Re: Toyota Camry engine failure on 12/21/07 1999 Toyota Camry le December 31, 2007 dear sir, on December 21, 2007 at 11:30am pt, my wife kim ly nguyen drove our 1999 Toyota Camry le on the 405 South freeway. As she was about to pass the bristol St. Exit in costa mesa, my wife suddenly heard an unusual noisy sound and detected the strong scent of oil and gasoline leaking from the engine. Immediately, my wife maneuvered our car to the right-hand shoulder of the freeway. Once my wife pulled over to the side of the road, the car engine suddenly experienced complete failure and would not re-start. Our car was towed by 21st century insurance to accu auto service (23253 madero #A-104, mission viejo, ca 92691) for repair. Since we are heavily dependent on our car to commute to work every day, it was crucial that we received immediate service on our car. After a diagnostic exam, accu auto service determined that the engine experienced sudden and total failure (please see attached pictures) and was completely replaced and serviced. Since we bought our Toyota Camry le on 4/10/99, it is still under warranty through the ?gold seal mechanical breakdown services contract limited, and we are hoping that you can help us with a reimbursement of our repair costs. Due to the dependency on our car for survival, we had to authorize an immediate repair. Through the life of our Toyota Camry le, we have maintained a good maintenance schedule and upkeep, which can be verified through lew webb's irvine Toyota, Inc. (30 auto center dr., irvine, ca 92618) at 949-768-0688 or accu auto services at 949-859-9637. We hope that you understand our situation and are able to honor our warranty by granting us a reimbursement for the repair of the defective car engine. Thank you for your help and time. Sincerely, liem ngo & kim ly nguyen

- Lake Forestr, CA, USA

On March 9, 2007 the Toyota Camry erupted into a fire during my normal driving. On Nov 28, 2006, I repaired my vehicle at Toyota authorized service statin, fitzgerald Toyota, M for changing water pump and timing belt. My odo meter reading was around 93.213 miles and within 800 miles (close to 94100) the vehicle met with fire accident. Repeated letter Toyota corporation is being ignored and Toyota service station is yet to reply back my letter.

- Germantown, MD, USA

While driving on interstate hwy water pump failed causing timing belt and idler to also fail and damage to oil pump.

- So. Portland, ME, USA

Additional info to ODI number 765034 - shop mentioned that the water pump damaged caused scrapping on the engine block. Since the engine block is made of an aluminum base his concern was that the marks might cause a crack to occur. He said no leaking was seen at this time but I want to put on record that damage was made to the engine that might cause problems in the furture. This scraping was due to the water pump failure that was noted in the ODI number 765034 questionnaire. This info was also mentioned to Toyota in a certified letter but I have not received any response yet from Toyota.

- Enfield, CT, USA

On 9/8/2001 I had the 30,000 mile maintenance performed on my 1999 Toyota Camry. On July 7,2002, the water pump failed and damaged the timing belt. I had to replace the water pump, timing(camshaft belt), several additional belts, idler, tensioner and anti-freeze. Labor and parts totaled $710.44. This is the 5th occurance of a water pump failing on a 1999 Toyota Camry with under 45,000 miles that was reported on this web site alone. The powertrain warranty covers the water pump for 60 months or 60,000 miles. I have sent a certified letter to Toyota, which they have received but have not received a response from them. The water pump should last more that 45,000 mile and with the number of failures that have occured, there is a trend that there is a problem with this part.

- Enfield, CT, USA

While driving 45 mph consumer noticed smoke coming from underneath hood, vehicle was towed to mechanic that indicated water pump had bursted.

- Allentown, PA, USA

On 6-16-01, I was on my way home when my car suddenly lost power. I wasn't able to stop the vehicle. In order to stop it, I had to apply the emergency brake. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased it from. It has been there ever since. I found out today that the water pump froze up on it and broke the timing belt. The salesman who sold me my car told me that he has heard of many owners of the Camry who have experienced the same problem that I'm experiencing. He told me that the car is pretty much unsafe, so I traded it in and bought a corolla today. I had no intention of trading in my car. I would like to know if toytoa knew about the failed water pump/timing belt in their Camry'. and if so, why didn't they let the public know about how dangerous this could be? I leased my Camry and Toyota is making me pay for remainder of the lease. Therefore, I am paying two car notes. I would like for them to reimburse me for the money I lost in this deal.

- North Chicago, IL, USA

Water pump burst and belt popped. Nlm

- Inglewood, CA, USA

Consumer has to take vehicle into dealership for brakes every three to four months. There was a grinding noise at this point. Dealer is aware of the problem, brake pads have been replaced several times due to premature wear, master cylinder was out of adjustment, rotors were replaced. Vehicle stalled due to water pump failure the water pump came apart and broke the timing belt.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

Excessive wear of brake pads and front rotors; at 10,000 miles dealer had to replace front rotors and pads. Currently, at 21,000 miles, problem reoccurred. Problem with headlight not aligned. Dealer informed that vehicle met manufacturer's specification and nothing else could be done. Also, water pump failure. Dealer notified, and repairs being made. Consumer states that the transmission fluid is not good and Toyota refuses to test the fluids.

- Tallman, NY, USA