New Rochelle Toyota New Rochelle Toyota ripped me off with service on my 1999 Toyota Camry. The car was serviced 5 times without correcting the problem. New Rochelle New York

Stephanie, what do you know about the Toyota engine oil sludge problem? Are you aware that your vehicle is one of the sludge-prone vehicles? Was your vehicle a "Certified Used" vehicle? Do you know the repair history of it?

One of the three criteria which may qualify a Toyota vehicle for a FREE REPAIR under the "Customer Support Program" for engine oil gelation is the MIL light coming on intermittently or staying on. When the "Check Engine Light" comes on, you should consider a deeper investigation into the possibility of sludge buildup in your engine, in addition to the more minor causes of this light coming on. Many Toyota owners have been replacing the emissions control components as well when this light comes on and stays on consistently. Do NOT trust any technician who encourages you to ignore this light!

The other signs and symptoms of sludge are increasing smoke which changes from white to blue, especially on start up and acceleration. Also, there may be oil consumption. Some owners are reporting oil usage every 1,000 miles or so. Some owners have had their engine seize when the oil literally disappeared with no safety warning!

I don't know if you are aware, but Toyota is BLAMING THE OWNER for this major engine problem. It has been telling owners that they are not properly maintaining their vehicles. It is a well-known fact that these engines are showing signs of engine oil breakdown well within the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. On oil analysis, there is low TBN, oftentimes lowered initial viscosity, high nitration, and evidence of contaminants, including excessive fuel, glycol (antifreeze), and silicon (dirt). Owners have complained of a high heat situation in the engines and "hot spots" have been noted in various locations. Oftentimes, especially in the case of the 4cylinder now discontinued Camry engine, there is "cooked on" oil that looks like someone burned something in a frying pan!

Lately, owners are reporting that Toyota is telling them that they do not qualify for repairs under the CSP because there is no sludge (owners have reported being lied to about this, however). What you need to know is that the "cooked on" oil is often one of the conditions seen in the sludge cases. In many cases, the engines are failing well below the warranty period and Toyota is offering no explanation for the problem......other than there will be NO ASSISTANCE under the CSP!

Stephanie, can you fill us in on exactly what the dealership that wanted to charge you thousands of $$ said was wrong with your vehicle? What did they say had to be replaced? And, the dealership that did the "fix"......what did they replace? We need the details to compare your case with that of other owners. You may well have the precursor engine oil sludge problems and not know it. What is your mileage now?

Stay in the loop by searching for "Toyota Engine Oil Sludge." Contact Toyota and ask where your letter is if you did not receive one. Be prepared for even more frustration if you get the sludge condition. Toyota says the owners are 100% satisfied; the owners disagree.