The Truth About Toyota Engine Oil Sludge

Toyota engine oil sludge affects more than the few models and model
years covered in Toyota's "Customer Support Program for Engine Oil
Gelation." Toyota indicates that 1997-2002 Sienna, Camry, Avalon,
Solara, Highlander, Celica, Lexus RX300, and Lexus ES300 are the ones
that are sludge-prone. At the same time, it says that these vehicle
owners are to blame for the sludge condition. Toyota doesn't include
the earlier models or the later models, though. It also doesn't include
the Corolla, RAV4, and 4Runner despite the fact that some of these
owners are reporting sludge buildup and engine demise.

The class action lawsuit covers all the models and model years included
in the CSP, contrary to the poster's information above. I suppose that
Toyota will use any loopholes it can to limit the relief for its valued
customers.

Many Toyota owners are reporting that Toyota has required far more
engine oil change receipts than what it publicly has stated it would.
According to owner accounts, owners continue to be treated poorly in
Toyota's alleged effort to limit the number of vehicle owners who
qualify under the CSP. In many cases engines are being cleaned when
they need to be replaced.

Unfortunately, the class action lawsuit doesn't help those with models
not covered under the CSP. It doesn't help those who long ago traded
their vehicles when sludge clogged their engines. It doesn't help those
Toyota owners whose engines mysteriously threw rods through the engine
block. It doesn't do anything for the Toyota owners whose engines
spontaneously erupted in fire on the road for no apparent reason. No,
there are many Toyota owners left out.

Is Toyota really "listening" to online discussions/reports by its
vehicle owners? If so, why isn't the petition being addressed? Why
aren't these owners getting a fair resolution in their sludge or engine
failure cases? We know that Toyota is tracking the owner postings.

Interestingly enough, someone has been trying desperately to sabotage
the Toyota owner petition. Who would care to go to this length to
prevent Toyota owner organization? Who would want to end this petition?
Hmmmm....

Charlene Blake
cblake@erols.com
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution
http://www.petitiononline.com/TMC2003/petition.html