When I took my camry in for a routine oil change, I was told that I needed to have my engine \\desludged.\\ I was told that this was highly recommended and would prevent more costly repairs in the future.
1997 Toyota Camry engine complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 103, newest first, as owners wrote them.
A bolt that holds the rod to the cylinder broke, causing the rod to break loose and move around inside the engine.
Vehicle was making a loud ticking noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer stated that the timing belt was loose and was rubbing against the timing belt cover.
I bought a 97 toyota certified used car with a 100,000 mile warranty on 10-17-01, with 36,847 existing miles. I took this car to my toyota dealer 02/07/03:92588 mls. For engine knock noise and smoking on cold starts,also to check transmission vibration/chatter. They replaced the trans, replaced leaking gaskets and replaced worn valve guide seals. At this same time they were asked to check for anything related to the letter toyota sent me in regard to possible engine damage from oil gelling or sludge... On 05/16/03 with 98910 miles I returned to the same dealer with engine still knocking on cold starts. They found the oil pump shaft binding , crankshaft, rod and main bearings damaged. When I was informed of their intent to replace these parts I questioned the possible repair of rings and other upper engine components, knowing that metal particles could possibly affect and damage these. They advised me that no such work was intended or needed. They did proceed with replacement of the oil pump, crankshaft, rod bearings and main bearings... On 11/03/03 with approximately 110,000 miles I took my car to a local repair facility to check out whirring type noise from engine and oil light flicker at idle with engine warmed. They found both problems related to camshaft and cam bearing wear... I first sought assistance from the original toyota repair dealer, they refused any help. I next was refused any help by toyota motor sales corp customer assistance dept in calf (ref # 200311140813). Please help me if you can,I bought this car knowing it was supposed to be very reliable because of the approximately 35 miles each way getting to and from work.
My engine valves need to be replaced, my oil and transmission is leaking, and I have blue exhaust coming from my tailpipe
Engine seizure due to oil sludge.
1997 camry xle..oil gel problem. Toyota blamed problem on us/lack of oil change receipts. In 1999. Cert.used car. Needed new engine after one year. Problem undetected again. In feb 2002 car blew engine after being checked @toyota. Got letter in july 2002 stating their was a gelling problem. I sent information they needed. Never a response from toyota. I sent all info again certified mail. No response.
Vehicle was taken in for an oil change, upon driving white smoke began to come out of tail pipe, and oil light illuminated.
I have a 1997 toyota camry with 85,000 miles on it, I have regular maintenance on it keep it in good shape, and the engine just cracked I had got a letter from toyota that talked about oil gelling but I didn't have the problem then. I took it to phillips toyota in leesburg fl and they could not tell me why my engine went. I know with regular maintenance my engine would last well over 120,000 miles.
Strong odor in car. Causes headaches. Toyota has failed to fix problem after several attempts.
Poor design and build - 1997 toyota camry le (4 cylinder). I own a 1997 4-cylinder camry le. It is well maintained and has less than 80,000 miles. A few months ago, its starter went bad and was replaced. This morning, the dealer found that its engine valve seals worn out and must be replaced (over $1000 repair). I checked the internet car forums and found that this is a common problem with 1997 model year 4-cylinder toyota camry. I believe that it is a poor design and build problem. Customers should not be paying a problem caused by the manufacturer's poor design and build. All 1997 4-cylinder camry should be recalled and repaired by toyota.
Defective engine in vehicle(1997 toyota camry le) leading to constant operative problems. The stated vehicle was requested for recall for engine malfunction last year and I had vehicle delivered back to bourne toyota of3069 washington rd augusta, ga 30907 (706‑868‑5454) for technical service under recall. One day after recall work was done stated vehicle had to be returned now im faced with an engine replacment due to engine sludge build up. An problem that has not only been problematic in the camry line but with the sienna, solara, avalon, & lexus models as well. However bourne toyota says that engine sludge build-up is my problem due to me not getting the oil changed enough. The oil was change on periodic intervals since recall work was done and this is just an attempt by bourne toyota to deny my claim and bill for repairs. It well documented how toyota owners are experiencing engine failure due to oil sluge build-up are being denied warranty claims, an act that I feel as an loyal customer is utterly irreponsible on the part of the toyota and there dealerships as well. Im an school teacher on an limited income and I bought this car from bourne toyota in good faith and this whole situation has caused me financial burden in car rental bills so I can get to work. I ask for any assistance or direction in investigating this matter fully.
While accelerating there was a loud bang and smoke came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the driver noticed there was a hole in the engine. The dealer indicated that the engine blew due to lack of oil. *ph
There was a problem with the rack and pinion. While driving the consumer heard a loud noise, viewed smoke coming from the engine area, and immediately the engine died. The dealer was contacted and stated that a rod had blown a hole through the engine block. Also, the turn signal malfunctioned. Scc dealer recommended engine block be replaced. Timing and drive belts replaced.
Consumer is concerned about sludge and oil gelling in the engine. The consumer reported seeing smoke from the vehicle. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled, the dealer recommended replacing the main bearings, rod bearings and the oil pump.
Consumer states the engine seized w/o warning. Vehicle checked by dlr who diagnosed that the piston was cracked. Nlm
While in motion, the vehicle suddenly made a screeching sound and stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed consumer of a hole in the engine block about 4 inches in diameter. The number 2 and number 4 connecting rods had come out and the piston rod was broken. Consumer no longer owns the vehicle.
Engine exploded - hole in block alots of smoke no fire- have replaced car - asked toyota to research unusual event at their cost - they refuse - going to scrap car but worried about other drivers - I want nothing from toyota.
While driving consumer notice d a loud noise. Soon vehicle stalled. Dealer was contacted, technician noticed engine needed to be replaced. Please provide further information.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Midas in forestville, md did not put any oil in my car and now the engine is gone.
Vehicle was in parked position at department store, smoke coming from engine compartment under hood, #4 crankshaft rod broke and penetrated cast iron block, spraying shrapnel & hot oil through the area, penetrating radiator core. Vehicle was towed to local toyota dealership (crown toyota, ontario) for diagnosis of problem and estimate for subsequent repairs. Toyota service manager contacted two days later and advised it wasn't due to defective toyota part(s). Service manager states he contacted district manager for toyota's western region, states the vehicle was out of warranty, it's your problem. Week previously, owner receives letter from toyota explaining "oil gel problem" advised service manager of this issue, states I need to verify oil & maintenance records for this vehicle. Same are produced for inspection & "forwarded" to district manager. Toyota's position is too bad it's out of warranty! Vehicle is towed to personal mechanic, whom changes engine components & radiator, states problem was defective oil pump balancer.
On 4/16/01 engine check light came on. The dealer diagnosed problem on 4/19/01 and replaced air fuel ratio (afr) sensor. On 6/26/02 the check engine light came on. The dealer diagnosed problem on 6/29/02 and again replaced afr sensor. It cost over $700.00 to fix the problem. Are there problems with afr sensors? --- about may, 1999, the vehicle started producing visible exhaust smoke at start up. The problem continues today. The problem only occurs when starting a cold engine (when the vehicle has not run for few hours). Vehicle recently passed a smog check. The vehicle has been well maintained. Are there know problems with vehicle producing exhaust smoke when starting a cold engine? Is the exhaust smoke related to afr sensor failure?
While traveling on interstate 60 MPH, enginecheck light came on. Owner eventually pulled over to find that engine had severe oil leakage and began to smoke. Please describe details.
Consumer states after starting vehicle a lot of smoke come out from the exhaust.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
My husband was driving down the expressway at a normal speed, when all of sudden the engine started making noises. It was driven to the nearest safe place to stop, at which the engine ceased functioning. I'm told that the engine needs to be rebuilt for a cost of $4500. I presently owe $12,000 on this car. This is due to the so-called "oil sludge problem" and I demand immediate compensation in this matter. Evidently thousands of other customers have had similar problems. For more information: features/2001overview/toyota/camry.tmpl.
Engine has excessive amounts of smoke that is coming from rear of vehicle.
Engine head gasket blewout. Heard strange sound coming from front end of vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer. Rod had blown, and block was cracked. Please provide vehicle identification number, and any further information.
Dealer acknowledges high number of strut and mount failures on 1997, 1998 and 1999 camrys. Probably design defect.
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