Toyota Motor Corporation, U.S.A
Manipulation of Toyota Engine Oil Sludge Search Information for Toyota Owners Online Club Members

I appreciate Mr. Press attempting to get the industry to share the technology, especially related to emissions control. Further, I think that Mr. Press and the rest of Toyota should share the relationship of increased emissions and the development of engine oil sludge in a Toyota engine. The so-called "proprietary information" it hasn't shared publicly.

Toyota says that "a very small number" of Toyota owners have experienced engine oil sludge in their vehicles. Yet, it has not shared its own research about this very significant malady in its supposedly stellar vehicles.instead, it has chosen to blame the owners citing their lack of maintenance.

This is wrong! The Toyota owners online reveal that this problem has occurred regardless of mileage and/or oil change interval. Some at Toyota have said that synthetic oil prevents the development of sludge in a Toyota. Not so, according to Toyota owners online!

According to this Toyota owners "club" online (see "Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution: Engine Oil Sludge"), Toyota hasn't properly resolved this problem. Despite issuing the "Customer Support Program for Engine Oil Gelation" back in April of Toyota dealerships continue to blame the owners for this major engine oil sludge problem.

Not only that, Toyota owners claim that the information about the CSP cannot be found, that dealerships aren't uttering a word in many cases. Toyota owners are forced to find this information online. This also is a problem because just a few years ago, there were thousands and thousands of Toyota owners discussing this malady online at "The Complaint Station for Toyota." Since though, the information from this now defunct (hacked many times by entities unknown) site can't be found.

So, how are the Toyota owners supposed to receive this "generous and unprecedented" assistance from Toyota if the information remains hidden?!? More importantly, is Toyota now consciously manipulating the online postings to *control its brand* on the internet? Does Toyota have assistance from other companies to *sanitize* the information gleaned from a search?!?

Let's just say that there are more than just a few Toyota owners who want to know the truth! It is one thing to blame the owners for the sludge problem; it is yet another to manipulate what information that Toyota owners find when researching on the internet!

Those of us who have been vocal online about the Toyota engine oil sludge matter know that that some "corporate-protectors" continue to defame and personally attack in an effort to interfere with the freedom of speech in this matter. Unfortunately, this is the only way they can counter the truth.

Toyota vehicles are still sludging under 100,000 miles in many cases. There have been reports of sludge happening with under 20,000 miles, too. Owners complain that the engines get very hot, that there is excessive oil consumption, that emission control components are failing just before and/or just after sludge develops, that engines are throwing rods, that engines are spontaneously igniting, that engine oil analysis shows abnormalities, and more!

In the meantime, Toyota dealerships are saying less and less about this matter. Later model Toyota vehicles, including the 2003 model that is not covered by the CSP, are showing signs of engine oil sludge. Owners are once again being asked to foot the bill for a known and widespread problem. Why?!?

Before "Moving forward!" is it possible for Toyota to move backward and resolve this matter for its valued customers? The CSP is not sufficient. The class action lawsuit settlement hasn't changed things for many Toyota owners. Toyota owners continue to report injustices in this matter. Please, stop sweeping this problem under the rug!

From day one, the "corporate protectors" have claimed that Toyota engine oil sludge was just one big hoax... That I was the cause of the so-called "hype" about the matter... That Toyota owners just didn't know how to properly maintain their vehicles. Now, these same people claim that Toyota engine oil sludge is a thing of the past, that the matter is "dead and gone." I beg to differ! It is far from over and the current sludge victims are far from alone!

If you will admit to doing so, stop manipulating the online information about Toyota engine oil sludge. Face the problem head on and resolve it to the satisfaction of your customers. Climb to the top based solely on the current quality of your vehicles, not some past illusion that Toyota engines are invincible! Truly listen to your customers and act on their behalf.

I speak for thousands of Toyota owners. We are waiting for Toyota to do the right thing... Not just pay lip service. Be the leader in the industry and accept your responsibility in the Toyota engine oil sludge problem!

Charlene
cb* (REDACTED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution: Engine Oil Sludge

Charlene
Vienna, Virginia
U.S.A.

Company: Toyota Motor Corporation, U.S.A
Country: USA
State: California
City: Torrance
Site: www.toyota.com

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