Toyota Camry Sludge Engine Problems
Thousands of Toyota Camrys and Solaras have had engine sludge problems. Consumer Affairs has documented cases of engine oil sludge problems in Camry model cars. Toyota's equipped with the 1MZ V-6 and the 5SFE inline-four-cylinder engines were known for the problem in 2002.
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Definition of Oil Sludge
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Engine sludge is the thickening and the breakdown of the engine oil as it deteriorates. Contaminants and moisture build up and the oil gels. Excess wear is the result. Friction increases. The engine is damaged with every stoke, and oil pressure decreases. Oil circulation is compromised. Engine seizure can result.
Affected Vehicles
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"Automotive News" and "Second Opinion" cite model years 1996 to 2003 for engine-sludge affected Toyota models. The "Automotive News" report specifically lists Camry and Solara with four- and six-cylinder engines as the affected vehicles.
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New Engine Design
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"Automotive News" notes that Toyota redesigned its 3.0-liter V-6 engine to help improve oil flow. The company, at that time, said owner neglect was the problem for the oil sludge.
Class Action Lawsuit
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In February 2007, Toyota settled a class action lawsuit brought by Jeff Meckstroth in New Orleans, and it sought relief for 3.5 million Toyota and Lexus owners. The suit specifies that Toyota will allow consumers with denied claims to resubmit their claims to a third party arbitrator at no cost for a binding arbitration. Owners of sludge-damaged Toyota have eight years plus 120 days from the original purchase to file a complaint.
Conclusion
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Oil sludge in an engine is an expensive problem to fix. The most extreme cases result in the replacement of the engine, which can cost up to $8,000. Keeping all service repair receipts and keeping up with the car's performance will help one determine whether a problem is about surface.
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- Photo Credit old engine image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
