1997 Toyota Camry: engine failure

Filed Jan 18, 2012 · Engine · 177,559 miles · TX

Please see the information below, and let me know if you can help me pursue this matter. At the very least, I would like to file a complaint against toyota and lucas oil. > attorney comment: the website for lucas oil regarding its stop leak product says that it repairs worn seals without risk of damage. > >attorney comment: this situation presents an unusual issue ie the liability of the oil leak product for not warning against use of the product in a car prone to sludging. > > I added 1 quart of lucas engine oil stop leak (purchased at pep boys) to the engine oil of my 1997 v-6 toyota camry, which caused a rod to be thrown, killing the engine. (prior to this, the engine was running fine, but I did have a slight engine oil leak problem.) the estimate to replace the engine is $3,171.91. I am the original owner of the vehicle, which has 177,559 miles on it. Upon searching the internet, I discovered that my car engine is prone to sludge and sludge damage due to design error. Had I been aware of this, I never would have added this product. As it is, neither toyota nor lucas oil posted any warnings about using this product in my car engine. As such, I contacted both toyota and lucas oil for some relief - both companies denied my request.

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Acceleration · 95,000 miles · NC · fire

My 1997 toyota camry experienced a sudden acceleration problem. I am convinced it was not the pedal becoming stuck. I felt the pedal depress from my foot and the car began to rapidly accelerate. I hit the brakes, but could not stop the car from accelerating so I shifted it to neutral at which point the engine blew. Smoke began pouring out of the hood but the brakes were able to stop the car at this point so I pulled over and got out of the car. The charlottesville/albemarle fire department was called but when they arrived the fire had gone out. The police department also arrived on scene, but apparently they did not file a report because there were no injuries and there was no accident. As I was waiting for a tow truck a drunk driver crashed about 50 feet from my car, but that's a different matter altogether.

Filed Feb 12, 2009 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MA

Hi , I have a 1997 camry that's got roughly 150,000 miles on it.. Recently my engine blew up/froze ...and is a total loss-with little to no warning. I have been taking my car to jiffy lube for 3-4 years faithfully every 3,000.00 miles. Actually paying them for their "special" high-mileage oil every time. In late october I took my camry to a independent dealer that did a $ 800.00 tune-up , replaced my pcv valve, and did a oil change.-I also paid this dealer to do a special "comprehensive-diagnostic" test to find any thing else they could find wrong with my car-supposedly a stem to stern inspection of my car. 3,000 miles later, jan 6th 2009, I got my regular scheduled jiffy lube oil change and actually asked them to check for any oil leaks..as I was adding 1-2 extra quarts between oil changes. They told me "no leaks".. And sent me on my way. 250 miles and 21 days later my car died on jan 27th, .stranding me in the middle of the road with no warning. Jiffy lube sent out "investigators"- ...who looked at my engine, and said "sludge build-up" was so massive that the pressure blew out the pcv valve, causing a sudden massive loss of oil..and they were not responsible..as they said it was a maintenance issue. I changed my oil religiously every 3,000 miles with "jiffy lube's oil" no less...and just had a stem to stern tune-up and a new pcv valve put in.. Help!!!!...I can't figure out who's responsible...toyota defect? Tune-up shop or bad jiffy lube oil? Please help if you can.

Filed Sep 19, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 39,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry. The contact stated that the engine light has been illuminating intermittently since august of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three different times for this failure. On the most recent occurrence, the contact was informed that it would cost $5,000 to replace the engine. The engine light currently remains illuminated, however, the vehicle is still being driven. Speed was not a factor because the light illuminates as soon as the vehicle is started. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 39,000. The front brakes were cracked and the rotors needed to be machined. The taillight bulb was replaced, the head gasket was leaking. The timing belt was replaced. Updated 10/10/07.

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Engine · 122,745 miles · MI

While driving home, heard clanging noise and car lost power - car would not start. Had car towed to toyota dealer. Upon examination the following was found: "#3 piston rod broken coming through block" - there was a hole in the block. The dealer replaced short block, oil pump, balanced shaft & replaced necessary fluids. Toyota replaced the engine, however, I incurred $1,560 in labor.

Filed Sep 26, 2005 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NJ

Dt: while driving the vehicle threw a rod through the engine and destroyed it. This occurred on august 31, 2005. The consumer had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who told him that it was the piston rod that came loose. No one was injured. They were not having the vehicle repaired. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer, they told him that they would not cover the damage. *ak 11/02/05.

Filed Jul 21, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 78,238 miles · NY

My chek enigne light came on when I was headed out for a 250 mile trip. I took it to the dealer and got theis list of problems. Timing belt replacment,water pump, reseal oil pan, replace engine pipe, transmission gasket and filter replacement oxygen sensor, a/f sensor, efi service, cam seal, crank seal, oil pump seal . Blue smoke coming from exhaust. I went on line and realized that I had oil sludge. Called toyaota, they told me to get it evaluated for oil sludge

Filed Dec 24, 2004 · Engine · 72,000 miles · FL

At 72,000 miles engine blew. Perfectly maintained car with records to back it up. Needed new engine. At 39,000 miles valve seals had to be replaced. At 67,700 miles valve seals had to be replaced again. I believe this engine was defective since the time it left the factory. No response from manufacturer.

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Engine · 140,400 miles · KY

The following is a complant that was sent to toyota motor co. It is not my wish to have to write under these circumstances. However I must, because of the things that have come to pass. My family has supported toyota, and ofcourse all own toyota due to the beautiful work and craftsmanship of toyota. However my toyota camry has made me to doubt the strong feeling I once had for my car. I turned my car over to toyota of louisville for service and the repair of oil sledging. I assume that the problem was fixed. However at the time I witnessed no symptoms. I simply did not want to wait until the problem occurred. So I had it serviced to avoid any problem. Later after having my timing belt replaced I started to witness a sluggish acceleration, and worsening gas mileage, the problem worsened. Eventually the check engine light flashed. And the oil light also. However it was right before the engine threw a rod on the interstate on the way home from college for thanksgiving break. I would like to have my car restored to the state it was in before the special servicing. I would like to continue to do business with your company; I plan on purchasing from toyota in the future. However this matter has placed me in salty waters, and as u can imagine that is not a very pleasant taste. I would like to hear something back from your office regarding this matter as soon as possible. Thank you for your time. Sincerely a faithful customer john r. Cummings jr.

Filed Aug 6, 2004 · Engine · LA

Took 1997 camry to dealer september 2002 for slight hesitation problem and advised them that I noticed a small oil leak while parked at home. Dealer advised it was engine sludge. Car remained in dealer's possession for 1 1/2 months because of no response from service tech. They claimed that sludge problem was fixed, however. July 8, 2004 the car stopped. Had it towed to dealer and was advised that the engine died from sludging...again. Dealer say they will not fix it and that I must purchase another engine for $5200.00 (used 2000 toyota engine). I advised them of the letter found on the I-net from toyoto re. "coverage for oil gelling related engine damage for 8 years unlimited mileage from date of first sale" but service tech said "we fixed it once and we will not do it again". I am without transportation, and no satisfaction from toyota dealer. Help!

Filed Apr 14, 2004 · Engine · 87,000 miles · UT

Engine seized. Problems with oil.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · NY

My engine seized and needs complete replacement due to this oil sludge problem. As a result of the gelled oil, one of the pistons broke off creating a hole in the engine and the motor mount became displaced from the engine, causing the engine block to crack while I was driving the car. I bought the car used from greer toyota in millbrook, ny in august of 2001 and was told that one of their mechanics would complete a thorough inspection before the car was turned over to me. I have since had the oil changed every 3,000 miles by a trusted mechanic. During that time, I had to replace the oxygen sensor at my own cost, but did not have any other problems until this month. Now in addition to the engine, it appears that my struts are failing as well. I am in the process of submitting a claim for the engine.