I have a 1996 Toyota Avalon and the engine seems to be burning a lot of oil and sending off a lot of smoke related to the sludge problem known to have been investigated by the NHTSA. I just wanted to make the problem known once more.

- Sandy, UT, USA

The vehicle was taken to dealer for an oil change, and consumer found that there was sludge in the engine. A recall was issued for Avalons of 1997, but not for this year.

- Houston, TX, USA

The engine cut out/stalled in the middle of the expressway with no warning. Pulled to the emergency lane, turned off engine, waited a while, turned engine back on and engine light was on for first time. Towed car to dealership, who indicates it is oil sludge due to failure to change oil frequently enough. Oil has been changed every 4000 miles. Getting no satisfaction from dealer, who indicates minimum repair cost will be $3300 - $3500 for rebuilt engine. Made complaint to Toyota corporate, who also are not providing assistance at this time. Getting run around as complaint was filed, which is being sent back to regional office for handling. Regional office already indicated that they probably aren't going to offer any assistance because the 1996 model isn't included in the oil sludge recall on 1997 - 2002 models. Engine has just over 63,000 miles on it. I bought the vehicle one year old with 29,000 miles on it. Only 34,000-35,000 miles has been put on the car in the last six years of my ownership. I feel very taken advantage of, and placed not only in harms way by a defective product, but with a financial burden now as well.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

I have a 1996 Toyota Avalon that has the oil sludgle problem. I have filed a claim with corporate office of Toyota and they contacted local Toyota dealer who asked for receipts of oil changes and said they will review case, receipts were provided and after being reviewed they said there was nothing they could do to help. I am a single mother who has two small children and I need reliable transportation and I was told it would be $5000 to repair when I owe $5020 any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks, cheryl foley

- Gastonia, NC, USA

Engine: Engine sludge buildup has ruined the engine despite reasonable maintenence. Engine must now be rebuilt or replaced. Engine has been problematic for the last year or two. Dealership has informed me that my engine is not covered under the current Toyota letter due to the fact that it was manufactured in may of 1996 and Toyota has an August of 1996 manufactuing cut-off date. I also own a 1998 Toyota sienna which is begining to have similar problems. From all I have been able to research at least part of this problem is due to a design flaw in the head. I have had a number of cars in the last twn years which I have driven well into high miles with the same maintenece attention as this one but have not had the sludge problem before. I would like Toyota to pick up at least a portion of the repair cost.

- Valencia, CA, USA

1996 Toyota Avalon engine failure.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA