Engine failed due to oil gelling or sludge.
1998 Toyota Camry engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 95, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I experienced a text book case of what I have learned is the toyota sludge problem. I wanted to bring it in to my closest toyota dealer but was told that if I did not have proof of oil change every 3000 miles (manual suggests 7500) not to bother because had no leg to stand on and was basically screwed.
Water pump burst and had to be replaced. In addition, consumer was awaiting a replacement part for the passenger side seat belt mechanism. *ph cc copy to the federal safety agency
Engine check light came on while driving. Dealership indicated that vehicle needed an air fuel reservoir sensor to correct the problem. Potential of problem not yet identified. Also, dealership indicated " this is was a common problem with these vehicles.
The engine in my 1998 toyota camry threw a rod (#4) through the engine block. There were no warning signs, like abnormal engine noise or loss of power, before this catastrophic failure. The vehicle has 67000 miles and has had the oil changed within the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Also, the 45000 mile maintenance was performed at the toyota dealership. The local toyota management said that I did not posses sufficient maintenance records to support them paying for the replacement engine. I had the receipts from the oil changes. Toyota corporation told me that they are not responsible for cars over 60000 miles. My complaint with the manufacturer is pending review.
While driving 70 MPH the driver heard a loud noise which came from underneath the hood and smoke began to come inside the vehicle through the vents. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder before the vehicle exploded. The driver did not sustain any injuries during this incident. The vehicle was totaled.
While exiting interstate 75s, 5-year-old toyota camry made strange engine noises and later began smoking heavily. After smoke cleared, there was a hole in the engine. Mechanic said that could be engine oil sludge problem and/or "thrown rod." dealer completed 5-year-maintenance check on 8/28/03.
The "check engine" light turns on and off randomly. I replaced gas cap and no help.
The engine blew in my 1998 toyota camry. It had 12300 mileage and was well maintained with no prewarnings that there was any engine trouble. I had received a letter from toyota corporation months prior to the incident, warning of oil sludging/gelling problems with this car model. The letter stated that all repair costs would be covered for damages caused by oil sludging/gelling. The toyota mechanics informed me that the engine appeared clean - no oil sludging. But, they did not know why the engine blew. They informed me that the oil might have been low. However, I had just had an oil change performed two months prior to the incident and was not informed of an oil leak, nor did my oil indicator light ever come on. Even though they couldn't explain what caused the engine to blow, they would not cover any costs of repair.
1998 toyota camry emission related repairs. *mr engine light was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer who stated the emissions valve needed to be replaced. The consumer received a letter from toyota in reference to reimbursement of emission related problems and was denied. The consumer was concerned because the part was located near the intake manifold. *scc
Experienced a text book case of what has become known as the "toyota sludge engine" problem. Contacted toyota about spa program who referred me to the local dealer. He said unless I have documentation for an oil change every 3000 miles (manual says 7500) that toyota would not provide any financial assistance. Said that I did not "have a leg to stand on" and I was "screwed." once repairs are done and paid for I plan to submit a claim with all papers to toyota.
The vehicle stalled without warning.
The check engine light was intermittent, and the emission valve(s) needed to be replaced. Mr scc
The vehicle started smoking under the hood and then caught on fire. The vehicle was totaled.
I am experiencing a white smoke upon start up of vehicle, only in the morning coming out of the exaust pipe. I only have 79,000 miles on vehicle.
'98 toyota camry--oil light came on. Within 2-3 miles I was able to pull into a service station and as I did so the engine suddenly began knocking. When towed to a toyota dealer he said the engine was gone out (ruined). This vehicle had had oil changed every 3000-5000 miles. Dealer claimed this my engine had no signs of the well-known oil sludge problem common with this engine. I've since learned this engine had so many problems that it is no longer being used. What recourse is there for what appears to be a faulty design engine? My wrecker driver's father's '98 toyota camry's engine went out after only 2000! Miles.
While driving, smoke started coming out from under the hood. After pulling over to the side of the road and turning off the engine, within 5-8 minutes the engine burst into flames. The car was a total loss. The insurance company did not determine the cause of this incident, although obvious potential causes, such as recent service to the engine, were ruled out (there had been no recent service).
Consumer called complaining about having problem with intermittently check engine light. (module sensor) dealer has inspected since 1998 and problem could no duplicate or correct the problem. Please provide further information. Ts
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the electrical system.also stated that while driving the vehicle the vehicle started slowing down then caught on fire. Dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle had 70000 miles and there were going to get the vehicle as soon as they could.ph
While driving the vehicle engine stalled. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.
While driving 65 MPH on interstate 40 the engine seized due to oil gelation. Mr
While driving at any speed engine light comes on. Consumer can hear water in engine. This can result in a fire. Dealer notified.
I am concerned why it is that toyota did not contact me with one of the letters telling me about engine gel until I contacted them about another engine failure that I had with another car. I have spoken with many that have the toyota's that fall under the engine gel campaign and they too have not received letters about this potential problem. I am understand that toyota headed off a recall by sending out these letters. I am telling you that there are a load of people that own these cars that know nothing about the impending damage to their engines. Could you please look into this asap.
While insured was driving vehicle caught on fire, toyota representative stated cause of fire was a loose oil filter claim # 30-v068-383.
(35-w173-913) insured had just started vehicle when it began smoking and then caught on fire, claim states subrogation recovery against firestone for a bad oil filter that caused an engine fire.
Claim number - 25-5305-204 - while driving, engine began to sputter and would not accelerate over 60 MPH, vehicle began to smoke, consumer pulled to right shoulder, exited vehicle and smoke got intense, two minutes later, vehicle was engulfed in flames, vehicle was towed.
(04-1215-119) insured's vehicle caught on fire under the hood, cause unknown.
Insured was driving and pulled into drive way, the vehicle started smoking, when she opened the hood and toward the back of the vehicle, it caught on fire. Claim number 13-7008-586.
Claim number 32-v073-594 - as consumer was leaving mobile station to have vehicle service for an oil change, vehicle engine caught on fire; the oil filter was missing and it was not attached to engine prior to the fire, examination of the flame patterns revealed that the engine oil from the missing oil filter sprayed onto the engine pipe and ignited causing a fire.
Insured tried to start vehicle but it wouldn't start, lifted hood and the engine was on fire, 01-6209-199.
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