Connecting rod went through the engine block.

- Quinebaug, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the engine light has been illuminating intermittently since August of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three different times for this failure. On the most recent occurrence, the contact was informed that it would cost $5,000 to replace the engine. The engine light currently remains illuminated, however, the vehicle is still being driven. Speed was not a factor because the light illuminates as soon as the vehicle is started. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 39,000. The front brakes were cracked and the rotors needed to be machined. The taillight bulb was replaced, the head gasket was leaking. The timing belt was replaced. Updated 10/10/07.

- New City, NY, USA

While driving home, heard clanging noise and car lost power - car would not start. Had car towed to Toyota dealer. Upon examination the following was found: "#3 piston rod broken coming through block" - there was a hole in the block. The dealer replaced short block, oil pump, balanced shaft & replaced necessary fluids. Toyota replaced the engine, however, I incurred $1,560 in labor.

- Harrison Twp, MI, USA

Car : 97 Toyota Camry le 4 cylinder three major problems 1) blue smoke at cold-starting (mileage: 87 miles -Aug. 2001) engine gave off blue smoke from the exhaust when cold-starting in the morning. After replacing valve stem seals (paid around $1000 to a Toyota dealer for the repair), the problem was solved. 2) power steering rack & pinion leaking (mileage: 87kmiles -Aug. 2001) power steering rack & pinion leaked and a mechanic replaced it with a new one. 3) egr vsv failure (mileage: 100 kmiles -Oct. 2004) check engine light came on. Obd II scanner says "insufficient egr flow." A mechanic replaced egr vsv and the problem was solved. 4) front strut mounts failure ((mileage: 87 kmiles -Aug. 2001) both front strut mounts made noise. After a Toyota dealer replaced it, the problem was solved.

- College Station, TX, USA

While driving the vehicle threw a rod through the engine and destroyed it. This occurred on August 31, 2005. The consumer had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who told him that it was the piston rod that came loose. No one was injured. They were not having the vehicle repaired. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer, they told him that they would not cover the damage. 11/02/05.

- East Brunswick, NJ, USA

Consumer is concerned about sludge and oil gelling in the engine. The consumer reported seeing smoke from the vehicle. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled, the dealer recommended replacing the main bearings, rod bearings and the oil pump.

- La Palma, CA, USA

Engine sludge and puff of black smoke when car is started.

- Jeffersonville, IN, USA

Valve oil seal failure due to oil sludging or jelling smokes while starting.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Took 1997 Camry to dealer September 2002 for slight hesitation problem and advised them that I noticed a small oil leak while parked at home. Dealer advised it was engine sludge. Car remained in dealer's possession for 1 1/2 months because of no response from service tech. They claimed that sludge problem was fixed, however. July 8, 2004 the car stopped. Had it towed to dealer and was advised that the engine died from sludging...again. Dealer say they will not fix it and that I must purchase another engine for $5200 (used 2000 Toyota engine). I advised them of the letter found on the I-net from toyoto re. "coverage for oil gelling related engine damage for 8 years unlimited mileage from date of first sale" but service tech said "we fixed it once and we will not do it again". I am without transportation, and no satisfaction from Toyota dealer. Help!

- New Orleans, LA, USA

While driving front end/steering wheel vibrated. Dealership informed consumer that the problem pertained to engine sludge.

- Greenville, NC, USA

Engine seized. Problems with oil.

- Ogden, UT, USA

1997 Toyota camary heavy blue smoke on cold starts, originaly taken in for oil gel problem was told no gelling found but valve oil seal worn and need replace $1000. Car has 85,000 miles and has been servied by Toyota per thier service manual. Have talked with numerious other Toyota owners with same complaint. Feel this is a problem with the valve seals being sub standard. Please advise if other complaints have been posted.

- Brownsburg, IN, USA

I bought a 97 Toyota certified used car with a 100,000 mile warranty on 10-17-01, with 36,847 existing miles. I took this car to my Toyota dealer 02/07/03:92588 mls. For engine knock noise and smoking on cold starts, also to check transmission vibration/chatter. They replaced the trans, replaced leaking gaskets and replaced worn valve guide seals. At this same time they were asked to check for anything related to the letter Toyota sent me in regard to possible engine damage from oil gelling or sludge... on 05/16/03 with 98910 miles I returned to the same dealer with engine still knocking on cold starts. They found the oil pump shaft binding, crankshaft, rod and main bearings damaged. When I was informed of their intent to replace these parts I questioned the possible repair of rings and other upper engine components, knowing that metal particles could possibly affect and damage these. They advised me that no such work was intended or needed. They did proceed with replacement of the oil pump, crankshaft, rod bearings and main bearings... on 11/03/03 with approximately 110,000 miles I took my car to a local repair facility to check out whirring type noise from engine and oil light flicker at idle with engine warmed. They found both problems related to camshaft and cam bearing wear... I first sought assistance from the original Toyota repair dealer, they refused any help. I next was refused any help by Toyota motor sales Corp customer assistance dept in calf (ref # 200311140813). Please help me if you can, I bought this car knowing it was supposed to be very reliable because of the approximately 35 miles each way getting to and from work.

- Linthicum, MD, USA

My engine valves need to be replaced, my oil and transmission is leaking, and I have blue exhaust coming from my tailpipe

- Fairfax, VA, USA

I have a 1997 Toyota Camry with 85,000 miles on it, I have regular maintenance on it keep it in good shape, and the engine just cracked I had got a letter from Toyota that talked about oil gelling but I didn't have the problem then. I took it to phillips Toyota in leesburg fl and they could not tell me why my engine went. I know with regular maintenance my engine would last well over 120,000 miles.

- Leesburg, FL, USA

Poor design and build - 1997 Toyota Camry le (4 cylinder). I own a 1997 4-cylinder Camry le. It is well maintained and has less than 80,000 miles. A few months ago, its starter went bad and was replaced. This morning, the dealer found that its engine valve seals worn out and must be replaced (over $1000 repair). I checked the internet car forums and found that this is a common problem with 1997 model year 4-cylinder Toyota Camry. I believe that it is a poor design and build problem. Customers should not be paying a problem caused by the manufacturer's poor design and build. All 1997 4-cylinder Camry should be recalled and repaired by Toyota.

- Rowland Heights, CA, USA

Consumer states the engine seized w/O warning. Vehicle checked by dlr who diagnosed that the piston was cracked. Nlm

- Baldwin Park, CA, USA

Engine exploded - hole in block alots of smoke no fire- have replaced car - asked Toyota to research unusual event at their cost - they refuse - going to scrap car but worried about other drivers - I want nothing from Toyota.

- Kensington, MD, USA

Vehicle was in parked position at department store, smoke coming from engine compartment under hood, #4 crankshaft rod broke and penetrated cast iron block, spraying shrapnel & hot oil through the area, penetrating radiator core. Vehicle was towed to local Toyota dealership (crown Toyota, Ontario) for diagnosis of problem and estimate for subsequent repairs. Toyota service manager contacted two days later and advised it wasn't due to defective Toyota part(s). Service manager states he contacted district manager for Toyota's western region, states the vehicle was out of warranty, it's your problem. Week previously, owner receives letter from Toyota explaining "oil gel problem" advised service manager of this issue, states I need to verify oil & maintenance records for this vehicle. Same are produced for inspection & "forwarded" to district manager. Toyota's position is too bad it's out of warranty! vehicle is towed to personal mechanic, whom changes engine components & radiator, states problem was defective oil pump balancer.

- Ontario, CA, USA

Engine head gasket blewout. Heard strange sound coming from front end of vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer. Rod had blown, and block was cracked. Please provide vehicle identification number, and any further information.

- Demonies, IA, USA