In October of 200l, I purchased a 2001 Toyota Avalon from Team Toyota in Langhorne PA.in February of I received a letter from Toyota regarding and engine oil sludge problem with the 1MZ v6 engine - the engine that is in my car. They alleged that there is a history of engine sludge/engine failure which according to Toyota was definitely caused by the owners failure to properly maintain the vehicle. However, as a good will gesture, Toyota would pay for any repairs resulting from engine sludge if the owner could show a minimal attempt at proper maintenance.
I went on the Internet and found out just what I suspected, Toyota had been stonewalling Toyota owners and making them pay for repairs even if they had maintained the engine properly. This so called good will gesture was forced on Toyota because of a growing consumer reaction to Toyota's improper business practice of failing to honor their factory warranty. It seems that the letter that I received was a major blunder on Toyota's part because they did not send it to all of the owners involved. Toyota issued a press release in April that they were going to extend the drive train warranty to 8 years/unlimited mileage as a show of confidence in their product. T
His is obviously a voluntary recall, and hopefully Toyota will honor it; however, in light of the way that they have mishandled everything else to do with this problem this too will not be honored. As a matter of fact, when I heard about the 8 year warranty, I called Toyota customer service about it and they denied any such thing. However, when I pressed them on it, they admitted that it was so and offered to send me a sample draft of the letter - the final draft had not as yet been approved. So far, all that I have from Toyota is the draft letter. Apparently they are re=thinking this as well. They are in a face and dollar saving defensive mode. God only knows how all of this bizarre state of affairs will turn out.
In the meantime, I have obtained an oil analysis kit which I shall utilize to monitor my engine. However, I resent very much that I was sold a car with a defective engine that has caused me to become embroiled in this fiasco. Toyota should be ashamed of themselves; they are without honor and their ancestors are without honor also. I am appalled also that the so called auto magazines have not released this story; I guess that they are afraid of losing Toyota as an advertiser. I have contacted the Federal Trade Commission and requested that they coordinate the necessary action at the Federal level to mandate a recall of all affected vehicles.
Paul
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
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