Charlene
Vienna,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 22, 2002
That is truly an amazing story...but you are the second story I have read today where Toyota dealerships threatened to "call the authorities" to potentially remove their customers from the premises! This doesn't sound like the image that Toyota is supposedly trying to garner.... especially in the recent ENGINE SLUDGE matter! By the way, are you aware that YOUR VEHICLE does qualify for the new eight year unlimited mileage warranty for the occurrence of sludge? Were you made aware of this either in letter form or verbally at your dealership? Also, was there any offer to remove your valve cover to check for potential sludge build up in your engine? Are you aware of a T.S.B. on the fuel injectors....possible misfiring? Are you aware that many owners who have had sludge also have had FUEL-CONTAMINATED engine oil? Look for smoke on cold start up. Check your oil level and note the changing characteristics of the oil. Obtain an oil sample analysis with your next oil change. Contact me (via rebuttal) for the names of these oil analysis facilities. They will cost about $18 but it will be well worth your effort to find out what is going on in your engine. Many sludge victims have had starting or stalling problems intermittently. Some have had gasoline smells from their vehicles. Your dealership should have first TOLD you about this possibility and secondly, CHECKED for the potential sludge as per the new policy touted by Toyota as UNPRECEDENTED in nature....we'll debate that one later! You must ASAP file a report with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Also, file a warranty issue with the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov. While you may not have sludge, you engine is showing signs of something ominous. I, too, had stalling episodes but none on the highway. I have excessive fuel in my engine oil which Toyota refuses ot recognize. There are recent reports by owners that the Toyota dealerships are NOT informing owners about the new sludge policy despite complaints of symptoms which fit the description. We, the owners, feel this is UNCONSCIONABLE. Take the time to send Toyota a certified letter with return receipt requested. Give the details of your problem and let Toyota know if you were not given any information about the SLUDGE problem. This sludge problem has led to the total demise of the engine with seizing on the highway with little or no warning. When your engine stalled, was there any prior warning on the dash? Did your "Check Engine" indicator light illuminate? If not, let the NHTSA know this in your report. Many sludge victims have had no warning prior to engine demise. While you may ve upset and angry (rightfully so), you have no reason to expect Toyota staff to treat you rudely. I have been told that Customer Service is a top priority at Toyota. Threatening to remove customers is totally counter to this idea and one that Toyota needs to speak to. Are tensions high at Toyota because of the recent quality issues affecting a large number of its vehicles? Perhaps so. BUT, this is no reason for customer mistreatment. Go back to your dealership AFTER you have done all the above. Ask them specifically to remove your valve cover under the new CSP (Customer Support Program) for sludge. Do not pay for this procedure or any related to a sludge repair. Ask Toyota why you have not gotten a letter letting you know about the problem. Tell Toyota that you are now "in the loop" thanks to the Internet. Please give a follow up report here. I'd appreciate a follow up. I have LOTS of further information if you would like it. You have every right to be FULLY INFORMED! Charlene Toyota Owner Internet Network Coordinator