While starting the vehicle, blue smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The dealership is aware of the problem. *nlm the consumer stated that the dealer said that it was an engine sludge problem. There is a recall on 1997-2001 2.2 cyl engines, which can cause the engine to seize up during operation. The engine is prone to dangerous levels of gasoline contamination dilution. The consumer feels that this vehicle should be covered even though its a 1996, because it has the same engine.
1996 Toyota Camry engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 77, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption, there is blue smoke coming from tailpipe at start up. Dealer stated there was a sludge problem in engine due to the oil not being changed regularly.
The engine seized and blew while driving on the interstate, which caused a catastophic fire and complete damage to the entire engine and surrounding parts. It was a potentially disastrous event that could have caused great injury. We are contacting toyota regarding the newsworthy "engine sludge" problem that they are admitting in 1996-2000 camrys (ours was 1996) and there claim of honoring engine damage claims.
Consumer states that oil and other coolants sludged up in vehicle. Consumer had to replace engine. Mechanic indicated it was a manufacturer problem.
#1 - discovered wind noise from an incomplete seal in right rear quarter glass of vehicle, one month after purchase. Took vehicle into del toyota(dealer), who said they resealed the window. Noise from said window continued, at higher speeds above 30mph. I took vehicle back into dealer one month later. This time, they said they replaced the weatherstrip around the window, that the "wind noise" had been caused by deformed weatherstrip. This was done while vehicle was under warranty, never to my satisfaction. Condition exists today, 05/29/2002!! #2 - disc brakes were serviced by jerry's toyota in baltimore, after making a sticking noise right before the vehicle completely stopped. The dealer replaced the front pads, machined the rotors, and serviced the left front caliper after he found it sticking. This did not alleviate the problem with the brake noise, which continues today (05/29/2002) even after a second servicing! #3 - engine light came on, so I took the toyota camry into jerry's toyota for servicing. They cleaned carbon deposits from injectors, throttle plate valves and piston rings; said the problem was in the #3 cylinder. This happened a second time; I took the vehicle in for servicing. I am now waiting for either a third incident at $200. To fix, or if they replace any fuel injectors, these cost $200. Ea per part!!
When starting vehicle consumer has to step on gas pedal to start vehicle, which can cause internal damage to bearings.
Sludge buildup in engine. Huge puffs of black smoke on starting.
The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat.
Vehicle stalls in traffic when releasing gas pedal, this happens intermittently, contacted dealer and dealer stated that has to happen with them before vehicle can be checked. *ak
Upon starting vehicle at idle speed, the control valve sticks. This problem has been examined by dealership, and consumer has been told that this was normal. *ak brakes experience grinding, squeaking, and vibration, rotors were warped and brake pads were glazed, brakes have been replaced, however problem continues. Consumer states there is a suspension problem that is causing uneven tire wear. Vehicle experiences several engine related problems, motor mounts were weak causing steering wheel vibration, 16 valve seals came apart due to being installed incorrectly, water pump leaked, timing belt failed, valve cover leaked, and cam seal was replaced. Vehicle experienced transmission related problems, right outer axle boot was split and leaking grease, cv boots failed twice, shifter was hard and was making noises, dealer found the shifter lever plate was broken, transmission pan gasket was replaced, there was a clunking noise in the rear when going in reverse. The car jack was missing from the trunk and the antenna was inoperable. Dealer found an open circuit in the battery. Consumer noticed a rattling noise under the right front seat, dealer secured seat slide adjuster hook, temperature gauge did not work properly. Overdrive light was inoperable. Vehicle has experienced several fuel related problems, the egr valve assembly, egr modulator, idler control valve, idle air speed control, distributor o-ring, idler bearing, isc valve, and vacuum switching valve have all been replaced, blue smoke was coming out of the exhaust, dealer cleaned the throttle body, fuel injection, and recalibrated the fuel sensor, vehicle was running rough and stalling due to faulty egr vacuum modulator, dealer stated that the valve would default if there was too much oil added, the valve is too small so it will stick or become clogged up with carbon build up.
Whenever vehicle is either idling at a stop sign or light it would stall . Could be driving or turning a corner, vehicle would stall. Has happened 3 times. Had taken vehicle to dealer, mechanic could not locate cause of stalling.
Replaced valve assembly 4 times (about 1/year).
Cannot start engine and engine stallling due to idle spped control valve failure. Replaced isc valve 5 times since 1997.
I have seen on the internet that there have been numerous sludge engine with proper maintenance. Toyota not backing the warranty. There is a big problem worldwide here.
Car stalls when starting cold. Idle speed control motor failed 4 times since purchased, almost once a year.
The flexible pipe including the catalytic converter from the exhaust failed, dealer would not reimburse consumer for the defect.
Mechanic told consumer motor blew due to saddles that hold the rod cap in place were over tightened. *ak the rod came loose and went through the motor block, consumer wants someone else to look at the motor. Air conditioner compressor failed.
Mech said failure of neoprene washer caused trans failure
Vehicle stalls without prior warning. Also, it has a cold start up/sometimes it won't start, and there is rough idling.
While driving at low speed vehicle would stall without prior warning. Every 7-8 months it shows symptoms of instability during ignition. The RPM needle is also very unstable, especially on colder days. *ak
Vehicles oxygen sensor failure caused the engine to surge and die unless the engine is completely warm.
While driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. Dealer cannot determine the cause. Please provide further information.
Exhaust pipe assembly replaced, failure causing fumes to enter vehicle. Mjs
Vehicle malkes a loud rattling noise when idling. Dealer said vehicle needed new timing belt.
Reservoir bottle failed prematurely. Bottle deteriated and leaks coolant onto the exhaust.
No cold/fast idle, car stalls when starting cold, idle erratic, goes low have to give it gas so it won't stall,3 trips to the dealer, each time dealer claimed car was repaired, problem still exists. Toyota customer service has been no help, when contacing dealer for the fourth time, they said they'd get back to me. Won't return my calls. This is going on for a month, I am afraid to drive the car.
While driving all power stopped, causing the driver to lose control. When noticed the power failure tried to pull over, but did not have control of the vehicle.
Engine valve assembly failed.
Cold start valve failed.
Engine is having trouble starting, the problem is undiagnosed and is still present.
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