Toyota takes a mud bath

Well, a sludge bath really. Oil sludge is a term, which was pretty much unknown in the automotive industry not many years ago. The problem did exist, but typically only in extreme cases of service negligence, an uncommon situation at a time when more people believed in the strict 3,000 mile oil change interval.

"Sludge" refers, of course, to the solid mass of gunk that inhabits the engine and all of its intricate components and crevices after being subjected to more operation, changes in temperature, friction, etc...then they can feasibly tolerate. The gel that forms no longer has the physical capacity to lubricate properly leading to premature wear of parts, clogging of critical channels, and component breakdown, sometimes in a very sudden or catastrophic nature. It is not uncommon to hear stories where a check engine light came on and the car experiences significant, if not total power loss.

The reason the sludge issue has become such an area of contention and controversy is varied. For starters, there is no general consensus in the industry on a single cause of the problem. Automakers point the finger at a lack of regularly observed service and maintenance and owners are quick to show that they often completed maintenance and oil changes exactly as described and recommended by the manufacturer. Strangely, the oil manufacturers themselves have managed to keep a low profile through this whole episode.

Manufacturers are competing more and more on total ownership costs and therefore, have led a bit of a crusade to wring in maintenance costs. One method has been to stretch out the recommended intervals vet ween oil changes. part of the problem with this is that there is a difference in the length of acceptable active duty between conventional motor oil and synthetic blends, which have a much lower incidence of the sludge issue. Many owners, dealers, etc... interpreted new intervals in a way where the time/mileage was stretched out and maybe a lower quality conventional oil was used. Under the right operating conditions, the car may be ripe for sludge buildup.

The problem is widespread enough to bring on an enormous blame-game as it affects a significant number of vehicles from Chrysler/Dodge, SAAB, Toyota/Lexus and Volkswagen/Audi. The problem is that once a engine has been affected, it is almost always a write-off as bad sludge (as opposed to the good stuff) can't simply be flushed out. It adheres to the engine's internals like a thick tar, typically requiring a costly (and complicated from a warranty, distribution, cost standpoint) engine replacement.

One company deep in the muck is Toyota, which is, of course, known for both the reliability of their vehicles and handling of product problems. The company recently settled a class action lawsuit (never a good sign) involving the sludge issue covering some 3.5 million vehicles. Included in these are:

VEHICLE MODEL YEARS
Camry 4 cyl. 1997-2001
Camry 6 cyl. 1997-2002
Camry Solara 4 cyl. 1999-2001
Camry Solara 6 cyl. 1999-2002
Sienna 6 cyl. 1998-2002
Avalon 6 cyl. 1997-2002
Celica 4 cyl. 1997-1999
Highlander 6 cyl. 2001-2002
Lexus ES 300 1997-2002
Lexus RX 300 1999-2002

Under the terms of the settlement, owners are entitled to some additional support, though it should be noted that Toyota did extend the warranty period in which customers could address the issue. Until the settlement, however, dealers would handle the situation in an inconsistent manner, often still blaming the customer.

• Owners of damaged vehicles have eight years plus 120 days from the original purchase date to file a complaint.
• If Toyota denies the claim, owners can appeal to a judge-appointed third-party administrator: J. Robert Ates, a New Orleans lawyer.
• Customers who have already made repairs may be able to recover the costs.
• Only those who elect not to participate in the settlement can sue Toyota individually. The deadline for that choice was Dec. 31, 2006.
• The settlement is transferable to future vehicle owners.
• The car only needs to show evidence of oil sludge. It is not necessary for the owner to have made repairs during the claim period.
• Damages that can be recovered include loss in value of the vehicle and incidental costs, such as rental cars. Past lawyers' fees, mental anguish and bodily injuries are not covered.

The sludge issue arose from a combination of factors including engine design, timely adoption and interpretation of the synthetic oil/extended oil change intervals, and in some cases service negligence. With so many factors, it is especially difficult to establish a scapegoat. To see if your vehicle is susceptible to the problem or to see if you are entitled to additional product support, click here for a good sludge resource. 

Regardless of which brand or model you drive, it is a good idea to follow the recommended service and maintenance guidelines and keeping a record of all completed procedures.

Comments

[FYI]

Toyota found to keep tight lid on potential safety problems
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-secrecy23-2009dec23,0,557792,full.story
A Times investigation shows the world’s largest automaker has delayed recalls and attempted to blame human error in cases where owners claimed vehicle defects.

NHTSA reviewing third generation Toyota Prius braking 12/24/2009
http://www.leftlanenews.com/nhtsa-reviewing-third-generation-toyota-prius-braking.html
(excerpts):
At least dozens of owners of the latest, third generation Toyota Prius have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in regards to alleged brake failures they’ve experienced. The complaints are centered around the transition from regenerative to traditional braking, and the possibility that extra force is required to properly slow the vehicle.

When Toyota was approached by The Detroit Bureau about this matter they initially said they were unaware of the issue, but later released this statement, “We are aware of the complaints filed with NHTSA. The agency has not opened an investigation. We are investigating the issue based on internet traffic, customer comments to Toyota Customer Relations, and NHTSA complaints. It is too early to speculate the final conclusion(s) of our investigation and subsequent actions.”

[turbo xs rfl]

great turbo read

[John Ward]

Well, well, my, my---Charlene speaks!!(but with forked tongue--as usual!!)
Charlene continues to rely on her charateristic veiled "inferences" which "sort of" accuse without any factual basis.
The lady seems to thrive on "pointing fingers", doesn't she?
Well Charlene, if it's "hints" at subterfuge and illusion are what turns you on, how about a few directed at you........such as:

There are a TON of unanswered questions about the veracity of your much touted "petition".
For example, Why so many blank spaces (over 600!!) where no signature exists, yet you often boast these blanks are part of the total numbers?
How do you explain the FACT that none of the phone numbers accompanying signatures don't work?
How do we know that ANY of the signatures are verified as real when anyone can sign on as often as they want with phony net addresses?

Why have you NEVER responded to questions about many of your allegations....allegations which continue to this day to be questioned, but never answered?

Why do you continually single out Toyota for certain problems existing throughout the auto industry and are problems All other automakers have...in most cases more so than Toyota?

Why do you constantly post creative fantasies dealing with websites being "hacked" by corporate(spelled 'Toyota') skulduggery, when in fact most, if not all,of the websites you point to simply dies of old age and lack of interest.

There are a great many more of your so called "claims" that remain unanswered, but as you say in your comments (above)...."is this coincidence, OR a well orchestrated plan".

We ALL "be the judge" Charlene, and in the face of your pathetic attempts to create illusions for us, you have failed miserably!!

[Charlene Blake]

WOW! We do have an abundance of Windsor, Canada residents who are speaking out about my Toyota engine oil sludge VICTIMS campaign!!

While some are busy implying that there is no known cause of Toyota engine oil sludge, many more VICTIMS are coming forward...with newer model Toyotas and sludge!

Do you suppose that Toyota is peachy-keen OK with the fact that the exact cause has not been narrowed down? OR...does it KNOW the real culprit and is hoping it doesn't come out publicly? Could it be related to the emissions control system? Does it have to do with the super hot engine in these vehicles? Could it be the result of quickly lowered TBN level in the oil in these engines?

My guess is that Toyota is just fine with the "guessing game" associated with the engine oil sludge problem. It was very interesting how Toyota pointed its finger at the owners in such an admonishing way (see "Special Adjustment Policy" or SPA and later the "Customer Suport Program for Engine Oil Gelation"). How quickly the loyal Toyota customers became PRIME TARGETS! You can read how these customers felt about this on my "Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution: Engine Oil Sludge" web site.

Isn't it unbelievable that Toyota said that there were only 3200 sludge-affected owners? Anyone ever ask Toyota HOW it came up with that number? After all, almost that number of Toyota sludge victims have managed to find my Toyota petition! Something is very fishy about the original number, and I am not alone in that sentiment. How is it that a corporation can be permitted to give such a number with no public explanation?

There are still plenty of unanswered questions. BUT...in the meantime, all the history of the Toyota owner SLUDGE VICTIM postings has been erased slowly from the internet! Coincidence OR well-orchestrated plan???

You be the judge....

Charlene Blake
cblake@erols.com
charleneblake@cox.net

[Brandy McDermott]

To CHARLENE BLAKE......

Your posts are nothing but rhetorical spin--taken to a high order indeed!!
Statements are very clearly exaggerated, and what are alleged to be "facts" are grossly misrepresented.
Furthermore, much of your case seems to be based on speculation--you "claim" certain things have happened, but any tangible proof is conspicuous by its absence!!
Truth is, what you claim is (or has been) happening looks quite like a clear case of deliberate brand bashing.
Perhaps the solution to those imagined grievances might better be satisfied with some psychiatric intervention.(SERIOUSLY!!)
First question needing to be addressed is "Why is Toyota being singled out and badmouthed over any other carmaker?" Are there no other auto manufacturers in this world? Is Toyota the only auto manufacturer guilty of the sins alleged? Why (and how) is Toyota any different than any of the the other automakers?
Next question. Why have you chosen to spam (no other way to describe it) these same fabricated messages in hundreds of other sites on the net? Really now, is it a case of "More Is Better"??
Next question. A great deal is made of a petition--also clearly referenced in the hundreds of spammed messages around the net. Why then are there so many empty spaces within that petition??(empty spaces are counted in the total, but no names shown!) Over half the total spaces are "voided" for some reason--Why?(A little convenient "editing" perhaps?)
Next question. Are we all considered so naive as to believe that every case of sludge is the fault of Toyota and no other cause? Has any effort ever been made to confirm even one of the stories we are supposed to blindly accept as gospel?
Next question. Is anyone "overseeing" the veracity and integrity of the information we are being told to accept in your numerous appearances around the net?
Next question. Has any real live defect ever been confirmed in the engines which are accused of being defective? As far as I know--and according to numerous well known experts--there never has been a "flaw" of any consequence found to date.
Next question. Is Toyota the only carmaker to supposedly have a sludge issue? There are more than a few others, but why are they never mentioned?
Next question. Is Toyota the only carmaker with a class action suit pointed at it??(for sludge or any other problem??)
Ms. Blake, you know the answer to these questions as well as I do. But for some reason you make it sound like this is a first in the history of automobiles. Why such a narrow view??
More questions should be asked of you--indeed a most prolific poster (spammer?), but if history is any indication, none will ever be answered by yourself for rather obvious reasons!(It would mean having to be truthful--something you seem to be incapable of!)
I strongly suggest you seek counselling to satisfy those demons you believe are interfering with in your life!!

[John Ward]

REBUTTAL TO CHARLENE BLAKE:

The real causes of the Toyota specific issue are still unknown, and there has been a tremendous amount of speculation about it over the years.
I disagree with Charlene Blake's narrow focussed assessment of the sludge problem.
She blames Toyota exclusively, where in fact the issue is a complex one with any number of possibilities.
Her frequent appearances on the net are characterized by generalities and politicized rhetoric which appear to be thinly veiled attempts to raise alarm by innuendo and inference.
When pressed for facts and verification, she craftily avoids these challenges, and when she does respond, it's always with more alarmist rhetoric.
The absence of factual and verifiable evidence in any of her remarks is conspicuous; it certainly doesn't point to credibility.
While I hesitate to use the term 'lies' in describing much of the rhetoric she liberally dispenses, I must say it seems she does take some pretty wild liberties with the truth!!

[Charlene Blake]

ALERT: Toyota Sludge CONTINUES Beyond 2002!!

BEWARE: Used/previously-used/Certified used Toyota owners

You will be required to have EVERY oil change receipt in order to seek relief from engine oil sludge under the CSP Customer Support Program for Engine Oil Gelation (sludge!). How many owners do you think have all these receipts? Therefore, are ANY such owners getting relief from Toyota? Toyota dealerships say, "NO."

Sienna owners continue to experience sludge build up at very low mileage. Take one 2004 owner who has only 36,000 miles right now! She has been asked to pay $2500 to fix (?) the problem. Because her husband does at least half of the oil changes, Toyota is denying any relief!

Deja Vu all over again? Will it take an Toyota owner online revolt to get Toyota's attention again? Not that Toyota has been honoring the CSP for its valued customers anyway!

First, stop buying used toyotas as these will not be accepted under the sludge program unless you have all the oil change receipts. Toyota fan club members are quickly declaring that even though they have purchased Toyotas in the past, they aren't going to do so in the future based on Toyota's response in this engine sludge matter.

Toyota lovers turned Toyota loathers? Well, if you ask the sludge victims, the answer may be, "Yes!"

Do YOU know a Toyota sludge victim? Show him/her empathy as he/she will need it after dealing wtih Toyota!

Charlene Blake
cblake@erols.com
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution: Engine Oil Sludge

[Cbradmon]

RE: Saab Oil Sludge Problems

We are currently investigating design defects in Saab vehicles which can lead to oil sludge problems
and engine failure. The models are:
1999 - 2003 Saab 9-5 with the turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine.
2000 - 2003 Saab 9-3 with the turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine.
1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen with the turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine.
We are interested in hearing the details of anyone's experiences, including any dealings with Saab or
Saab dealers in connection with its "extended warranty" offer.

PLEASE CONTACT:

Carla Bradmon, Paralegal
Irwin & Boesen, P.C.
501 South Cherry Street
Suite 500
Denver, CO 80246-1327

E-Mail: cbradmon@irwin-boesen.com

Phone: 800-964-1911
Fax: 303-320-1915

Website: www.irwin-boesen.com