Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1999 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My 1999 Toyota Camry started blowing blue smoke out of the tail pipe. This was after regular oil changes at 3,000 miles. Finally, while on a business trip and after oil was changed, my engine started making a loud clanking noise. I immediately pulled off the road and turned off the engine. I had a local mechanic look at the engine, who state the engine would need to be replaced. I then paid to have the car towed 200 miles to my house where my mechanic also stated the engine was blown. I have been searching the internet for over a year to find a cost effective engine when at last I found a web site that explains thousands of people have had the same problem I had with sludge oil problems causing engine failure. Why has the NHTSA not issued any recall? I can not believe that the NHTSA is not looking out for the consumer? what is it going to take to get some help for the hard working consumer against the auto giants who know good and well they had a very silent class action notification which did not make it to the majority of the consumers. That action might be good for the board members and stockholders but isn't the NHTSA supposed to look out for the consumer.
The engine has been emitting a strong burning smell for almost a month. After driving, a have a headache and feel dizzy for several hours. My wife refuses to drive the car. Two weeks ago, the dealer claims he removed a plastic bag from the exhaust system, but the smell continues with the same intensity. The smell exists in the passenger compartment while driving and standing in several places at the front hood with the ignition turned off. I took the car to the dealer again yesterday; they claim plastic is still burning its way through the exhaust system. Not acceptable.
Had I not gotten my family out of the car promtly and taken all appropriate actions, the results of the fire could have been much worse. Fire investigator stated oil dripped onto exahust manifold after explosion causing fire. I wonder, could a drip shield have prevent the fire? I was feathering the accelerator when the engine blew-up. Could the combination of feathering and higher speed have caused an control situation that caused the explosion? it looks like the part failed in a rotating part of the engine. What would have happened if the part failed in a different direction; would ther have been any risk to passengers or pedestrians?.