Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response - READ ONLY

877 messages, Last post on May 09, 2002 at 5:24 AM

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#2 of 877 A strong statement from Toyota re sludge by tmsusa1 Apr 03, 2002 (3:42 pm)
I'm starting a new and hopefully informative discussion topic re sludge in engines--Toyota and Lexus engines--as a representative of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. I've followed the topic for quite some time, and am most interested in using this forum to get the facts out about the oil gel issue, helping our owners that have had the problem and listening to others interested in the subject. I've learned a considerable amount about the problem just from "lurking" here and elsewhere and I've also learned the pitfalls of a car company utilizing the traditional means of communication with a subject so intensely emotional for those affected. Today we're moving our previous service action for oil gel (the "SPA") to a new level. The old, admittedly arrogant-sounding owner letters are gone, and we're backing up our words to our customers and others with a very simple-to-understand program of total customer and product support and a guarantee that we hope will bring peace of mind to all our Toyota and Lexus customers. The link to our corporate website/PR section containing today's announcement has been posted elsewhere, but to help those that would like to join this new discussion here it is--> http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_release.html?id=20020403
#3 of 877 by innovations Apr 03, 2002 (3:47 pm)
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I never received the original SPA letter. Will the new announcement be mailed out to customers? Thx.
#4 of 877 tmsusa1 by bob57 Apr 03, 2002 (4:17 pm)
What did Ed Sullivan say - Really good shuew. I'm impressed! I didn't think the original letter was "that" arrogant but then my engine didn't sludge either so I was in a better mood when I read it. Good Luck!
#6 of 877 Welcome Everyone! by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 03, 2002 (4:39 pm)
Okay, the Sludge Topic is back! Everyone is invited! Quick Suggestions follow: 1. If you need to ask questions, try to frame them one or two to a post (John 339--my email to you about this bounced. Are you still JGFI555msn.com?) 2.If you wish to post detailed descriptions or links, please break up your posts into smaller segments. 3. I'm always around on e-mail if you need me. REMEMBER: The less you bunch your questions and your words, the better the response you will get from other posters and from the Toyota people! Mr. Shiftright Host
#7 of 877 Toyota Spokeman Question by john339 Apr 03, 2002 (5:06 pm)
How many sludge complaints has the company received to date. When the SPA was announced, there were 3100 complaints. How many have been received to date?
#8 of 877 First Question--And A Thank You. by pilot13 Apr 03, 2002 (5:08 pm)
For the record. This is the first instance where I've posted anything, anywhere, since last December. Too much contrived Toyota bashing, plus a serious car accident slowed things down a bit for me in the interim. Question. What are the results of Toyota's research on the cause(s) of sludge? Thank you. I think the position taken by Toyota is unprecedented and extremely generous. They've gone the extra mile IMHO. Hat's off to a great automaker.
#9 of 877 Sorry but by armtdm Apr 03, 2002 (5:21 pm)
Toyota is still blaming the customer for oil change intervals beyond the recommendation. They refuse to admit the owner's manual may be incorrect and need shorter change intervals. Quote "When maintained according to schedule, it is extremely unlikely that any vehicle powertrain will develop this condition" This means it is possible yet they refuse to admit it , they state quite emphatically, it is not a design problem. Sorry, but I am not really a Toyota basher but this is just SPIN CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!. Please jsut admit the owner's manul needs to be revised and go one with life
#10 of 877 Admitting the owners manual recommendation was wrong by bluedevils Apr 03, 2002 (5:26 pm)
Wouldn't this open Toyota up for additional exposure to warranty or Toyota-paid repair claims?
#11 of 877 thanks for reopening by pdalpsher Apr 03, 2002 (5:47 pm)
the topic. I also want to thank Toyota for their new position on this issue. I purchased one of the vehicles covered by this issue last summer and sold a '90 Camry that had 223k+ miles on it. I have to admit I don't have the same confidence today that I'll see 200k on this engine that I had when I bought the car. Based on my experience with the Camry I didn't even look at another brand. Questions for tmsusa1.... Will an explaination or root cause be officially recognized on this issue so I can do what needs to be done maintenance-wise to get my 200k+ miles on this Toyota?