8.5
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $4,180
- Average Mileage:
- 120,200 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 45 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (28 reports)
- replace engine (16 reports)
- piston replacement (1 reports)
engine problem
Helpful websites
- Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption - My 2009 Toyota Camry threw a rod through the engine block because of excessive oil consumption, Toyota refused to cover the repairs under the applicable warranty enhancement. A class action lawsuit is in progress regarding this issue. My only recourse was to take legal action to cover the costs I incurred due to this defect which is known by Toyota. A link to information regarding the class action lawsuit is included: http://www.classactionsnews.com/consumer/toyota-excessive-engine-oil-consumption-class-action-lawsuit =
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
. On Thursday March 19, 2015 my motor blew in Panama City Beach, Florida. I had left the previous night to drop off a friend that was going down to Florida. We performed all regular auto checks as anyone would when going on a long trip like we did. We checked the tires, windshield washer fluid, blinkers and the oil. We noticed the oil was fairly low, so while we were at the gas station we had purchased (3) quarts of oil (receipt not on hand) to add in. As we proceeded on our trip we were 28 minutes away from our destination and my oil light came on and stayed on, this has never happened. It has only blinked in the past and as soon as it did I would check the oil level.
So as soon as the light came on, I got nervous and told my friend let's stop at that gas station ahead to check the oil before my motor blows. As soon as I said that my car made a clanking noise and started smoking. I felt as if I was in a movie. Luckily, I was only driving 45mph and could pull my car into the grass median. As soon as I pulled my car in the median I opened the hood and it was steaming and my car had stalled itself out is what I assumed. At this moment I had no idea what was wrong with the car. I didn't know the motor blew.
My friend and I searched the road and grass to see if possibly a part or anything had fell out. I found a metal piece which was the connecting rod that at that time I didn't know what it was because it's currently in half. (can provide photo if needed) So, an older man and his daughter pulled up in their mini van and asked us if we needed help. We checked the dip stick and oil level and there was no oil in my vehicle at all. The dipstick was completely dry. Once again, we had no idea what was wrong with the vehicle at the time. So, the older man suggested to add oil. I had mentioned that possibly the motor could have blown and we thought maybe the motor hadn't seized yet. He drove up to the gas station (Chevron U.S. Highway 231) and bought a (5) quart of 5w-20 to add into the car. (Once again receipt not on hand, wasn't my concern at the time considering I was in the middle of the highway with a car that wouldn't turn on) I have called the gas station and since the man had paid with cash they are not able to retrieve the receipt, the manager stated they only save credit/debit receipts.
After we added the oil the vehicle still would not start. He stated he had chains and a hook to tow my car which is when we towed it right up the road to Bay's Auto. It stayed at Bay's Auto and he had determined that the motor blew. At this point I had no idea what to do. He stated it was most likely due to the vehicle having no oil in it. Now, I had received the Toyota letter for excessive oil consumption problems that were being reported two days before I went on this drive.
When I came home that next day I went to Metro Toyota and they suggested that I call Toyota corporate and the Panama City Toyota. I called Toyota and told them what had happened and they assigned me a case manager. Her name is Sabina. Sabina calls me and I explain to her everything that has happened above. Also, I had explained to Sabina that I was planning to bring my car in to get the oil consumption test due to my vehicle consuming excessive oil. October 12, 2014 my car had 112,000 miles.
Now, March 19th my car is at 120,000 miles. In a matter of 8,000 miles I have changed my oil myself twice and had the oil changed at Conrad's and at Kal Auto Group. The last oil changed I performed was in February which I provided Sabina a receipt of the oil and filter that I purchased on January 31st from Advanced Auto and had stated on there it was for a 2007 Scion. Not to mention I ONLY use full synthetic oil which is projected to last anywhere from 5-8,000 miles if not more. She tells me to gather all my oil change, oil fill-up receipts and anything else pertaining to this oil consumption issue. I gather all the possible receipts that I have. Like I stated earlier I do not have all of the receipts, which is my fault for not keeping them all.
After two days Sabina calls me and tells me there is nothing they can do for me. She stated two of my receipts were not valid enough and I had stated okay, even without those two receipts it still states that my car was consuming more oil than the average amount. She continued to tell me that the techs have determined the motor did not blow due to oil consumption because they found oil on the dip stick. Well, of course there will be oil on the dip stick we added (5) quarts of oil AFTER the motor had already seized. She tells me I can pay for the engine tear down, or pay Toyota $7,000 to repair my Scion TC that is most likely worth $7,000 and that is all. I'm sure you can pull up the telephone conversation, I was not very pleasant with her.
She stated that there was nothing they can do and that was it. After this I called Toyota spoke with Matt and he even stated that it will not be worth it for me to pay to have the engine tear down completed since something like oil consumption is very hard to prove. I feel VERY mistreated and undermined. I don't believe I would be as upset if I knew that Toyota had done everything to help me. At the beginning of this process I knew I had two outcomes to expect from Toyota, they would either fix my car or not fix it.
Now, my problem is that Toyota did not help me to the best ability that they could have. I understand I do not have all of the receipts for the oil added but is that a sufficient reason to just close the case and leave me with nothing? I understood from the beginning Toyota may not pay for this and that is not even the reason why I am upset. Toyota did NOT provide me a sufficient reason to why my motor had blown. That was it, case closed. I understand you do not work off of hear-say but I am just suggesting add the pieces together.
I do not feel treated as a valued customer one bit and I will spread word of my horrific experience with Toyota. I do not think I will EVER buy a Toyota again due to this. I will be sure to never refer Toyota to anyone. I hope this letter goes to someone who can take this into effect and hopefully treat other customers with more respect, understanding and appreciation.
Thank you,
- Sladjana G., Parma, OH, US