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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#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?
#12 of 877 I for one... by webguyster Apr 03, 2002 (5:47 pm)
am relieved, and do not feel like I will get stuck down the road with a huge repair bill, provided I maintain my car properly. The "Toyota Customer Support Program" news release is at least not worded in a way to humiliate the customer, as the previous SPA letter. It provides piece of mind to know I did not make a HUGE mistake in purchasing a Toyota, as I found the original SPA insulting, from a "customer service, PR" point of view. Question's...Since the news release addresses the 1997 through 2002 models, will there be a change or modification to future models (2003)? IF so, will there be any recommended changes to the 1997-2002 models, such as maintenance, or part changes??? Thanks Toyota for stepping up to bat! (or is it still Toyoto! LOL)
#13 of 877 by sttropez1 Apr 03, 2002 (5:48 pm)
I don't think Toyota would ever admit any wrong doing on their part. Just the numbers tell us that their liability spans over 3.3 million engines produced since 1996. Do we need to bring this to the attention of the media, perhaps Mr. Bill O'Reilly of the Foxnews cable channel?
#14 of 877 questions for posters by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 03, 2002 (6:13 pm)
To: sttropez1 Hmmm.... how much better than this (see below) is a TV reporter going to do for you? I mean, if an 8-year warranty doesn't satisfy you, why not? AND To: armdtm: Why did you call this "spin"? If a person gets an 8-year warranty no matter what, plus incidental expenses, why do you think they, or you, would care about the ultimate technical aspects of the problem? Curious. "To make sure that customers have absolute confidence in their vehicles, this program will cover repair costs and incidental expenses for which a customer has paid or could incur as a result of damage due to oil gelling for a period of eight years from the date of first sale or lease without a mileage limitation."
#15 of 877 A question for tmsusa1 by mpyne Apr 03, 2002 (6:17 pm)
Does this mean that past owners who have had there engines rebuilt already will be reimbursed or is this just for future problems that may occur with current owners? Thanks
#16 of 877 Sludge? by wrichar107 Apr 03, 2002 (6:37 pm)
This is a recap of a previous post I made on Edmund's Town Hall before I realized this site existed. My 2000 Sienna XLE has 16,642 miles on it and has had 5 oil changes since it was new. The oil has always been changed before it had 4,000 miles on it. The engine now shows signs of something very unhealthy looking as confirmed by the presence of a layer of black, gritty material that can be scraped from the surface immediately below the oil filler cap. Recent laboratory analysis of an oil sample reveals approximately twice the normal level of silicon (22 ppm), almost three times the normal level of sodium (20 ppm), and more than twice the normal or expected level of calcium (2229 ppm). The name of the lab that performed this test will be provided upon request. Comments anybody?
#17 of 877 Question for Toyota by jj35 Apr 03, 2002 (6:47 pm)
What do you think about the theory that bobistheoilguy posted on the now closed forum regarding the gears in Toyota engines breaking down the oil?
#18 of 877 Confidence level high by hlron Apr 03, 2002 (6:51 pm)
What an amazing and great thing for Toyota to do! While I have confidence in the V-6 in my 2001 Highlander, for Toyota to come up with an eight year unlimited mileage program shows - to me, in my opinion - that THEY certainly have confidence in their engines. Otherwise this would be a big fiscal risk for them (to go out eight years with unlimited mileage). Thank you, Toyota, for this move...I think it is a great customer service move and will be helpful to you PR wise, too. Good move!