The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that when driving approximately 60 to 65 mph, the vehicle would suddenly stall without warning. The vehicle was unable to restart so it was towed to an independent mechanic. After diagnosis, they advised that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge build-up and oil jelling. The vehicle was repaired for the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 134,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Frisco, CO, USA

I have a Sienna le 2001. 118,000 miles. We have been the only owners since we bought it. We have no perfect record of oil changes but we have done it periodically. About 3-4 months ago, it was running ok, but it blew out white-ish/ blue-ish smoke occasionally (usually when first starting, it didn't seem to make a difference if it was hot or cold). It also had little and occasional power loss when accelerating from a stop. I took it to the dealer where we bought it, and they said they just took off the top cover of the engine and it looked like it was gummed up with oil. I have changed the PCV valve, I took it to a place for an oil and oil filter change, I am concerned the damage will continue to the engine. The dealer said I need a new engine, costing around $8000. I asked a second opinion of the mechanic that has worked on our cars, and he thinks he would need to take apart the engine and figure out he problem, costing around $2000-$3000, he also mentioned the possibility of a new motor. Honestly, I do not recall receiving information about the "special policy adjustment" from Toyota or dealer regarding check-replace the engines that are or could be damaged from sludge. I will appreciate your input and support.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

We own a 2001 Toyota Sienna van, we purchased it in 2001 but it was used with 18,000 miles on it. Since purchasing the vehicle, several things have gone wrong. #1- passenger side power window had a defective motor and would not go back up. Took it to the dealer who said it was not covered under warranty, so we had to pay out of pocket for that repair. #2- driver's side sliding door would not latch shut. The button got stuck from the inside which prevented the door from latching shut. This had happened many times before but we were able to get the button popped out and the door would shut. But on one occasion the button popped out and the door still would not shut. We had to drive home holding the door shut the entire way! of course, this is a huge safety issue with our 2 young children in the car. The problem was fixed at the dealer (again not under warranty), but the door still can not be opened from the inside, or the button gets stuck in. #3- check engine light came on and a diagnostic test revealed the following problems- idle air control, bank 1 sensor (most likely oxygen sensor), leaky charcoal canister. We fixed the idle air control since that was causing the van to not start and stall. This repair was almost $700, and not covered under warranty because we had gone over 36,000 miles. We did not fix the other two problems last month due to cost. The van overheats and can not be driven. We wrote a letter to Toyota and talked to them via phone. They told us there is nothing they can do because our van is not a legal us van- it is was built in Canada. We bought it at a Toyota dealer in rochester, NY and were never told it was Canadian. We were also told that no warranty would ever be covered in the us because it is Canadian. Carfax.com says it was built in the United States however. We tried to go the route of the lemon law, but could not.

- Auburn, GA, USA

Consumer stated engine sensor light continued to come on. Consumer was concerned that engine will fail while driving.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

I bought the car in 2001, used at 18,000 miles. I have had all scheduled maintenance done. On Aug 8th I had and oil change and by Sept. 17 there was no oil, another oil change was done. By Sept. 22 there was no oil. I brought the car to stevenson Toyota in jacksonville, nc, where they told me I had an oil gelling problem. They are keeping my car for 1-2 weeks, without the use of a loaner car. They state that Toyota will clean the parts one time as a good will gesture and possibly pay for a rental car for 3 days. They also said that my warranty and extended warranty does not cover this. My car has approx 55,000 miles. I am truly afraid to take this car back from them as I am unsure of it's reliability or theirs.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

I am sending this letter to express concern relative to the safety and usability of our 2001 Toyota Sienna mini van. We have had continued problems with the van that has been addressed with the dealer (kenny kent Toyota in evansville, in) as well as Toyota. The engine is our brand new van had gelling issues to due manufacture"S defects. The problems are continuing to date. In the manufacture"S response it states that Toyota offered goodwill assistance to us for the engine gelling. (this happened to a brand new van). It also states that this was not covered under warranty. Toyota said that this was a warranty issue and it is also listed as warranty in Toyota documentation. According to the owner"S warranty information book, the basic warranty is 36 months or 36,000 miles and the power train warranty is 60 months or 60,000 miles. The defect with the engine based upon the warranty as stated in Toyota?S warranty information book states that all repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials and workmanship of any part supplied by Toyota is covered. In the manufacture?S response it states that the vehicle is not exhibiting any warrantable nonconformities that substantially impair the use, value or safety of the vehicle. Unfortunately this statement is not true. We have continued to have extreme electrical problems with the van. These problems are continuing to date following Toyota?S attempts to repair the engine. On one occasion my wife and my six-year old daughter were in the van alone when the van refused to start. It was a 90+-degree day. Toyota service cannot find the cause and problems continue. The engine doesn"T have the power it did prior to the repairs, the valves clatter very loudly and the engine makes a chugging sound when it idles. We now have a new van that for lack of any word has been butchered. The value of the vehicle has been drastically diminished. Noble jones 801 S. parkway henderson, ky 42420 270-826-2801

- Henderson, KY, USA

Mechanic found significant sludging oil. Dealer stated needed to flush and change new oil.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA