8th Nov 2004, 13:15

The NHTSA closed the investigation of Toyota sludge because Toyota agreed to issue their extended warranty on engine sludge. It is an 8 year policy with unlimited mileage, and Toyota agreed to fix engine problems due to sludge for free. Toyota says that owners must prove that they reasonably maintained their engine to have the policy honored. The policy covers the 4 cylinder Camry engine from 1997 - 2001 and the V-6 from 1997 - 2002. There are several resources for more information.

Go to http://www.autosafety.org where you can find copies of the policy as issued by Toyota and the letter they sent to the owners of the 3.3 million engines covered by the policy.

You can also go to http://autos.msn.com to see if your engine is one that is known for this problem. MSN rates the sludge problem as a significant problem in the affected Toyota engines.

http://www.yotarepair.com is another site you can check for information on Toyota and sludge problem.

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH HOW TOYOTA HANDLED YOUR SLUDGE PROBLEM, CONTACT THE NHTSA (http://www.nhtsa.gov). THEY CLOSED THEIR INVESTIGATION BECAUSE TOYOTA COMMITTED TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WITH THE PROBLEM. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO KNOW IF TOYOTA IS NOT HONORING THEIR WORD!

9th Jan 2008, 06:03

It is so surprising seeing your neglect to changing oil on time! I don't think people have to be religious for that.

11th Dec 2008, 02:07

Who ever changes oil every 5000km/3000miles nowadays with modern motor oils? Not a single manufacturer recommends this anymore. This is something of the past when motor oils were low quality and started sludging after a couple of months usage. Once a year/15000km is OK for most types of motor oils and some synthetics is even specified with a life span of 30000km.

17th Mar 2009, 21:35

Change the oil on time and you'll eliminate your problem. Don't blame Toyota. I love my 98 Camry, and I've got over 150,000 miles on it

2nd Nov 2010, 22:03

This is my second Toyota Camry. I love it.

I did rust proofing a few times (I live in Montreal), and I change the oil on time. I must admit the brake is not that great, but I got used to it.

After more than 12 years and 178,000 km it is still in good shape, only one seat belt is not working.