Connecting rod went through the engine block.
1997 Toyota Camry engine complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Without any lights or indication of a problem, while my husband was driving on the freeway in california, smoke began billowing out from under the hood. Within seconds, flames were seen, by the time he reached the side of the road, the engine was fully engulfed in fire. By the time he got out of the car, minutes, the dash was engulfed. It took 15 minutes for the fire department to put it out. This vehicle has had regular services per manufacturers requirements, plus a safety and engine examination approximately 30 days ago. No evidence of a problem of any kind was found at that time.
1997 toyota camry caught on fire while driving on I-87. Fire began somewhere under the front hood of the vehicle. Brakes failed while moving to highway shoulder. Passengers were immediately evacuated and the fire department was called to put out the fire. The car was completely destroyed by the fire.
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.
Car : 97 toyota camry le 4 cylinder three major problems 1) blue smoke at cold-starting (mileage: 87 miles -aug. 2001) engine gave off blue smoke from the exhaust when cold-starting in the morning. After replacing valve stem seals (paid around $1000 to a toyota dealer for the repair), the problem was solved. 2) power steering rack & pinion leaking (mileage: 87kmiles -aug. 2001) power steering rack & pinion leaked and a mechanic replaced it with a new one. 3) egr vsv failure (mileage: 100 kmiles -oct. 2004) check engine light came on. Obd ii scanner says "insufficient egr flow." a mechanic replaced egr vsv and the problem was solved. 4) front strut mounts failure ((mileage: 87 kmiles -aug. 2001) both front strut mounts made noise. After a toyota dealer replaced it, the problem was solved.
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.
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
In july, 2003 (please refer to odi id number: 10030262) our 1997 toyota camry ce (manual transmission) began leaking large amounts of gasoline. It was determined internal pressure had caused the tank to bulge out and rip at the seams. After two soldering attempts were made to patch the tank, the entire tank was replaced with a new one. A pressure test was conducted but no problems were found. In february 2005 the gas tank started leaking again. The same bulge from inside out was found as had previously been seen with the old and since replaced tank. The tank was removed & sent out for welding, returned and tests were conducted on the charcoal filter & vacuum switch. Both tested fine. The vacuum switch was replaced as the cost of replacing the charcoal filter was too expensive and since it didn't show failure, it didn't appear to be necessary. The mechanic suggested periodic tests in case the problem was intermittent. Also, the heat distributor (I believe that's the name for the metal between the exhaust pipe & the gas tank to keep the tank from overheating & exploding) was found to have been "wrinkled" but from the pressure of the in-out expansion of the tank, not from an out-in push that would have been caused from driving over something. *ak less than two weeks later, the gas leak returned. Toyota was contacted and we were referred to the local dealership customer service manager. The csm coordinated with the service department to have the car put up on the rack and looked at. Three individuals, including the csm declared it was an "external leak from the patch" and felt it was nothing they were willing to investigate further. They did suggest replacing the tank and doing further investigations to attempt to duplicate the process, however, the expenses are so extraordinary, we have opted to replace the tank with a used one and look at other replacement vehicle options, possibly selling parts or towing to a junk yard.
Vehicle experienced oil leakages coming from underneath the vehicle. Dealer was not notified, and the cause of the problem has not been determined.
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.
The vehicle mad a loud explosive noise while on the expressway followed by a bang. The rod had broken and caused a hole in the engine. Incident date 01/28/2005.
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.
Engine sludge and puff of black smoke when car is started.
Valve oil seal failure due to oil sludging or jelling smokes while starting.
At about 70k miles, my 1997 toyota camry starting exhibiting problems of huge amounts of smoke from tail pipe at cold startup. I understand that this is related to the engine sluge or gelling problem. I believe this problem is related to the tsb-628696 as noted in the federal safety agency. However, toyota has declined to cover the repair, but is willing to cover only the parts, but the labor is being charged to me. They are not honoring the extended coverage that they have announced for this tsb tc02002 and the federal safety agency item number: 628696. This is totally ridiculous
While driving at 60 MPH consumer smelled gas in the vehicle. After parking the vehicle consumer was informed that the engine compartment was on fire. The fire totally destroyed the vehicle.
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!
I have 1997 toyota camry with 39,000 miles and large amount of white exhaust comes out of tailpipe when car is first started in the morning or when engine is cold.
While driving front end/steering wheel vibrated. Dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to engine sludge.
Engine seized. Problems with oil.
1997 toyota camary heavy blue smoke on cold starts, originaly taken in for oil gel problem was told no gelling found but valve oil seal worn and need replace $1000.00. Car has 85,000 miles and has been servied by toyota per thier service manual. Have talked with numerious other toyota owners with same complaint. Feel this is a problem with the valve seals being sub standard. Please advise if other complaints have been posted.
Loud knocking heard from front right of vehicle. Toyota service department determined cause to be a bad cv joint. Additionally, during a routine engine oil change, I discovered an unusually large amount of beading sludge that had to be removed by hand to drail and fill the oil. I have read reports of the toyota engines producing sludge and I would like to know how I go about getting this fixed on their recall if one occurs.
The piston snapped suddenly totally destroying the engine. This car was well maintained. The oil was changed every 3,000 - 5,000 by a reputable local independent service station. The dealer at first attempted to blame the owner, saying the oil was not changed by the dealer and the service station had probably used the wrong grade and used the wrong type of air filters. However, they later backed off this claim and said it now appears the oil pump failed. They called this an 'act of god'. They also said something about the oil filter possibly being clogged. They refused to consider sludge as a possible problem.
I received a letter last year from toyota explaining a gelling problem and to watch out for blue smoke coming from the tail pipe when starting the car. I went into sears for an oil change and they indicated that it looked like moisture was getting in the oil and it looked sludgy. I took the car to the toyota dealership for them to check out this gelling. The letter indicated that toyota would pay for the part/installation. I got the estimated back from toyota and they said I did not have any gelling or sludge in the oil/engine, but that I did have rotted valve stem seals and head gasket leaks, and oil pan leaks and thats why there was blue smoke. The car is barely 7 years old and I have changed the oil faithfully at 3000 miles. I did not have the problem fixed, because I wanted a second opinion from a mechanic that was referred to me that is trustworthy. I plan on taking the car in(an appt. Was made for 2 days after I took it to the toyota dealership) and I have questions in hand about how this could have happened when I have not had 1 indication that the engine is going bad/valves are leaking(I.e. There have been no noises, leaking of antifreeze or other fluid when I park my car o/n or for a few hours).
I was involved in a 5 car pile up on interstate 94, hit vehicle in front of me going at 45-50 MPH, and airbag did not deploy. According to toyota, this is acceptable due to the particular type of frontal accident I had. If hitting a car at 45-50 MPH dead on is not a good enough reason for the airbag deploying then what is? Due to the airbag not deploying, I suffered a severe brain contusion with bleeding in the brain and loss time off of work. Earlier engine problem: oil sludge in engine, once repairs were done 6 months later engine mounts had to be replace front motor mount and dog bone, injectors and gaskets, why?, this was all replaced on the first engineering defect toyota created and why should I pay a portion of their oil sludge engineering defects.
My toyota camry's engine failed as I was merging onto a very busy freeway with my baby in the backseat. I was stuck on the shoulder of the fast lane for 2 hours before the tow truck arrived; my fancy driving is the only reason an accident was avoided. I had just received the letter about the oil gel and was going to get my oil changed the next day because the engine failed on my mother's birthday. Now both toyota and my local dealer are telling me that my engine does not have oil caked inside the head so it could not be oil gel that caused my engine to throw a rod at 80,000 miles. When asked what could have caused it to happen they have no answer except sometimes that happens to engines and they want me to pay them a significant sum of money to open up the engine to find out if oil gel is present. If it is not the cause as they keep saying it is not yet I feel sure it is; I will have to foot the bill for a new engine at the dealer. Toyota also will not allow me to have the work done by an independent mechanic if I move the car and find oil gel is the cause. I have been without a car for over 3 months and have 2 small children and live in the country. Is the only way to detect oil gel a sludge on the head? I am so frustrated.
Toyota has completely denied my engine blew up due to engine sludge and in fact are holding my car hostage. They told me it was going to cost me 2200.00 for them to tear it down so toyota could determine that it was engine sludge, then they denied it was and said that my cam shaft broke. A cam shaft should not have broke in a 5 year old car, especialy one that had been maintained and I had the oil changed 1 week prior at toyota. I then got a call saying my car was ready and it was 7800.00, that they had replaced the cam shaft. I was furious and told them I never gave my authorization to replace a cam shaft for 7800.00. When I went to pick it up they wouldn't release it because they couldn't find the paperwork.. (suddenly) and I kept getting the run around.. Now they say the cam shaft was never replaced.. ( I think they removed it).. Needless to say my car has been parked at toyota since last november or when I filed this report. I am furious that they won't fix it.. And they refuse to give me the persons name at toyota corp. Who turned down my request to have it fixed under the sludge problem..
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.
Exhaust blowing blue smoke, sludge buildup on valve covers, now check engine light is on, car vibrates. In shop again
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