independent mechanics said that even if they replace the parts, the problem will come back. Meanwhile, I had always maintained my car, changing the oil before 5,000 miles. I lodged a complaint with Toyota but all they said was, "It's normal to burn one quart of oil for every 1,200 miles." Do the math--how is that possible if they recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles?

I bought a used 2001 Toyota Highlander with 93,000 miles. After eight months, it started burning oil. I contacted Toyota customer care to see what Toyota would do about this overly common problem. I asked for Toyota to buy it back at blue book retail and give a credit to purchase another Toyota. The customer service supervisor showed very little concern and stated Toyota will not be responsible. Oil sludge is too common. One would guess a "quality focused company" would stand behind their products. Toyota once cared about quality but now profits over customer care drives Toyota. As a teacher, I will continue to tell my students to support car companies that stand behind their products and this is not Toyota!

Very disappointed with Toyota, as with their recalls, they have absolutely no way to get an answer. Sure we'll buy you out but then your on your own, this after buying eight trucks over the last 30 years. I guess we are on our own. Will be driving a Chevy and no more talking up Toyota.

I am just experiencing the issue with the engine on my 2008 Toyota Solara. My buzzer started to go on showing low oil pressure while braking. I immediately consulted with mechanic I know and we checked the deep stick. There was no oil.

I barely drove 30K. I took the car immediately to the dealership. They checked it and said that 2.8 qrt of oil is missing and they don't know where it went. There was no leak, sign of burning, or anything. They pushed me to perform maintenance and said nothing was wrong with the car; it was in perfect condition now. When I went to pick up the car, I told them that I wanted answers because there was no magic in the oil disappearance. There were 2 options only: 1) They forgot to put oil during the last service or 2) The engine is gone. They tried to get rid of me saying "Just come back after 1K and we will check oil level."

I did request to speak with a manager (waited about 15 minutes) but he was busy. I said "Talk to him and call me." I did get call from them and they said that they spoke with Toyota and they acknowledged the recall on the pistons for the engine my Toyota has. But they want me to drive for 1K, come back, check oil level, and then again drive for another 1K and check. The Toyota will arrange the pistons' replacement. I do not have choice but drive unsaved car (because I cannot really know when this engine is going to just die - just pray and hope not on the freeway).

We own a 2008 Scion XB and it started to burn oil. At first, we thought there was a leak or something, but no visible leaks on the floor. We took it in for an oil change and then drove it for about 3,000 miles, checked the dipstick, and BAM there was no more oil in the engine! **?! We bought this car brand new. I took it back to Scion because they had another recall on the coils and asked them to take a look. They said it was burning oil, and that I might have to change the small block. **?! A 3-year old car and I need a new engine already?

That was ridiculous! I did some research and found someone posting that in several Scion and Toyota models with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinderengine may be using too much oil. In T.S.B.s SB002411 and SB009411 issued on August 11, the companies said the problem was traced to the piston assembly. Replacing the pistons and rings should solve the problem. Affected models are the 2007-9 Scion TCs and the 2008-9 Scion xB as well as these Toyotas: 2006-8 RAV4, 2007-8 Solara, 2007-9 Camry, 2007-11 Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and 2009 Matrix. After bringing this to the dealerships and corporates attention, they agreed to pay for the parts but not the labor. My problem with this is: if you know you have a piston assembly, be responsible and put out a recall to fix the issue.

I have a Toyota Matrix XR 2008 and I bought it in 2009 as a used car but I had 100,000 warranty on it. I always have my oil change at the same place. Since I bought the car, I kept up with maintenance on my car but it wasn't until Sunday, 12/4/11, when I got my oil change. I drove my car for that day. No problems. I drove on Monday. No problem. But Tuesday, my oil light kept blinking on and off and then my check engine light went on. So I took it to the Toyota shop. I told them I just got a oil change on Sunday so they told me that they will call me tomorrow with what's wrong with the car.

Well, they told me that I need a new engine because I have oil slug and that my oil on the dipstick was burned. They told me it was going to cost $2,500 to replace whatever parts. I told them I got an oil changed on Sunday and that how is that possible to have oil slug? So now I have to give them my receipts to show I have oil changes within the miles. I went to the shop who has my information on all my oil changes within the years I bought the car but need help to find out who is going to pay for my engine problem.

My 2004 Matrix is dead due to engine sludge. I must replace it since I cannot afford a new car, but now I'm worried about my Toyota van.

I wrote to Toyota customer service asking about an engine defect. I am a single mom with 2 children at home, dad is deceased. Three years ago upon the forced sale of my home due to an adjustable rate mortgage, I thought I bought a dependable car that would last me and my then 11 year old daughter for many years to come, based on Toyotas dependability rating.

It started leaking antifreeze and I hoped it was just a hose or the temperature gauge. I was just told today, the repair will cost me 5K at a dealership and 3.5K at a private garage. This is my only vehicle. Why is there no recall on this defect for the 2004 Toyota Rav engines for the engine bolts stripping and pulling threads out of the engine block? I researched this online before I was told this was the problem and saw many similar complaints from owners of this same vehicle with the same issue occurring? Their response is below.

Response (Rob Browning) 10/11/2011 06:11 AM

Dear Ms. Sauer **;

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We are sorry to hear of your concerns with the engine of your RAV4, and apologize this aspect of the vehicle did not meet your expectations. We do not show a Special Service Campaign or recall for the condition you described, and thus do not have specific insight to provide. If you feel you have a failed or broken component, we recommend contacting the Customer Relations Manager at your local Toyota dealership.

We have documented your comments at our National Headquarters, where they remain available for review from the appropriate departments. It is through feedback such as yours we are able to monitor and improve upon the quality of our product.

If we may be of further assistance, please contact us via email or by calling 800-331-4331. We are available from 5 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, and from 7 AM to 4 PM Saturday.

Robert Browning

Toyota Customer Experience

If they had no clue as to this defect why would they manufacture a kit to repair it?

Toyota care **. My car is a 2005 Toyota Matrix with 46,000 miles. I was driving and all of a sudden, my car stopped and the oil is leaking. Now they said I need a new engine, the car insurance won't pay because they said it is something with the car. Toyota said "no, sorry ".

I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon which I bought at Germaine Toyota in Sarasota. I had it on May 2006 as a certified pre-owned car with 37,000 miles on it. I have always maintained it and had regular oil changes at Germain Toyota. Then, my car stopped on me and I had to have it towed. Germaine Toyota tells me that I have oil sludge and I need a new engine block. I also have an oil leak, although I have no oil on my garage floor. The total cost to fix it is about $5,500. I know that the oil sludge has been a common problem for Toyota but my car isn't within the "years of cars" that they're standing by and fixing. I called Toyota's 800 number and they told me "sorry, we cannot help you." My car is still at the dealer's and I am in a rental car. I am trying to decide what to do.

My 2000 Toyota Celica GT started burning 1 qt of oil every 1500 miles and started making valve chatter noises with about 99,000 miles on the car and continued to do so until about 156,000 miles when the rod bearings went and took the crankshaft and two rods with it, stranding my 3 year old daughter and I. When the engine was taken apart, the rings were shot, the oil pump barely worked (which seemed to be what set everything off) and the piston heads had almost no recognizable grooves where the valves sit.

I own a 2000 Toyota Celica Gt. It has less than 120,000 miles. I have kept good care of it through, oil change and regular tune-ups. However, it constantly burns oil and I have sludge build up which is effecting my engine.

I have a 2000 Celica GT with a 1zz engine that burns a quart of oil a week. i have done some research and it seems that this is a very common problem. The only true fix is an engine swap to a model after 2003 or to the GTS or 2zz version of the engine. I have to buy a quart of oil evey week, and it is not cheep. I may have to buy a new engine and pay to have it installed due to a problem that Toyota knows they have, but have done nothing about.

Toyota took more than three years to fess up to an engine oil sludge problem in 1995-2003 3.0 Liter vehicles. It took me almost two years of fighting with Toyota on my 1998 Camry to get a new engine. In turn, they did not install the radiator properly and damaged the rack-and-pinion steering. For that, I had thousands of dollars of repairs.

After three years, I now have a 2004 Lexus RX330 that I have used Mobile 1 in and changed oil pretty religiously. True to Toyota designs, I am burning oil nearly 1-2 quarts per week. I have yet to bang my head against the wall to Toyota but seeing some of the information on this Web site, it's time to be a pain in their necks. Honda would recall and replace. Toyota will stall and charge and hope that you just upgrade to a newer model.

Please write to Toyota and Consumer Advocate groups. Call it the never have to change oil Toyota special--you just add a quart a week. It was supposedly a head design flaw that had a smaller drain hole than it should have with a possible ridge that caused oil to build up and sludge. Keep on Toyota and Lexus to replace the engines. That's the only recourse we will have. As if they haven't had enough problems.

My engine has the same problem but was never identified or corrected by Toyota. If you look into the engine section where the oil is placed you can see the build up. One Toyota dealership tried to charge me over $100.00 to do a flush and cleanse.

However, this should have been identified by the mechanics at the Toyota dealership. How can I become a part of this class action? I've also had problems related to the windows not closing, sliding middle doors getting stuck, CD/Radio screen fading in and out, a faulty run flat tire. I've paid to replace the tires twice, I've had the brakes done twice at my expense.

I am paying $750.84 for a six year old car with over 88,000 miles. I've paid over $30,000 of a $54,000 loan. They're always trying to repossess my car but they refuse to fix issues related to the purchase of the car. my loan is currently at $22,000. I was advised that it would cost them more to repossess it, repair it and paint, than it would if they just showed me some customer courtesy.

Their customer service representatives at Toyota Financial try to intimidate you and harass you. Next time, I will buy an American car. Can I get legal help with these issues?

I bought a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR brand new from the Toyota dealer in Ft. Wayne, IN the first year they came out. As soon as my warranty ended up, my engine started acting funny. I took it to the Toyota dealer where I bought it and had it checked out. I was informed that the Computer Module is going out and it's messing with censors and catalytic converter, so they left my engine light on. The problem was supposed to have been reported to Toyota.

Why has there never been a recall for this issue when the computer module problems started clear back in the beginning when they were first made? And now, it has been messing with other areas of my car, fuel mileage, etc. I don't feel that I am responsible for fixing the issue with my car. This has obviously been going on with the module in these vehicles from a recent recall for the '05 Newer Matrix's that I was informed of. I truly believe this issue with the computer module stems back when the Matrix first came out (when I bought mine) and I feel it should really be investigated. No vehicles module goes out that quickly and it seemed awfully funny that it started going out as soon as my warranty ran out.

My 2003 Toyota Sienna started smoking. My mechanic looked at it and said the engine was full of sludge which is a common problem with Toyota's. He said the repairs would be extensive and to contact Toyota since I had less than 60,000 miles on it and had changed oil on a regular schedule. I contacted Toyota numerous times via their website and was told that my warranty had expired due to the age of the van. They suggested I take the van to my Toyota dealer and have them make the repairs at my expense. The engine continues to smoke and I must add 1 to 2 quarts of oil per week.

I purchased a 2007 Toyota Corolla from a dealer on 5/24/10 with 66,000 miles on it. Exactly 3 months later, it through a rod through the engine and the oil pan leaving me stranded on the side of the road. It was 7,000 miles past the PowerTrain warranty and 2 years under.

I took it to a mechanic who confirmed that the hole in the oil pan was from the thrown rod and quoted me $4,000 for an engine replacement with no warranty (other quotes ranged from $4,000 to $8,000). I then towed it to the Toyota Dealer with the hope that they would pay for a new engine after seeing that the vehicle had been properly maintained. Toyota gave me the same response as so many other victims, that they can't cover it under warranty because the oil change/service receipts (provided at the time of purchase and on schedule) are not from Toyota dealers.

The Toyota technician also confirmed that the hole in the oil pan came from inside the pan but kept saying "there was a lack of lubrication in the engine. " When I question him, he agrees that it most likely lost lubrication after the rod came through the oil pan.

At this stage Toyota is telling me that they won't assist in any way, despite the fact that all evidence points towards a 3-year-old Corolla loosing it's engine with no outside cause or lack of maintenance. I wish someone would have warned me in advance as it doesn't look like I'm the first this has happened to, and I doubt I'll be the last.

Another Toyota recall??? My new 2010 Toyota Tundra with 2,500 miles had a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway (see article below from another person with the same issues). I took the truck to Stevinson West Toyota - they took the engine apart and found multiple holes in the engine block. They are still not telling me the source of this engine failure. Toyota is telling me this is a one time occurrence, but I have been finding multiple problems with other Tundra's (2007-2010), including a USA Today article from 2007, "Toyota fixing engine failures in new tundra trucks." And, while our truck has been in the shop, we spoke with another Tundra owner (2009; in the same shop) who had a similar issue. See exact complaint from someone else who posted online 3-8-2010

I have a 2001 Toyota, Sienna Van with 70,000+ miles; gramma owned & driven; occasionally long distance (500+ miles) driven; usually local intown and twice monthly interstate of 80 miles. I have been a loyal Toyota owner/operator since 1986 and doing only routine maintance & repairs & very satisified with my vehicles.

In March of 2010 my maint. shop said I had a "Sludge Damaged Engine" and this was a "Known Toyota Problem" for my model; gave me a print out of your report Re this problem & what I could do to keep using the Van. I then checked with other shops and had the same imput. There was/is no way I had the Money for an engine replacement. I am continuing their advice of frequent oil checks & oil changes. I then went to Casey Toyota, in town, for help with this issue since Toyota knew of & had done other replacement repairs because of a group law suite. I was told the following by D. C:

"Yes, Toyota was aware of the problem & no Toyota had not sent notice to the owners; there was no recource since my maint/repairs were not done at a Toyota facility; my service records at other shops didn't count; I was out of warrenty; I shouldn't believe everything I read on the internet; sorry". My shop has told me that much of what I was told was wrong & illegal statements.

Toyota Sienna (2002) Oil Sludging caused engine rod to break. Result, 5200 dollar estimate to repair. Have you handled any other Sludging issues with the Toyota Sienna? Are you aware of results of the class action lawsuit? Toyota (Pat Lobb/Toyota of McKinney) said they will not take any corrective action unless paid to do so.

Help! I cannot afford the repair cost or another car.

I had purchased a 2001 Toyota Celica GT in October 2005 to initially get to and from work, and in 2007, I noticed that the engine was consuming more oil than normal (1 quart oil = 500 miles) after the oil was changed at 96,000 miles. I also started noticing a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment that was only noticeable while driving, and I don't know what caused it. I've taken it to Roseville Toyota in California to have it checked out, and they kept blaming it on my exhaust, even when I took a technician for a drive to let him listen to the noise. But he still said it was my exhaust.

I have taken my car to them multiple times to have them check it out and also had them do a valve adjustment to see if that was it. It's been 3 years now, and 133,000 miles later, I'm still dealing with these issues, except now it's ticking all the time. Please help. I'm getting tired of dealing with this issue, and it's starting to get too expensive, having to keep buying oil every 500 miles.

I am a college student, and I commute to and from school (68 miles round trip, five days a week), and these issues I've been experiencing are so frustrating, and the engine ticks so much like it's about to break down. And the anticipation of when it's gonna break down is getting to be very irritating.

I had initially purchased the car, knowing that Toyota was known for making reliable and durable cars like Honda. So I decided to give Toyota a try and see if it held up to its reputation, plus it was an upgrade from my '89 Honda Civic that I used to have. I've experienced more mechanical problems with this car than with my Civic, and it was an '89.

I thought Toyota was supposed to be reliable, durable, and dependable. I guess not. If I would have known these cars had so many issues ahead of time, I would have just stayed with Honda. At least I know Honda lasts longer than 200,000 miles.

I had a 2001 Toyota Camry that leaked oil, then blew an engine due to sludge back in 2005. I went through the whole process of submitting paperwork to Toyota and the class-action process only to be denied because I could not product the receipts from when I changed my oil myself (regularly). Because of the way the class action was setup, legalities allowed Toyota to not repay me for my troubles. In light of Toyota's present problems and newly discovered coverups (2010), I would gladly resubmit my claim, if it is deemed actionable by any collective seeking legal justice.

I had purchased a 2001 Toyota Celica GT in October 2005 and in 2006, I noticed that the engine was consuming more oil then normal (1 quart oil = 500miles) after the oil was changed at 96,000 miles. I also started noticing a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment. I've taken it to Roseville Toyota in California to have it checked out and they kept blaming it on my exhaust even when I took a technician for a drive to let him listen to the noise, but he still said it was my exhaust.

I have taken my car to them multiple times to have them check it out and also had them do a valve adjustment to see if that was it. It's been four years now and I'm still dealing with the issue. I am also on a local forum, Newcelica.org, and there has been a lot of complaints of them having the same issues. There is no way of fixing the issue, but to only replace the engine with one of 2003-2005 years. There have been some people who have attempted to fix it, by replacing the internal components with one from the '03 - '05 years. Please help. I'm getting tired of dealing with this issue and it's starting to get too expensive. I thought Toyota was supposed to be reliable but I guess not. If they have so many issues, I should have just stayed with Honda. At least, I know Honda lasts longer then 200,000 miles.

I own a 2003 Toyota Camry. In 2008, while on a weekend ride in a neighboring city, my Camry started to leak oil abundantly. I took the car to a neighboring repair shop. After diagnostics, I was told the car will probably need a new engine, because the only fix they had in mind might not hold up. The car was leaking up from the top. I was told by the technician that a bolt securing the drive shaft sheared off. Bolts shot through engine, causing it to fail and leak oil.

At the time, the car had less than 90K miles, so I decided to seek the expertise of the Toyota technician. I towed the car to the Toyota dealership and had a Toyota expert look at it. The first thing I was told was that there hasn't been any recall due to that issue. At the same time, the tech told me he has never seen such a thing on a Toyota and that Toyota usually last for long, so that was a concern. But he suggested to put in a new engine for me for $4500. I shopped around, called my local dealership in Lansing, MI, and was able to get the car fixed for $3000 even.

My 2003 Toyota Corolla developed sludge in the engine at 16,000mi. I took it to Toyota of Hattiesburg and they acted like they had never seen sludge before and wanted me to pay $400 to look at it and indicated I may need to replace the engine at my cost. I ended up leaving with it, cleaning it up myself and having to put a quart of oil in about every 4hrs when traveling. The district manager was even involved. I have to make sure I check the oil often now. I need to find out more about the class action suit.

I am the owner of a 2003 Highlander that has only 37,591 miles on it. Toyota of Augusta serviced the car for its 30,000-mile check-up and no problems were reported. Since then, my Highlander has experienced excess oil consumption, blue smoke (especially on startup), check engine light issues and failed sensors. After learning about previous model year sludge problems, I decided to take the car to the local Toyota dealer to have it checked out. On 1/19/2010, it was diagnosed with an engine oil sludge problem resulting in severe cylinder wear. The recommendation was to replace the engine at a cost to me of upwards of $6,000.

My husband is a mechanic. A few years back, the dealership claimed since we had no receipts we could not prove we routinely changed oil, filter, etc. problem with oil sludge. This happens in the cold winter months. My husband keep up with the oil changes being a professional mechanic. Check engine light went on in December again. Nothing wrong per dealership. Check engine light goes on again a week ago, towed 4Runner to Pappas Dealership, where we purchased it and the dealership originally claiming we were at fault. Now, we are told that the engine needs to be replaced, due to oil sludge.

I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix that started blowing blue smoke. After 3 different mechanics found out that cylinder no. 3 is bad, I have to do a valve job and deal with bad rings. All rings will be replaced. This will cost around $2,000 and my car only has 86,000 miles on it! I don't even know who to complain to at Toyota.

I tried to access the NTSB complaint page but had no luck. I have a 2005 Prius. Generally, I love the car but I want to report something that happened in 2008. I was driving on the freeway and a red light came on my dashboard. I asked my companion to check what it meant and she looked it up. It advised me to go directly to a dealer. As it happened, I was right at the exit for a dealer. I pulled off at the exit and discovered that I had very little braking ability. Luckily, I was able to stop the car. I very slowly went the 1/4 mile to the dealer.

They gave me a courtesy car and had the car about 4 days. They said it was a component that failed. They had to order the part. I have had no problem since they repaired it but feel I should tell someone about it. It was an electronic failure and there was no warning except for a warning light that lit as the part failed. Had I needed to stop quickly, I would not have been able to. I would like to know where I report this problem to the government.

We bought my wife's Toyota Celica in 2000, and yes, the warranty is out, but the car has less than 45,000 miles on it when a bolt holding the timing chain mount sheered off, knocking the chain and timing off. The engine had to be replaced. Needless to say, I'm not happy with having to put $4600.00 into a car with such low mileage. I have a 2003 Rav4, and I only hope that it fares better.

I purchased a new Highlander 2003. We have 41,000 miles and it has been serviced on a regular basis. 3 months ago it started blowing blue smoke, which has been happening regularly. I spoke with the mechanic at Toyota who told me without checking my car that we would need a new engine over-haul at $5,000. I brought it to my mechanic at Rose automotive who checked and cleaned and did all that he could do. He has a bag of sludge and gel that he removed two times.

The cost was $1100 and it is still expelling blue smoke which is at the least is not good for the environment. What should I do or what steps do I now take to make correct this? My wife has received a fix-it ticket. Thank you. $1100 out of pocket with no results. I feel that this is an unsafe vehicle as it has died on one occasion. It's not legal to drive and affect the environment. My wife needs a reliable form of transportation.

I have an LE Camry V6. After years of good maintenance, it now develops a motor oil sludge. The repair shop thinks that was a design fail from Toyota. Whatever was the change oil routing the sludge was built anyway. The reason. Unknown? My question, how to make Toyota pay the bill? This is the only car that I have. I bought it 6 years ago. I need the car to travel to my work and I don't have money to repair or buy another. And at the end of all, my health is going weak because my earnings go down after losing my only way to travel to my job.

Our engine on our 2003 Highlander sludge up and had to be replaced. It only had 117,000 miles on it. Engine had to be replaced at a quoted price of over $5,000. This engine should have gone 300,000 miles. This is the 6th Toyota that we have had and this has never happened.

My 2000 Toyota Avalon has fallen ill to the "Toyota oil sludge" problem, despite dutifully maintaining and servicing the vehicle. Although the problem has built up over years, I understand that my vehicle ultimately failed after the 8 year period I had to make a claim for my necessary engine replacement. However, Toyota dealerships I have called claim they are unaware of any engine oil sludge problem or the 2007 settlement of the issue. Wilson Toyota of Ames, IA is one of these dealerships in particular, denying knowledge of the problem or the settlement with carefully prepared words, it was almost laughable.

Toyota. Now I see this is a common problem. What would you suggest I do? $3.500 new engine in my 1995 Camry

I purchased a toyota hybird 2001,I was on very busy interstate 285 east when all of a sudden my car dropped down going 10 mph,I was scared for my life,I was screaming from the top of my voice.I had 2 big trucks and on coming traffic behind me.this car has continued to do this.since I have had it,and I really dont know what to do.I cant send it back because I dont want my credit to go bad.

At 78,400 miles the engine light came on in my 2003 Toyota Rav 4. I brought it to the dealer who told me I needed a new engine. I quickly realized the power train was still under warranty. After 5 days in the shop with no activity I finally got word that the warranty people would not approve the repair unless I agreed to "sign off" on breaking down the engine, at a cost of $920 to me. IF they find that the problem is covered by warranty I will get reimbursed for this cost. If the problem is not covered by warranty (and I find this situation far more likely, knowing they are going to do everything possible to avoid repairing my car) I am stuck with the $920 cost of breaking down the engine. I have already paid $110 to find out why my engine light was on. I have been 10 days with no car, as they won't provide a loaner unless the warranty is approved. As requested, I provided proof of regular oil changes. I argued with the mechanic, with the warranty rep and his superior, and got nowhere. The engine is under warrant and they will not fix it.

4 bolts securing the diveshaft sheared off. Bolts shot through engine causing it to fail. I had to replace the engine. with labor and car rentals, the cost was close o $ 10, 000.

I contacted Toyota and the local dealership about honoring the warranty on my 2002 Toyota Camry. Toyota extended its warranty to include 2002 Camrys with 4 and 6 cylinder engines as part of there settlement for engine sludge. They told me that my vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Camry was not included.

My engine light kept coming on, on my 2001 Toyota Camry. I brought it to my person that does work on my vehicle, he changed both my catelitic converters and my front oxygen sensor, some of the parts were not Toyota Parts, I spent a 1,000 dollars, for the problem not to be fixed, I then brought it to Lia Toyota in Wilbraham, Ma, they sell toyotas, so I thought they would be able to find the problem. They ended replacing everything my person already did for me, almost costing me, 2,000 dollars more, and the light came back on again. I ended up having to pay another 400 dollars for more parts and labor and I don,t even know if the problem is fixed.

How can all these parts go bad on my toyota at the same time and have to be replaced, some of them twice, I feel really taken and I don't have a job at the moment and I did not need that expense. Shouldn't Toyota Dealers know more about Toyota cars then anyone else and shouldn't they try to find another solution, why the engine light kept coming on then to replace everything my person already replaced. Is there any call backs on this problem for Toyota Camerys? Out over 3,000 dollars in Three Rivers, MA and feeling taken, because I'm a women!

I had the gearbox replaced under warranty. Since then there have been a number of cracking sounds and rattles that were reported to the dealer. I suspected something was wrong with the steering. However, the dealer's response was always, "We cannot find anything". More recently we developed a very bad vibration similar to a wheel balance vibration. Since the tyres were not getting close to being replaced, I decided to replace them. That didn't fix the problem.

At first I thought Goodyear hadn't balanced the wheels properly. The manager came for a short road test with me and agreed there was a problem. He did some further investigation and determined the wheels were indeed properly balanced. The vibration was due to some missing engine mounting bolts. The bolts had come loose and were lodged on some engine shelves. They were amazed the engine hadn't fallen out. However, the engine had dropped slightly and as a result had cracked the front axle.

This is where the finger pointing now starts.

The warranty company won't cover anything because they say the cause lies in the drivetrain and that is not covered.

The dealer says they've done nothing wrong.

Toyota says the car is out of warranty.

This clearly is not normal wear and tear. I believe the dealer's mechanic was remiss in tightening the engine mounting bolts when he replaced the transmission some months ago. But how can I prove it?

On top of all the other issues I had, while the vehicle was under warranty, is there any wonder why I will never buy another Toyota. How do they have such a high customer service rating?

I own a 2005 Toyota Camry and never had a problem until 2 days ago. On my way to work the oil light came on. I immediately pulled over and put 2 quarts of oil in the car. 10 minutes later the check engine light came on. I called a local Toyota dealership and they told me to bring it in as soon as possible. After dropping it off I got a call back with 15 minutes informing me I would have to replace my engine due to sludge build up at a cost of $5,300. I had NEVER had any problems before this and now I have to replace my engine? They asked me to provide proof of oil changes, which I could not because I had thrown them away. This is the 5th car I've owned and I've always treated my cars well. I called other mechanics and they wanted to know how Toyota could tell there was a problem without looking into the engine but now i understand. They knew what it was immediately because they see it all the time. I feel totally helpless!

The car was towed to toyota of nashua where I have yet to pick it up. the cost to evaluate the problem is $350.00 to repair the engine is around $5,600 due to the oil problem the bearings went bad, lower block, camshaft damage causing metal pieces in the engine.

My Toyota Sequia broke down in the middle of the desert. I paid $800.00 to tow it to Penske Toyota in the the city of Downey. I explained to the service manager that no engine light came on and he confirmend by turning on the ignition switch. The next day after the inspection the service manager said all the fluids (including the engine oil) where at their prober levels and that the engine would have to be dismantled for further inspection. After the inspection I was told about the sludge in the engine and that it would have to be repalaced and that I shouldn't have a problem with the extended warranty. Now I am being told that it will not be covered because of the sludge and if I would have taken my truck to the dealer for oil changes the extended warranty would of covered the repairs.

The extended warranty should have covered the towing expense and now it has been declined. My truck is in the dealer and they wont re-assemble the engine until I pay them $5,000. The dealer wants to sell me a new engine for $10,000 plus installation. If I go with a used engine (7,000) I will have a 30 day warranty and my four year extended warranty would be cancelled.

I bought a 2001 Toyota Camary on 11/17/2003 form downtown Toyota in the amount of $14,999.00. They failed to inform me of the problems with the 2001 Toyota engines (gelling). My engine threw a rod 7/3/2008. The engine was replaced with a used engine from Foreign engines. The approximate cost to replace the engine was $4,036.39 (2009.21 engine; labor $1,227.18; 800.00 towing) I decided to buy a car instead of renting, the cost was parallel. The cost of the car was $2,800.00. The #4 cynlinder started going out on this replaced engine on 7/3/009. to which we had to replace the engine again ($3,236.39).

I have serviced the vehicle correctly but for the last two years I cannot prove it because the mechanic is out of business and the service book was not filled out.

I have a 1997 Camry, the oil pressurs light came on and I believe I have an oil sludge problem. Do I have any recourse under the Toyota Sludge Agrement settlement? I have changed oil regulary as recommended by dealer. Cannot drive vechicle because I am concerned about damage to engin.

I have a 2005 Toyota Camry. Today on my way to work, the oil indicator light came on. Shortly after (within minutes), the check engine light came on. I drove to a local business to have my car checked and the car stopped running as I pulled into the car repair place. I was told 2 hours later that my engine has sludge and that it's going to cost me $5100 to have the engine rebuilt.

The car repair manager also informed me that this has been an issue with Toyota engines (sludge build up) because of the way these engines are made. They tend to overheat in areas and that causes the oil to build up on the engine. This is a 2005 Toyota Camry. I have had regular oil changes. This is unacceptable. There is evidence that earlier model Toyotas had the same issue and a class action lawsuit was settled such that owners who had Toyotas between 1997 and 2002 had their engines rebuilt free of charge.

I have been reading a log about this tonight and apparently that are a lot of people out there going through the same thing. This is unacceptable. And, for Toyota to claim this is due to poor maintenance is ridiculous. Also, why didn't my check engine light come on sooner if there was an engine problem? Or, for that matter, why didn't the oil light indicator come on sooner. Within minutes of both lights coming on, I had a blown engine. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND THIS MUST STOP!!!! I am still making payments on this car and now I have to replace the engine?????

$5100 for a repair to a 2005 Toyota Camry engine that has sludge as a result of poor engine manufacturing apparently. Not only is this going to kill me financially, I've been anxious and depressed all day knowing I have no choice but to try and come up with the money to repair this vehicle...and it's not my fault. Not to mention I'm going to be without a car for 2 weeks. It's a shame that Toyota won't own up to this problem. I too have heard wonderful things about Toyota. I've had 2 Toyotas but unless something is done to help with this issue, I will never buy another Toyota and I will tell everyone I know about this experience.

2000 Camry LE - 5SFE Engine. 77K Miles. Motor had been burning a little oil at startup (possible bad valve stem seals) and had been doing so for about 4-6 months. Toyota told us that since we did our own regular maintenance, that we did not qualify for the recall on these engines.

Have already spent $2600 to replace original motor plus the time and hassle of being down a vehicle for about a week. Now we are looking to have to spend another $1000-2000+ to rebuild the original motor (we bought it back) not to mention all the time, effort, downtime and extra costs it will take to rebuild and install the original motor while we have a whole family event every day taking mom to work while her car is down.

THEN we were also told that the LABOR cost would be EVEN MORE MONEY IF we purchased the BRAND NEW one. SO went with the used one at the cost, all said and done, a wopping $7,500! Obviously nothing to sneeze at and Toyota is doing NOTHING. Where is THEIR resposibility? We're talking ONLY 72,000 MILES!

I just bought a 1999 Toyota Solara with only 80,000 miles on it a little over 1 week ago from a friend. The first time I got in and drove it was June 2. I was taking it to get inspected so I could get it registered to me. We have still not even consummated the transfer of the vehicle. It seemed fine - then there was a clucking sound once or twice and it instantly went dead, stopped running. It was terrifying - no warning whatsoever! I was on an Interstate highway - the Baltimore Beltway, I-695 - and fortunately managed to coast it off to the left shoulder which was a lane or 2 away before it completely died.

Smoke was pouring out of the back and I am now on the shoulder between it and the jersey wall while 4 lanes of traffic whiz by me at 70 mph and on the other side of the jersey wall, 4 lanes whiz by me in the other direction. It was terrifying because any minute a car could have veered slightly onto the shoulder and hit the car or pushed it into me or hit me. I waited nearly an hour till AAA sent the tow truck.

Oil was all over the ground underneath the engine and a little trail of droplets behind the car where the oil had dripped out. A fire truck came and thought it could have burst into flames even. I could have been killed. Imagine if I had died in one of the lanes and not been able to coast to the shoulder! The auto repair place said the engine was blown completely and the oil was full of sludge. I paid $4000 for the car and now it will cost nearly $5000 if I want to repair it which makes no sense since the car is 10 years old even though it only has 80,000 miles.

I noticed in the packet I was given by the former owners a letter from Toyota talking about the oil gelling problem and looked online and saw all the blogs and other info about this oil gelling problem and the sludge and how these engines in all these Toyotas from 1998-2002 were blowing up/failing after 30-90,000 miles. And also how Toyota failed to admit it for years till the lawsuit and even then won't take care of people and looks for any opportunity to get out of covering the problem. It is appalling that this company gets away with this and that they are not accountable for the dangerous position into which they are putting people driving these cars.

I'm another Toyota Avalon owner who's engine has burned-up this week with only 73,000 miles on it. I bought the car new in 2003 and have had regular maintenance performed on the car. There is something definitely wrong with the engineering of this car and as you all may know, Toyota has not acknowledged the issue. This exact same issue happened to previous Toyota's in the past but Toyota only recognizes this issue up to the 2002 model year. (And it took them years to do this)

Now I see many others with the same problem. Car engines haven't burned up like this since the 60s, and there's no reason for it today, especially with a top of the line TOYOTA. The dealership claims (as all cases do) that the engine had "gel" (sludge) that prevented it from getting enough lubrication. This issue has been going on for at least 6 years now with Toyota's. I think it's time for a Class Action lawsuit.

Engine failure to toyota sienna 1999, 115,000 milies oil sludge related, need to repair or fix car

I had taken my car in for an odor coming in through the flow through vent. I was told later that day my engine has sludge. He told me there was a program for help with this paticular problem with Toyotas. He disclosed to me the next day I did not qualify because I have too may miles on my car and did not have completely accurate oil change records. I later decided to get a second opinion. From the second mechanic I was told I do not have sludge. Now I am confused as to whether I have sludge or not. I was also told my head gasket needs to be replaced, most likely due to the sludge issue. From what I have read about this issue, mileage is not a factor and perfect oil change records are not either. Is Toyota liable if I do have sludge and who can I trust to tell me the truth about it?

I was told by Toyota that the cost run me a minimum of 3500.00 to repair, unless there has been damage to the cylinders or engine block which would cost 8500.00 to replace my engine. As this time I have not had any damage to my knowledge, but being told this apparently I will soon. So what do I do now? I am a single parent and do not have the money repair or replace the motor and I am not able to afford a car payment to replace the car.

Oil light came on/off for 1/2 hour intervals while driving. Before I could get it to a station, the car stopped while I was driving. It was towed to Central City Toyota, Phila. PA. Frank G, technician charged me $110 for a diagnostic. Then asked me for $600 more to have it opened for the Toyota Warrantee person to inspect because there was noticeable sludge. He stated that sludge is caused by poor maintenance.

So, the Warrany might not cover cost to replace the engine ($7,500)and cost of towing and car rental. We had many discussions regarding the $600 for someone else to see. Later, I received a call from Frank that the claim was denied. No one requested copies of my maintenance record, first. I Never recieved anything from the Warranty Co. Toyota Motor Insurance Co. I am very disappointed in Toyota. It use to be the car of my choice. I don't believe I will ever purchse a Toyota, again.

Estimate: $7,500 to replace $1,500 Auto Rental $ 98 Towing, so far $ 120 Diagnostic Review $ 10 Taxi $ 15 Regional Rail Train TOTAL So far $9263.00

I bought a 2000 Toyota Corolla in Sept. 2005 thinking it was a reliable vehicle. I have (since then) replaced the engine due to engine knocks, and noises. A few days ago, the engine once again blew on me. I have always serviced the vehicle with regular oil changes, brakes and tires etc, mostly at a Toyota dealership. I have read online that there are a lot of people with the same problem, and I believe I should receive some sort of reimbursement from Toyota Motor Corporation for failing to provide quality engines in their vehicles.

I was just forced to purchase another vehicle (a Honda) as I have no vehicle to get to work. Never again will I buy another Toyota seeing as they couldn't care less about the quality of their engines from 1998-2002 model vehicles. Is there any legal action I can take upon Toyota to get some sort of reimburesement? Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

We purchased our Certified Toyota 2000 Sienna in July 2004 and were told it had one previous owner. Not long after, the check engine light came on. We went to a local Autozone and found out that one of the O2 sensors was bad and there was an emmissions code that Autozone was not sure about. We then drove across the street to Palmers Toyota and asked their service department about the codes. They said the O2 sensor was not a major problem and did not have to be fixed in order for the car to operate. They said the emissions code was probably just a loose gas cap. I kept having the engine light checked but no other codes were ever discovered.

Then, November 2008, the engine started to blow smoke out of the tail pipe. Now the dealership says it is going to cost thousands of dollars to repair. Ironically, one of the warning signs of this oil gelling problem is the check engine light, yet I was never told that my vehicle was one of the ones that could have this problem. Springhill Toyota knew about the 8 year extended warranty that had been added to my vehicle when they sold it to me in 2004 yet they never disclosed this information to me.

Something needs to be done with Toyota Motor Corp. and the dealerships that sell their cars!!! Worst of all, they have insulted me by saying that my problem is due to lack of vehicle maintenance yet they will not even let me show them the copies of the oil changes. Toyota is doing nothing but giving the customer the run around!

Because of this, I have been without a vehicle for two months now and I have 4 young children to get to and from school. The cost of a new engine is $6,000. I will never buy a Toyota again (and we have owned four Toyotas in the last 15 years)!

Add me to the list of very disappointed first-time/last-time Toyota owners. We bought a 2003 Avalon in August 2006 with 20,000 miles. We were told by our mechanic last weekend that there was sludge in the engine. We were told that even though it is a 2002 engine, it is not covered under the class action. We were further told that we could try talking to a Toyota dealer but that there was nothing Toyota was willing to do for us.

Told new engine would cost $4000. Mechanic advised junking it.

I have a 2005 Toyota Corolla. When it was under warrantee, the dealer attempted to fix the check engine light three times. after the warrantee ran out the dealer refused to fix it. Is there anything i can do? Now that the warrantee is out, the part (main computer) will cost $1600 plus labor to fix.

I purchased a used 2004 Toyota Sienna in Dec of 2005 from a Toyota Dealer in North Attleboro in 2005 ( this dealer is now part of Boch Toyota). I have maintained it reasonably well, but the engine is complete sludge at only $49,000 miles. It is no longer driveable and the repair is $8K. I noticed there is a class action lawsut for the years 1998-2002 on this very same issue. The dealer said if I can produce copies of all my oil changes they would be willing to work with us. The Mobile station where I have gone most of the time just changed owners and has very poor records and they are only paper copies in files. I think this will prove hopeless.. I have 3 young kids and am afraid to drive a sludge filled Toyota that could break down at any moment. THis is so unfair,ironically I bought a Toyota for its reliability. Please advise.

My 2001 Toyota Highlander has been taken care of by Rodland Toyota Service for the 8 years I have owned it. It has always been in great shape and never shown any sign of oil problems. Monday the oil light flashed when driving down hill so I ran it to Rodland Toyota and they checked it out. Come to find they said it had an Internal Engine oil lead...they could see the sludge around things in the engine, they just did a big check up on my car a couple of Months ago and said they were sorry they didn't catch it so now the total engine has to be rebuilt and the cost will be 4,700.00 dollars and 3 days to repair.

Read this article about my Highlander year having an Engine Oil problem, maybe my car is in good shape but the engine should of had a recall.

I have owned a 2003 Toyota Highlander for roughly 2.5 yrs and had always maintained it on a regular basis. Three weeks ago the engine started to freeze up and I took it to a Toyota dealership and it was diagnosed as Sludge in the oil. It would have cost more to repair/replace the engine than what the car would have been worth. I traded it in on a 2009 Camry.

I have since found out that there had been a problem with this model and other Toyota models from 1997-2002 which through a defect in the engine eventually turned the oil to sludge. Toyota settled in a Class Action Lawsuit. I now feel that the engine in my Highlander was in reality a 2002 engine. I am not complaining about the dealership, but with Toyota.

This cost me a $4000.00 down payment on my new car along with putting me tremendously upside down on my payments.

Purchase a 2005 Toyota Corolla with extended warranty. At 91,000 miles the red oil lights went on. Took the car to the Toyota dealer for them to look at. Later the dealer called telling me I had oil sludge and the engine needs to be rebuilt at a cost of 5-6k. I maintained the oil changes every six thousand miles like clock work. After complaining to the dealer they stated with oil sludge the car is not covered under extended warranty so they would not honor the warranty. Sad I maintained this car better then any other car I had before only to find out oil sludge destroyed the oil and I am totally out a car,

my moms 2002 toyota corolla has 67,000 miles on it and she did regular service on it. now it needs a new motor. the bottom end went out and since she drives it to work and back and doesn't drive it on the freeway or at any type of speed there has got to be a major prob with the toyota engines. i used to work on cars so i tend to help make sure that she takes care of her car

going to need new engine plus labor costs and rental car and loss of work

We were told that we needed to show 3 years worth of car service receipts in order to be considered being covered by the lawsuit for the 2001 Toyota Camry. I never received a notice about this problem. I took my car in to a local repairman last summer for break service and to see why the engine was making noise that didn't sound healthy. He told me about the sludge problem. No service agency ever mentioned this problem to me before. It doesn't seem fair that if Toyota is at fault, why I have to prove anything and why there is a time limit on it. I have owed the car since 2002. It had about 20,000 miles on it when I bought it.

I will have to pay anywhere from $3500 to $4500 to have it fixed. (engine replacement)

I have a 2002 Camry LE which I purchased used in 2006. My car began to make a sqealing noise and when I took it to the dealership due to the check engine light being on and the noise, they told me I had sludge in the engine and it would be about $6000 plus for a new engine to repair the problem. I was told it would be a matter of time before the engine locked up. Possible cause was said to be not getting scheduled oil changes, but I have been getting the oil change on a regular mile or month basis since I've had the car.

I was told that I need to purchase a new engine and in order to fix the sqeal problem I had the tensioner and some other parts worked on prior to taking it to the Toyota dealership and paid over $700 for that work.

Our 2001 Toyota Camry developed the oil-gelling, as so many Camrys from that year did, and the dealership rebuilt the ruined engine at 32,000 miles. We continued to maintain the car/engine very closely to manufacturer's specifications, and last week when the engine started making a terrible noise, we had the car towed to a nearby Toyota dealership. The service technician informed me that the engine is finished and that for $5,600 they can install a used (72,000 miles) engine.

This 2001 Toyota Camry, with an engine that was rebuilt at 32,000 miles (at their expense, because they knew it was their fault), went another 52,000 miles before this rebuilt engine failed -- a broken rod and subsequent dislodged bearings which ultimately caused severe damage. We cannot afford to pay $5,600 for a car with a Kelly Blue Book value of $8,000, so we will donate the car to charity, and are now shopping for an American-made car. Shame on us for not buying American, all along! I don't think Toyota makes better cars, I think they're just better at covering up the unhappiness their products cause.

I have a 2000 Toyota Celica GT. At around 50,000 miles in 2005, noise started to come from underneath the hood between speeds of 3000 - 3500 rpms. Took it to dealers and nobody could tell me the problem. In May 2007 at around 70,000 the noise became louder and dealer thought the noise was coming from the engine due to low engine oil.

In Dec 2007, took it to another dealer and he diagnosed the problem as a transmission bearing issue. Said it was a common problem and told me to drive it until it can 't go anymore because I would need the transmission replaced. A year later (Dec 2008) the transmission died. Took it to AAMCO to fix it and when we walked in there was another person there with a 2003 Celcia with ~60,000 miles complaining about transmission noise. Come to find out his transmission was toast as well.

Transmission completely shot. Cost me $3700.

2001 Toyota Highlander - Check engine light on, blue smoke coming from exhaust upon start-up, excessive oil consumption. Took it to dealership for analysis of oil sludge problem. Toyota rep inspected engine with valve cover removed and claimed there was no oil sludge, so any necessary repairs were not covered by the class action suit.

The Highlander has 107K miles and I've had the oil changed every 4-5K miles at least. I gave the dealership proof of the oil changes, and I'm the original owner. Toyota insists it's not an oil sludge problem, yet I most likely need a new engine. Yeah right, my engine went at 107K with regular oil changes, yet it's not a problem with oil sludge. Call me skeptical.

I haven't received a firm estimate to repair, but I'm sure it will come back in the $6-7K for the engine, plus another $650 for an air bag computer, not to mention rental car fees and time without vehicle. Last Toyota I'll ever own.

My 2001 Toyota Echo oil light came on so I checked the oil and it was full. The next day my engine light came on. The light stayed on until I turned off my engine and would reappear from time to time. When my car started making a loud clanking noise, I got concerned and was ready to take it to the dealer when it completely lost power. I had have it towed to the dealer. There the Svc Mgr tells me that because I did not maintain my vehicle properly and engine oil sludge occurred.

I provided my vehicle maintenance history proving my car was well maintained for over 5 years so why the oil sludge. They informed me that because I bought my car USED, the previous owner did not maintain the car properly. It was a used car that I bought in 2003; the car only had 29,700 miles on it. The Svc Mgr them tells me it will cost about $3000 to clean the entire engine and repair the damage.

The car is not drivable and I cannot afford to fix the car. I am still making car payments on the car (still owe $2970).

I too have a vehicle with the engine sludge issue. In August of 2006 I searched long and hard for a toyota certified Sienna that I could afford. I drove quite a distance from home after finding the perfect vehicle online. It had 60,000+ miles. After driving it for about 2 weeks (1000 miles) a friend stopped me to inform me that the huge amount of smoke coming from the van needed to be checked out.

My local toyota dealer informed me that it needed a new engine. After being towed back to the dealer I purchased it from...they covered the sludge removal process which costed around $3000. 2 years and 60,000 miles later...my oil light comes on. I have a sludge problem and I need a new engine! I guess my story isn't as bad as most, being that they did pay for the sludge removal once, and I now have 143,000 but the van is not paid for and just like i needed a new engine two years ago...I need a new engine today. All this for trying to buy a reliable car that would last a long time!

This time around I was charged $600.00 for a glorified oil change, to buy some time. The service manager told me off the record to trade it quick before the light came back on! Stress and suffering of unimaginable proportions!

My 2002 Toyota Rav4 oil light came on so we check the oil and it was full. We drove about 2 miles then the engine light came on, the car immediately started losing power and then started making a knocking sound so we parked the car and had it towed to the Toyota dealership. The dealership said that there was sludge in the oil and the engine would have to be replaced.

The representative at the extended warranty company (Service Protection Direct) said that they would not pay for the repairs because they said the only way this could happen is if I did not maintain my vehicle. I offered to send proof of maintenance but he would not accept it. After doing some research I see that this sludge problem is not an isolated incident. There was a class action lawsuit on Toyota vehicles for this sludge problem. I'm not sure why the Rav4 was not included in the lawsuit because apparently I'm not the only Rav4 owner that has had this problem.

Cost of new engine: $7000.00 Rental car: $350.00 Time it took for extended warranty rep to come out (then deny my claim): 11 days

Toyota will not take ownereship of their corolla sludge engine car.They cover all other cars they make but the corolla I have a 2003 with a sludge engine that I had to have repaired and cost me $2000.00 plus dollars which I don't have and they will not repair or replace my engine or reimbuse me the money I'm out. I need help with this PLEASE.I'm 63 yrs old and work and live from payday to payday. I don't have this kind of money.They tell me that my car is not covered in the compensation program, so they won't help me.

I bought a used 2000 Toyota Celica GT in October of 2006. By April of 2008, I had noticed that my oil light came on often, even after I would fill it with a bottle of oil. I took it to the Toyota dealership numerous times from May to June 2008 as they tried to figure out why my oil was burning. Finally they said the ring on the pistons probably need to be replaced and in order to do so, the engine would need to be taken apart. I have a 3 year limited warranty on the car but the dealership said there was a great possibility the warranty would not cover taking apart the engine if the problem itself wasn't covered. (They contacted the warranty company and said the rings would not be covered). So the dealsership suggested to keep filling the car with oil rather than take the chance that the problem would not be covered under the warranty. I've been refilling my Celica with oil for 6 months now, probably 1 quart per 500-600 miles.

I have looked online to see if there was a recall for Celicas buring oil but without luck. I did find that I am not the only person with this problem. Many owners of the Celica GT series from 2000-2002 have the same problem. One owners said When Toyota designed these motors they used undersized pistons with cheap oversized rings, so over time it would cause excessive oil consumption. But it was only on the 00-02 model GT's, for the 03-05 they had redesigned the block and used oversized piston and rings.

2005 Toyota 4-Runner With 103,000 miles on it, died. $7100 for new engine and radiator. I did drive the car a lot on the highway, but took care of it, with receipts to prove it. Synthetic oil changes starting at 75000 miles, serp belts changed twice, spark plugs changed, tranny fluid flushed and replaced, fuel injection cleaner treatment. Water pump, oil pump, tranny, starter, alternator, all original. It amazes me that an engine would go before all these other parts. Car was a dream, never had ANY mechanical problems.

Cruising down the highway at 75mph with my 4 year old son and wife at 7:30pm, Thursday December 18th and a loud knocking starts coming from my engine. Car begins to shut down. Pull off the highway. Get the car towed. Spend $250 in tows and diagnostics between two places to find out the crankshaft is broken. Engine is gone. Crack in radiator, need a new one. Now mind you 2 months before I spent $700 on new tires, and 3 weeks before the car was inspected and passed with flying colors.

I knew I needed a reliable car, thus why I baught a toyota. Called Toyota USA, no help, referred me to Dealer Customer relations manager who basically said what do you want me to do? Now I am stuck with a car, that still have 1.5 years left on a loan, I have spent almost 1k on rentals, while I try to figure out how to come up with 7k to fix this mess. NEVER BUY TOYOTA. Any one that can help me would be great.

Economic damage - $1000 in rental fees, $250 in tow's and diagnostics, $200 of dollars in gas on rentals. Physical Damage/Mental - Sleepless nights as I face a possible voluntary repo with the destruction of my credit, trying to figure out how to afford the rentals, get my son to school, and get to work. My life is in shambles.

I purchased a used 2001 Highlander 4 cyl in May 2007 with 97K miles. I have changed the oil and filter myself every 3000 miles. It uses a qt of oil every 1200 to 1500 miles which is not unusual for an engine with 100K miles. In March 2008 the oil light came on and I checked the oil level. It was okay. I called my mechanic and he said it could be the oil pump. He connected an oil pressure gauge and the pressure was around 5 PSI when it should be 30 PSI. He said the oil pump was either bad or the screen on the pump was blocked. He dropped the oil pan and found lots of sludge on the lower parts of the engine and also blocking the pump screen. He cleaned away as much sludge as he could reach and replaced the oil pump as a precaution. He reccommended I change the oil and filter in another 1K miles and again at the next 1k miles, which I did.

The vehicle had not had the oil light come on again until last week. He dropped the oil pan again and this time found metal filings in the bottom of the oil pan and the pump screen was blocked by sludge. I am now going to have an oil pressure gauge installed so I can monitor the drop in pressure. I don't know the previous owner or owners and have no idea of the maintenance that was or wasn't performed. From everything I have read, it seems this vehicle falls under the Toyota Special Service notice, but I probably have no recourse due to the possible lack of maintenance by the previous owner. I still owe $10K on this vehicle and trading it is not an option because my wife likes this vehicle. A remanufactured engine is way too expensive so I will just drive it until it blows and then not buy another Toyota, new or used.

We bought a 2003 Toyota Camary,used back in 2006 . The transmission went in 05/2007 at 82,500 miles where we had to pay over $2000 to fix. In 06/2007 transmission went again at 84,500 miles but was fixed under the warranty from the last repair place. Then in 01/2008 the transmission went again at 95,000 miles and since it was no longer under warranty we had to pay another $1600.00!

Now it is 12/2008 and the head gasket has gone and that will result in another $1000.00 repair fee! This car has been nothing but a lemon since the day we bought it. We have been previous owners of Mitsubishi cars and by the applauding ratings of the Toyota Camary we decided to buy this car instead. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! We would NEVER ever consider ever buying another TOyota Camary..or ANY other Toyota product. We feel that there should be some recourse for selling such a car like this. To have to put in nearly $4000 in repairs in a time span of one year and a half years is robbery! We should get our money back or be sent another car for misrepresenting this car as one of the highest consumer rated cars!

in 1 1/2 years, $4,000.00 were spent in repairs!

Oil light constantly flickering between oil changes on my 2004 Toyota Matrix. Oil was changed by technician, sludge (gel) noted each time. Car would run okay for a few thousand miles, then oil light would flicker again, car made funny sounds, shook, and felt like it was going to stall at times. Car would run fine once oil was changed (oil was changed on schedule, have receipts as proof).

When I called Toyota customer service, they said that if car was not one of the models (and years 2002 or under) like the Toyotas in the class action suit, nothing could be covered and that there was nothing they could do for me.

The other day, oil light went on again, but instead of flickering, it stayed on this time. As I was trying to drive the car to the mechanic, the engine went. Mechanic said that there was a huge amount of sludge and no il had made it to the engine. Engline was totally melted. Car less than 5 years old, still one month left on lease (car over warranty miles, however). I am now left with no way to get to work, no way to take child to school, and having to rent a car which is taking a huge bite out of my salary.

May 2002 I purchased a new 4 cylinder Solara for appr $23,000. I provided good maintenance. On 11/29/08, I was shopping, oil light came on, then engine light, I had just had an oil change and oil was not low. I took the car to the dealer, was charged $75, and told due to sludge the engine needed replaced. Est $3500. I had 94,000 miles on the car and needed the engine replaced!!!!

We bought a 2004 Toypta Celica in spring of 2004. We took the car in to the dealer to be serviced every 5000 miles - we have the records. In summer of 2006 the engine needed to be replaced. In fall if 2006 the transmission needed to be replaced. now the struts need replacement. This car is used for commuting only. I've never heard of a car falling apart this fast. I've had cars last 20 years, even two Toyotas. The original cost of the car was $22,000.00 The replacement engine and tranmission were another $21,000 and the struts are going to be another $800.0

Check engine light came on over and over, Toyato couldn'd fine anything other than the gas cap wasnot tight enough. Transmission went first, then the engine. It has been a night mare

Economic damages cost me - $5,193-19. Physical damages, Had to rent a car and catch buses to get to and from work.

2001-2004 Rav4 models have known defect with the E.C.M. (electronic computer module). Causes transmission damage if not repaired immediately after symptoms appear. Toyota refuses to issue a recall for the part (instead choosing to 'extend' the warranty to 80K miles, despite the problem typically appearing around 85-100K). Cost of new ECM: $1400 for part & labor and up to $3000 addtl. if transmission replacement necessitated. Failure of ECM results in improper shifting and accelarating -- starts off in 2nd gear and cannot shift down to 1st.

My wife & I own a 2003 Toyota Corrola. We had oil changes fairly regularly. Once the car hit around 100,000 miles, the engine started to run really rough. It made weird and loud noises. We brougt the car into Cerritos Power Toyota. We needed to have a new engine because of the "Sludge Syndrome". The service technician proceeded to tell us it was our fault for lack of maintenance. Cerritos looked at our car and the price to fix the faulty engine went up several times. We came back in to discuss with Fred Po and negotiated down the price of the engine to the first price they quoted.

Our 2001 Toyota Corolla with 69,000 original miles on it had the engine oil light come on. My husband took it to Penzoil, since they did the last oil change roughly 2000 miles prior. They filled it with oil, and told us there was no leak and they didn't know what was wrong. I took the car to Toyota in Louisville Kentucky where the service manager, Shawn, told me the engine had to be replaced.

My husband called Toyota to complain and was told there was nothing they would do since it was out of warranty. He was asked to do a survey after the call, which he did, and when the question came up about how did he rate the solution, he pressed 1 meaning the worst. The system asked him if he really meant to press that because of the status and asked him to enter a number again, which he did - 1 and they hung up on him.

My husband has tried to deal with the dealership for some kind of resolution, but we don't get return phone calls - especially from their Customer Relations Manager. We would need to spend $6,000 for a new engine on a car that is worth about that much now and we took excellent care of it.

The service manager told us we could keep driving the car as long as we kept putting oil in it - but no oil has leaked out since then. The car is making a knocking noise and I am personally afraid to drive it. We are now out a car we were going to use as a trade in to trade up or drive forever. I would never expect a Toyota to have the engine go out after 69,000 miles. I will never buy a Toyota again.

My 2002 Toyota Camry's oil light came on and the oil & filter were replaced. The light went out. Then the engine light started to come on. We decided to take to a Toyota dealership close to home because we didn't want to drive too far with light on. The dealership charged us $250.00 and told us that we were all set. On the way home from the dealership the engine light came on again and my husband returned the car to dealership only to be told the next morning that we needed to replace engine due to sludge.

I now have a vehicle that I still have a loan on for two more years and do not have reliable transportation. The main reason that I chose a Toyota to begin with. It appears after reading the same senario from others that Toyota should step up to the plate and help people. This is not my first Toyota, but will clearly be my last!

My husband and I purchased my mother's 1995 Toyota Avalon a couple years ago and shortly thereafter noticed an oil leak. A year ago during an oil change we first heard the term sludge and had a long discussion about how it occurs and that it would cost several thousands to fix the problem. Three days ago we started to hear a loud knock and were told we blew a rod and the engine needs to be replaced. We were told this was due to the sludge issue. After getting an estimate for a new (old) engine, we went online and found that even the replacement engine will likely have sludge and that there was a class action suit for the 1997-2002 engine due to sludge. Why was the 1995 not covered? If Toyota knew about this, why did the dealership never mention it during inspections? What can we do?

The astronomic cost of repair is not feasable. Neither is buying a new car at this time. But, we have to. What do we do? What do we do.

I have a 2007 Camry LE v4 auto. Transmission in this car is plain horrible. Toyota calls it timing issues. No fix.

Car is plain dangerous to drive, especially in heavy traffic. Transmission either does not want to shift into higher gear or decides to do it when you start pressing brakes. DON'T BUY THIS CAR !!!

Engine sludge problem on a 2 cylinder Toyota Camry

Engine is ruined

While driving down the highway in our 2000 Toyota Solara, we heard a loud bang. The engine failed and ignited a fire. Engine and other parts were replaced for $4700. and I was assured it had nothing to do with the oil sludge problem

I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder to save gas and money. I was upside down on my 2005 Toyota Tacoma 6 cylinder, which was giving me 15MPG average, but decided the rated 21-31 MPG would save me in the long run. I drive 70% highway miles and average 19MPG in a 4cylinder Camry! It has no power and the engine lags when I need it most.

I have been to a couple different Toyota dealers and was told everything was within spec. What are the specs and how far off do they have to be to be out of specs?! I was also told it would take a few thousand miles for the system to recognize my driving habits and adjust to the best performance. I now have over 13000 miles and an unsteady idle. I don't have the time to go back and forth to the dealer to fight this. I work all week! Over all, I lost a lot of money and need to continue paying on this insult of a car for the next few years.

Wasted money on cost of car, horrible gas mileage and possible I'll have an accident because of the lag in acceleration.

My vehicle is not on the list of vehicles in the toyota oil sludge settlement, but I feel that my engine, being a 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser 8-cyl, is just a v6 with 2 more cylinders. I recently had my motor replaced costing me $5,037, a 5 hr drive each way to pick it up and a month without my vehicle. My truck had 153,000 miles on it, but I take very good care of it -- people actually ask me often if it's new -- and I change the oil & filter every 3000-3500 miles. I wonder if my vehicle was excluded from the settlement because not very many Land Cruisers are put on the road each year - at least no where near the number of Highlanders, Solaras,, etc... I believe the only v8 made by toyota back in '98 was for the Land Cruiser...don't think the Sequoia went into production until around '02. I'm curious to know how much difference there is in engine design on the '98 v6 vs. the '98 v8 engines and whether my vehicle should be also included in the settlement. I appreciate any assistance you can provide in this matter. thanks

2003 Toyota Highlander - 4 cylinder. I have owned since new. In March of 2008, it ran hot, Toyota mechanic said it needed a radiator flush - done. By April 9, 2008, the headgasket blew - replaced by same Toyota mechanic.

August 21, 2008, while driving home, the oil light came on and within 10 minutes the car quit working totally. The oil had just been changed one week prior. The mechanic states it needs a new engine. I called Toyota customer service and was told that my vehicle falls under an oil gel consumer program, provided with a claim number and told to have Toyota mechanic run the test. The mechanic tells me that my car does not fall under the correct year/cylinder for the consumer program.

When I called Toyota customer service back, the reviewed the notes and apologized stating the mechanic was right, they could not help me. My car is 5 years old with 104k miles, current on oil changes, etc. and the best that Totota can offer me is a loyalty discount if I trade this Toyota for another, once it has a new engine in it, of course. My car falls outside this consumer program by 1 year - do you actually think Toyota corrected the engine oil sludge problem in a year or less from the class action suit???

Economic impact: $4000 - $7000 for average engine per Toyota. 1 year warranty.....please!

Toyota Settles class action law suit covering a defect in thier cars. I was never notified - brought car to dealer and was told since I didn't contact them before a certain time period they would not cover the replacment price for a new engine that the car now requires.

Normal maintanance - car burns 1 quart or oil for every tank of gas! Just started happening as of last week.

Developed oil sludge problem in 2003 V-6 Toyota Camry with 70K miles and factory warranty. Toyota recommended we overhaul the short block. Toyota won't admit there is an engine oil cooling problem even though after much haggling they forked over $1,800 in labor (from Toyota Financial) and $3,000 in parts (Toyota Factory)including a newly designed valve cover with improved oil cooling.

Cost me $3,500 out of pocket for non-covered labor.

I have a 3003 Lexus 300 and am in the ranks of those who are experiencing problems related to the oil gel problem (that Lexus is well aware of). My regular mechanic appraised me of the problem when I told him about the white smoke that was emmitted when I started the car. I went to the Lexus dealer in Cathedral City, CA. The service writer said that he was unaware of any problem that Lexus was having and that they would take it in and determine the problem and that, in a worst case senerio, it would probably cost about $3,000 to repair. I declined to do anythig that day and came away very dissapointed with the response that I got from a company who thrives on it's reputation for customer service. Though it had only been 2000 miles since my last oil change I decided to take it in to Jiffy Lube and get it done again. I stopped and picked up a bottle of Bardahl NO-SMOKE and had Jiffy-Lube put it in when changin the oil. Within 2 or 3 days I was pleased to see that the smoke was greatly reduced and appeared to go away completely within a week or so. I smugley went about my merry way thinking that I had corrected the problem myself. Guess what!! It's baaack. Is anyone persuing Lexus for another class action suit. Obviously this is a problem in Lexus/Toyota that goes far beyond the perameters of the Oil Gel Settlement that was issued earlier. I ,for one, would be on the top of the list against Lexus. This (and many, many others on this on this website)is a blatent case of complete disregard for the customer. LEXUS/TOYOTA, YOU HAVE MADE A MAJOR MISTAKE IN DENYING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. Why don't you do the right thing and find all of us who are being victomized and take care of our problem. This could be the best PR move in automotive history.

Please Help Me: I purchased a used Toyota Highlander 2003 on 4/26/08 from O'Brien Hyundai in Naples, Fl. On May 15th, give or take a day, I brought it in to them to diagnose why the vehicle was belching out white smoke every time I started it. They kept it for 2 days, telling me there was nothing wrong. Fluids were full, no leaks, etc. While I did not believe them, I felt my hands were tied. I did not know where to turn for help with this. They were telling me essentially, I bought it, its my problem. The car sat in the garage for a few weeks while I was in CT. due to a family emergency. When I got back to FL. I make up my mind to get to the bottom of this smoking car. I then brought it to Aamco auto repairs, they having been highly recommended. When I got there on July 2, the mechanic checked the oil and found that there was NO OIL AT ALL! I was floored! This car had 50K miles on it when I purchased it and is in perfect shape! The manufacture's warranty ran out on 3/08, or 60K miles, which ever came first, so after being out of warranty for 3 mos. I had no coverage. I took the car to the Toyota dealer here in FL for further diagnosis and lo and behold was told I needed either a new or rebuilt engine due to sludge damage. They wrote on the report customer negliance. I have no idea who owned the car before me, but I certainly did not damage it in the 2 months and 2000 miles I put on it! I am now left holding the bag for a car that I should not be driving at all and no one will take any responsibilty for it. I desperatly need your help! I know by your website there was a class action suit that was settled in Feb. of 2008, but it said Highlanders covered was up to yr. 2002. Mine is 2003. I don't understand that one, but maybe you do. All I want is for Toyota to take responsibilty for this vehicle and repair it for me! It's there product, they should stand behind it. Please have someone contact me asap. Thank you! (PS: Time is of the essence.)

In 2003, I purchased a Toyota Camry LE 4-cylinder. Brand new off the lot at Toyota of Colorado Springs, Colorado. We were extremely happy with the performance and there were no signs of any engine trouble until this year. We have maintained the oil changes and check-ups through out. We have since relocated to Northern California. The car is only 5 years old and has 66,000 miles. This summer with no warning lights or other sign of trouble, the engine shut down. We were on the freeway when this happened. After having it towed to the Toyota dealership in Redding California, we were told by them it was caused by engine sludge. They want $6,400 to replace the short block in the engine. They are trying to tell us that this happened because of our lack of maintaining the car. This is completely untrue and now we are stuck with a $22,000 shell. I have been researching on this sight, as well as on the Better Business Bureau site and have found very disturbing testimonies by other Toyota owners who have had the same problems. Toyota has even had a class-action lawsuit regarding this and there was a Engine sludge program in which they paid for the repairs. Unfortunatly, This suit ended in 2007. The Redding Toyota mechanic will not even acknowledge the sludge issue that Toyota has had before and is not attempting to resolve this. We are at our wits' end. We feel the engine in our car is designed in the same way the other cars in question during the lawsuit. Toyota still is willfully manufacturing these engines. This company has enjoyed a great reputation for making dependable cars. It seems to us that we made the mistake of believing that and if I was aware of this engine sludge issue, I would have never purchased this car in the first place.

I went there told them I have a 1990 4 runner that blew an engine it only has 115,000 miles on it asked them if they knew of anything on recall said they didnt know then asked me if I had been changing oil and I said yes I take care of my trucks have a 96 Dodge ram with 203,000 miles on it now running great and toyota;s are suppose to last lot longer. I had oher toyota's but nothing wrong like this one people told me to check on web site here same thing oil sludge problems with low mileage and on guy on craigslist told me toyota replaced his motor from same thing he only had 114,000 miles on his truck.

my toyota has engine sludge now my engine knocks it blows smoke and eats oil. 1000k out of warenty i have changed my oil toyota wont help

Bought 2001 with about 99K miles. Seemed to run fine. Was told one owner. Have 125K miles and engine has thrown a rod and needs to be replaced at a cost of $4500. It's my daughter's car and limited means. Certainly can't afford to put $4500 into a car she still owes $6000 on. After researching on line, now find that many Toyotas are losing their engines for similar reasons. Feel like Toyota should back their product up and help her with the replacement cost of engine.

We recently had my husband's 2005 Toyota Highlander's engine repaired due to oil sludge. Toyota claimed this was due to not changing the oil regularly. As with all our cars, we change the oil approx. every 6 months. We have never had this problem with any of our past or present cars. While my husband was in a tire store, to replace tires on our other car, he saw a notice about the class action suit against Toyota, regarding oil sludge build-up. Ironically, his car was currently at Toyota for the same exact problem. However, the class action suit only covered cars up through 2002. It is very suspicious that his 2005 model had this same issue. I suspect there is still a problem!

I have a 2003 Toyota Camry that has developed an oil sludge problem with only 45K miles on it. It now burns excessive oil and puts out a large, embarrassing blue smoke cloud upon startup. Took it to an independent mechanic who gave me the bad news. I had to pay him $750 to take the heads off and clean as much of the sludge out as he could get to. He showed it to me and it looked like axel grease. He told me to change the oil every 1000 miles to possibly reverse the problem. I have been doing that for about 6 months now with no change in condition. The car still burns about 1 to 2 quarts per week! It smokes like crazy upon startup. Between constantly adding oil in between these oil changes and the oil changes themselves I have spent about $300 on oil. I have owned many different makes of autos and have always taken care of the maintenance myself. I never wait more than 5K miles to change my oil. I have never had a problem with any of my vehicles except this one. I still drive a Pontiac with over 150K miles and not one problem with sludging! Why would I think to keep the receipts for simple oil changes...unless I knew in advance I was going to have an oil problem? Which I didn't. I don't have any receipts after about the first 3 years when the car was serviced at Toyota. My elderly mother owned the car until the 3 year warranty expired at which time I bought it from her. I put about 18000 miles/year on it for the 2 years I have owned it. It only had about 15K on it when I got it from my mom.

I took my 2002 Toyota RAV4 into this dealersip Jan 2008 because of a recall. I had the Engine Contol Module(ECM) recalibrated based on this recall. As of 6/4/08, I experienced some stuttering and hesitation, jerking movements while driving, then the check engine light came on. I took the car to the dealership and the diagnostic revealed i need to have my ECM and transmission replaced due to failure. I was told by the advisor, Mike Nolan, that this was unusual to need a transmission, that we had done all of the required maintenance on the vehicle and that there was nothing we could have done to prevent this. I do not blame the dealership, but I do have concerns about Toyota Headquarters. I googled info about this particular problem and apparently this has been a common problem for this make and model and yet Toyota has not acknowledged that this may be a manufacturer defect.There seems to be a number of consumers encountering these same exact issues.

valve seals went out just as gaurantee ran out, was told that new seals would cost in excess of $2500.00 The car is a 2002 camry bought new. at dealership.

driving to work oil light came on motor started knocking motor locked up

I purchased a 2004 Toyota Corolla. At approximately 56,000 miles the engine lost compression. I had it towed to Toyota dealership in Savannah, GA. Where a service technician told me that the engine oil had sludged up very bad inside the engine. He also stated that the 60 month/60,000 mile power train warranty would not be honored because I could not show proof of evidence of oil changes over the past year. And I needed to show 3 proofs for every year I owned the vehicle. If I could show proof, then it would be covered under the power train warranty. I purchased the vehicle it had 49,500 miles, and my wife had the oil changed at 51043. After roughly 1500 miles. Which I do have proof of. Afterwards I spent the following year in Iraq and the car stayed in my garage being started periodically to keep the batteries and seals in good condition. I have only owned the vehicle a year. How am I supposed to get oil changes when I am two-thirds of the way around the world and the vehicle isnt being drove? When I returned from Iraq, I changed the oil myself (again I have proof of this through bank statements) and took my family on a vacation up to Michigan. Making sure the engine was in good condition to operate safely on this trip. On the way back to Georgia, I noticed the engine was running rough so I stopped and fueled up my vehicle and checked the oil. To my surprise, the oil levels were dangerously low. So I promptly added more oil (Pennzoil 5w-30). We continued on our trip home and I stopped to fuel up the car and check the oil again after about 200-250 miles. Again, the oil was very low, barely registering on the dip stick. So I added more oil. This proceeded the whole trip back. Constantly adding oil. This is not normal and I know that for a fact. The engine eventually lost all compression or most of it at least. Now I am being handed a bill for $4,905 for the cost of repairs on this vehicle on top of car rental fees. According to the owners manual, oil change intervals should be conducted every 5,000 miles or 6 months. But here I am being denied service because I dont have proof of 3 oil changes in only 5,000 miles. How is this justified? I feel i am being taken advantage of in this situation and would like to know if I have any legal standing.

I just bought a 2002 Toyota Camry V4 with 80,000 miles. Within 6 weeks of owning, the engine light came on. We took it in and the Toyota dealer found sludge in the engine. I know the woman the car belonged to previously, and I believe she kept the oil changed regularly. I'm going to have to replace the engine. I saw someone else on this site has the same problem with this make and model.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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????

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.

u for your help.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

motor threw rod in motor due to sludge 4500 estimate on my 99 camry le

no car to get to work

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!!!

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!!

Just wondering if the Sludge Settlement for Consumers from Toyoto, is good in Canada ?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ... ...

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the engines affected by this problem.

Everything was great after the rebuild, I was a happy Toyota owner. About 30,000 miles after rebuild it started smoking again. I am now not a happy Toyota owner! I took the car back to dealership for repairs. This time I was told Toyota would not pay for repairs. They said the gel program only covered engine repair once. They suggested that now this was my fault for not doing proper maintenance, oil changes.

Toyota maintenance schedule calls for oil to be changed every 7,500 miles, mine was changed every 5,000 miles. I am now having my case reviewed by The Toyota Oil Gel Department, yes it is a big enough problem that Toyota had to create an entire department to handle it's mistake. It has been a month in review and I still have no answer and no car to drive. I just want every Toyota owner to be aware of this oil gelling problem. Could some of the readers of this letter have been duped by Toyota and made to pay for repairs caused by a Toyota design flaw? Surely a company as quality oriented, as Toyota would take care of its customers, think again!

This problem occurs in many models with V-6 engines and a few that are 4-cylinder. Even you Lexus owners are affected because Toyota designed or built those engines too. Models years affected are, I believe, 1998 thru 2002. Check yourself to see if yours may be affected, but don't believe your dealer enough to let him tell you whether it is or not. If you are thinking about buying a used Toyota I suggest you take it to your mechanic and let him remove a valve cover to see that your prospective engine is not having a oil gelling problem. Just my advice, do what you want to. If this is the first time you ever heard about this, that is exactly why I am writing it. I want to make everybody aware of something Toyota is hiding. I have been a Toyota owner for nearly 20 years. I am not writing just because I have a problem with foreign car manufacturers. I can guarantee that my Toyota Camry will be my last Toyota.

We are just starting our adventure with what Toyota calls Engine Oil Gel. Our 2001 Toyota, purchased new in February 2001, was not operating properly, seemed to not want to start if it had been driven for more than 1/2 hour and then turned off to get gas, etc., it would act like it was flooded before finally starting. And it was using a tremendous amount of oil, without having any oil stains where we parked it and began emitting smoke from the exhaust. Then the check engine ligt came on and we took it to our Toyota certified mechanic and after diagnostic and checking, he informed us that we needed a new engine. He advised us first to contact Toyota to see if there were any recalls, which there were not, but I continued my search and found that certain models, (not the Echo) had what they call Engine Oil Gel.

The symptoms were identical to ours so I wrote to Toyota and inquired if the Echo was now being added but was told no and when I asked if any other Echo owners had inquired about this they said they would not know, but the dealer might. We then took our Echo to our Toyota dealer as our mechanic had advised, and their assesment was the same - we needed a new engine or to rebuild the one we now have. This car has been maintained and has 60,000 miles on it. My husband and I are the only drivers it has had. I have owned many cars over the years, both new & used and to have an almost 4 year old engine go is unbelievable. We are looking at between $3,000 to $4,500 to get this work done and Toyota so far has said sorry, but we can't help.

2001 Toyota Corolla blew an engine and was under extended warranty. Pursuant to the Toyota Warranty representative, vehicle was towed to nearest Toyota Dealership in Madison, WI. This is over 150 miles from our local dealer. Our claim was denied based on the fact that they contend the engine oil was inadequate. However, we provided documentation showing that the vehicle was completely service less than two months prior. Furthermore, the engine blew without any warning as no engine light or low oil light ever came on.

It's our contention that this was a malfunction which attributed to the engine blowing. Unfortunately, they chose the dealership to inspect and have since denied our claim. We have requested diagnostic reports from them and the dealership to substantiate their denial, however, no one will provide any documentation. They repeatedly advised that they would take care of if the dealership came up with a reason for the engine to blow. The dealership failed to do this saying that they do not know what happend as it was too badly damaged. Neither entity will take responsibility for the denial and provide us documentation.

As a consumer, we did as we were instructed to do by Toyota extended warranty. Now, they have denied our claim and the dealership (Jon Lancaster Toyota) advised us that we owe in excess of $2,200 and that they are filing a mechanics lien on our vehicle. Due to the fact that this break-down occurred over 150 miles from our home we have been at their disposal. Now, after failing or not trying to get this cover they are simply attempting to extort our vehicle. This happened from the start, as their original repair quote was more than the value of the vehicle and now they suddenly have charges against the vehicle for what the salvage is worth.