Oil Pump problems of the 1997 Toyota Camry

While driving home, heard clanging noise and car lost power - car would not start. Had car towed to Toyota dealer. Upon examination the following was found: "#3 piston rod broken coming through block" - there was a hole in the block. The dealer replaced short block, oil pump, balanced shaft & replaced necessary fluids. Toyota replaced the engine, however, I incurred $1,560 in labor.

I bought a 97 Toyota certified used car with a 100,000 mile warranty on 10-17-01, with 36,847 existing miles. I took this car to my Toyota dealer 02/07/03:92588 mls. For engine knock noise and smoking on cold starts,also to check transmission vibration/chatter. They replaced the trans, replaced leaking gaskets and replaced worn valve guide seals. At this same time they were asked to check for anything related to the letter Toyota sent me in regard to possible engine damage from oil gelling or sludge. . . On 05/16/03 with 98910 miles I returned to the same dealer with engine still knocking on cold starts. They found the oil pump shaft binding , crankshaft, rod and main bearings damaged. When I was informed of their intent to replace these parts I questioned the possible repair of rings and other upper engine components, knowing that metal particles could possibly affect and damage these. They advised me that no such work was intended or needed. They did proceed with replacement of the oil pump, crankshaft, rod bearings and main bearings. . . On 11/03/03 with approximately 110,000 miles I took my car to a local repair facility to check out whirring type noise from engine and oil light flicker at idle with engine warmed. They found both problems related to camshaft and cam bearing wear. . . I first sought assistance from the original Toyota repair dealer, they refused any help. I next was refused any help by Toyota motor sales corp customer assistance dept in calf (ref # 200311140813). Please help me if you can,I bought this car knowing it was supposed to be very reliable because of the approximately 35 miles each way getting to and from work.

The piston snapped suddenly totally destroying the engine. This car was well maintained. The oil was changed every 3,000 - 5,000 by a reputable local independent service station. The dealer at first attempted to blame the owner, saying the oil was not changed by the dealer and the service station had probably used the wrong grade and used the wrong type of air filters. However, they later backed off this claim and said it now appears the oil pump failed. They called this an 'act of god'. They also said something about the oil filter possibly being clogged. They refused to consider sludge as a possible problem.

Consumer is concerned about sludge and oil gelling in the engine. The consumer reported seeing smoke from the vehicle. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled, the dealer recommended replacing the main bearings, rod bearings and the oil pump.

My 1997 Camry is having engine problems the dealer informerd me that the engine need a new short block and overhaul, and cost and labor will be $5952. 56 plus tax , and that the work was not going to be covered under warrenty because I didn't have reciepts for the oil changes and in which paid the cost of $2011. 52 just for them to tear apart the engine and find what was wrong with it put it back together. The dealer also informed me that the had engingeers from Toyota come out take pictures of the engine and take a oil sample and at that time they made the decision that the company was not going to cover the car under the 60,000 mile warrenty. The explanation to me was the piston rings was burnt and the cyclinder was deaply scared and there was metal fragment in theoil pan and oil pump and that it all needed replacing. I disagreed with them when they stated to me this was the cause of bad oil in the engine also I did give them the last oil change reciept I did which was only the month before and also told them that my car usely set in storeage due to the fact that I am the only driver to the vehicle and I was deployed at sea every three months. Also on the $2011. 52 payment they quoted me a cost of 2506. 00 plus tax , also the reason I'm writing this is because a friend gave me a copy of the October 1999 consumer reports ad on hidden warranties and that did sounded like one of those cases.