Four problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Camry, 4 cylinder, 62650 miles. While driving at around 50 mph speed, heard an unusual sound and smoke coming from under the hood, pulled over to the shoulder and found there was a hole in the lower half of the engine and the oil dip stick was sheared in to 2 pieces. Mechanic told me that the engine threw a rod and put a hole. Had to replace the engine with a refurbished one at a private shop. Contacted the dealer service department and was told that since the car was out of warranty, Toyota will not be replacing the engine and the least quote for repair was $4500. 00 I bought the car used from a dealer in Jan 2001 and have had regular service oil change and maintenance done on it. In Feb 2006 had the 60k mile service done. In may 2002 had received a letter from Toyota about possible gelling issue with engine oil. Suspect the engine failure is a result of engine oil gelling. The failed engine may still be available at the shop, not sure.
Have noticed for the past couple of months that a lot of blue-black smoke coming from the exhuaust upon startup. I have found out that a lot of Toyotas have had engine failure caused by oil sludge build-up. Now I'm concerned that the engine may fail soon. I have had regular oil changes (some done by Toyota dealership and some by myself). The Toyota dealer in coos bay assured me that this was not a problem and only happens once in about 25,000 cars. The facts seem to be quite different.
Engine failed due to oil gelling or sludge.
I am concerned why it is that Toyota did not contact me with one of the letters telling me about engine gel until I contacted them about another engine failure that I had with another car. I have spoken with many that have the Toyota's that fall under the engine gel campaign and they too have not received letters about this potential problem. I am understand that Toyota headed off a recall by sending out these letters. I am telling you that there are a load of people that own these cars that know nothing about the impending damage to their engines. Could you please look into this ASAP.