After taking heat from consumers for engine failures caused by oil sludge, Toyota says it will cover repairs to 2.2-liter 4-cylinder and 3-liter V-6 engines for up to eight years after they are first sold or leased.
A new program announced Wednesday April 3 covers engines installed in 1997 through 2002 versions of the Toyota Camry, Camry Solara, Avalon, Celica, Sienna and Highlander and Lexus ES300 and RX300, which encompasses about 3.5 million vehicles.
The program replaces one announced in February in which Toyota said it would repair engines only if owners could show evidence of regular maintenance.
In its latest announcement, Toyota says regular oil changes will prevent sludge but adds it will repair engines and reimburse owners for incidental expenses such as car rental for up to eight years without a mileage restriction or proof of maintenance.
Toyota has received about 3,600 complaints from owners the last three years that engines failed prematurely because of oil sludge (or gelling), but the company says all such cases were a result of lack of oil maintenance.
“There has been a lot of confusion among our owners and dealers about this, and the new program should simplify it,” spokesman John Hanson said.
Owners who have had engines repaired should contact Toyota at 888-802-9436 and Lexus at 888-654-6421. Owners who require repairs in the future should contact a dealer.
