1996 Toyota Avalon engine problems

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 220,000 miles · MA

While driving to an appointment, I had unintended acceleration. Luckily, I was able to pull over to side of road after using two feet to slow vehicle, and shut vehicle off. After trying to restart vehicle several times, it was still revving. After a half hour, I was able to start it and bring it home. Very scary! It has happened several times since then, when my husband was driving, and we were able to pull off to safety. We took it to our mechanic, and since it was not doing it while they had it, they couldn't find what was causing the problem, and fix it. While trying to find the cause of this problem on the internet, we discovered that this was a common problem to this vehicle year, and most were on camry's. We do not have replacement floor mats, and the pedal was not stuck. We called toyota to check on recall information. Said there were no recalls on our VIN#, and told it was out of warranty, due to the mileage, but they documented my report in their corporate records, and to take it to a toyota dealership to have it evaluated and repaired, which would no doubt be at our expense since it was not under warranty. We are senior citizens, and are afraid to even drive this car now, much less drive it all the way to a dealer out of town.

Filed Mar 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 188,000 miles · OH

After receiving a jump, I was told to drive the car for about 20 minutes to recharge the battery. After driving for about 10 minutes, the gas pedal seemed to stick. Then when driving the speed began to accelerate without pressing the gas pedal. The longer we drove the higher the engine revved. I decided to return to my home about 5 minutes away then the car brake would not stop the car at a stop light and I had to quickly turn the corner to a side street until the light changed and I was able to enter my street. I pulled the car to the side to park it and it would not stop with my foot on the brake to the floor so I quickly put it in park and turned it off. It revved a few seconds before finally turning off.

Filed Nov 18, 2006 · Engine · UT

I have a 1996 toyota avalon and the engine seems to be burning a lot of oil and sending off a lot of smoke related to the sludge problem known to have been investigated by the federal safety agency. I just wanted to make the problem known once more.

Filed Jul 9, 2004 · Engine · 117,000 miles · TX

The vehicle was taken to dealer for an oil change, and consumer found that there was sludge in the engine. A recall was issued for avalons of 1997, but not for this year.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Engine · 92,000 miles · IA

Purchased used 1996 toyota avalon in march 2002 with 72,000 miles. At that time I also purchased a 2 year/24000 mile extended warranty through universal underwriters. Engine failed in early december 2003 at 92000 miles due to sludge buildup in oil pan. Oil had been changed every 3,000 miles. Toyota not covering engine replacement because it is not a 97 model. Extended warranty not coving because failure caused by "fluid contamination".

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 63,000 miles · OH

The engine cut out/stalled in the middle of the expressway with no warning. Pulled to the emergency lane, turned off engine, waited a while, turned engine back on and engine light was on for first time. Towed car to dealership, who indicates it is oil sludge due to failure to change oil frequently enough. Oil has been changed every 4000 miles. Getting no satisfaction from dealer, who indicates minimum repair cost will be $3300 - $3500 for rebuilt engine. Made complaint to toyota corporate, who also are not providing assistance at this time. Getting run around as complaint was filed, which is being sent back to regional office for handling. Regional office already indicated that they probably aren't going to offer any assistance because the 1996 model isn't included in the oil sludge recall on 1997 - 2002 models. Engine has just over 63,000 miles on it. I bought the vehicle one year old with 29,000 miles on it. Only 34,000-35,000 miles has been put on the car in the last six years of my ownership. I feel very taken advantage of, and placed not only in harms way by a defective product, but with a financial burden now as well.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 95,000 miles · NC

I have a 1996 toyota avalon that has the oil sludgle problem. I have filed a claim with corporate office of toyota and they contacted local toyota dealer who asked for receipts of oil changes and said they will review case, receipts were provided and after being reviewed they said there was nothing they could do to help. I am a single mother who has two small children and I need reliable transportation and I was told it would be 5000.00 to repair when I owe 5020.00 any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, cheryl foley

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · CA

Engine: engine sludge buildup has ruined the engine despite reasonable maintenence. Engine must now be rebuilt or replaced. Engine has been problematic for the last year or two. Dealership has informed me that my engine is not covered under the current toyota letter due to the fact that it was manufactured in may of 1996 and toyota has an august of 1996 manufactuing cut-off date. I also own a 1998 toyota sienna which is begining to have similar problems. From all I have been able to research at least part of this problem is due to a design flaw in the head. I have had a number of cars in the last twn years which I have driven well into high miles with the same maintenece attention as this one but have not had the sludge problem before. I would like toyota to pick up at least a portion of the repair cost.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · IN

1996 toyota avalon engine failure.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Engine · 117,417 miles · TN

While pulling into a parking lot engine light appeared on the dashboard. Vehicle stalled. Then, vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that the cam head broke off. Mechanic indicated that replacement of the engine was required.*ak the light illuminated and the mechanic was notified. When pulling into the parking lot, the engine died. The oil was checked and it was fine. He started the vehicle and the cam head blew off. Consumer needed a new engine and the dealership wouldn't help since the vehicle is out of warranty. The consumer noted when the engine get repaired, she will sell the vehicle and never recommend it to no one else. Her mechanic stated the cam had no oil in it, yet the vehicle was full of oil. The oil pump failed costing the consumer $6000. Dollars. She was informed since she didn't have the vehicle routinely maintained at the dealership.