Engine has a jell like buildup and valves knock. There is a technical service bulletin. Please provide any furhter information.

- Marietta, OH, USA

Car's engine would not turn over when the car was in a garage after 5 days of no use.

- Cedarhurst, NY, USA

I took my vehicle in for a normal service, and was imformed by the dealer that I had a sludge buildup. They tried to blame me for it by saying that it was due to poor maintenance on the car. I disputed this since I had receipts to show I had the car serviced within the normal timeframe required by Lexus. (however not serviced at the dealer) they told me this problem/repair would cost me $6000. To $12000 to clean or replace the engine. I felt this was a due to a defect in the engine and should be covered under warranty. I have since found numerous people that are having the same problem, or know of someone who has had the same problem. 6 mos later I spoke with an individual who had the same problem and his vehicle was repaired by the dealer at no cost. The dealer states this is a case-by-case basis, even though it is the exact same problem. I contacted the dealer again and they are now willing to cover half of the repair, though I would have to pay for the labor of approx. $2500. I feel this should be completely covered by Lexus and not put back onto the consumer. Especially when I have had the vehicle serviced as required in the owners manual. I believe they are trying to cover up a defect in this vehicle, since this would be a extremely costly recall. I was informed by the service manager at the dealership that you can not have sludge build up if you are getting your car serviced within the required timeframe, which I did. So why do I have a sludge build up? answer: Must be a defect in this vehicle. Please investigate.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

Took vehicle in for a routine check, and after a couple of days consumer notice vehicle was driving differently. Took back vehicle to dealer and, they stated that engine needed replacing.

- Round Ridge, NY, USA

Even though the oil on my rx 300 was changed 2,700 miles ago, the engine developed engine sludge in the 3.0, 6 cylinder. Lexus is trying to blame it on me for not changing the oil at their dealers. They want to charge me $500 just to look to see what the internal damage is and then anywhere from a re build of the engine for $6000 to $8000 or an entire new engine for $13,000 plus labor. I have since found numerous individuals with the same problem all citing the same engine, symptoms etc. On top of this, I witnessed the Lexus service manager "rushing" to take digital photos of the inside of the engine and they quickly documented an "owner neglect" file in their master Lexus records. After talking with several people and mechanics, we now believe that this is a cover up on the part of Lexus to avoid what could be one of the most costly recalls in history. Any help please.....?

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

Inspite of changing the oil within warranty guidelines, my rx 300 developed engine sludge in the 3.0 6 cylinder engine. A search of the internet disclosed that numerous owners of the rx 300 and other toyoto cars, like the sienna, have developed engine sludge even with timely oil changes..through the internet I have also learned that " the 3.0 liter V-6 engine found in the Lexus rx 300 was redesigned in 1999. It was modified to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. This modification included reduction in the size of the coolsnt passage on the head gasket so that cyliner heads run at excessively hot temperatures. The oil is literally frying, resulting in sludge." Http: Philip.greenspun.com/materialism/cars/sienna.html. Also, from www.carreview.com/reviews/vans_minivans/product_225.shtml "...the coolant system may not be operating correctly or thoroughly enough to keep the oil from frying and sludging up ultimately clogging the ports and burning up the motors. Some mechanics think it has to do with the aluminum heads warping...and not just in the sienna, that engine has been reported to have problems on the Lexus 300.."

- Bronx, NY, USA