Engine Noise problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

The car was traveling approx. 65 mph on the freeway when suddenly I noticed smoke coming up from under the hood. I immediately pulled off the freeway and in the process noticed the engine sounding different and performance level quickly dropping. I then noticed the oil light come on, so I continued to find the first safe spot available to pull over. I then called aaa and they had to tow the vehicle because the car had evidently drained all of its oil, leaving a puddle. The car was then towed to neighborhood car care in mission viejo. It was noticed at the shop that the engine and compartment were covered in oil. I was told the engine oil cooler line had failed and would need to be replaced with an upgraded part. I was also informed that having the engine coated in oil is a fire hazard, and he told me I was lucky my engine didn't catch fire while on the freeway. He told me after the repair, that I would need to get the engine and compartment cleaned to avoid a fire. Out of concern of the potentially dangerous situation I was in, I contacted Toyota. They were aware of the probable failure of the part, and said there was a warranty, but they don't inform customers unless they have a failure within the warranty period. Had I been informed of this potential danger, I would have had it repaired immediately, before putting myself and family at risk.

Sudden loss of oil while driving causing me to pull over immediately secondary to loud engine noise, decreased power, and fear of causing more engine damage. Local mechanic discovered that the engine oil cooling tube burst and dumped all the oil. Serious safety issue when you are forced to pull over to the shoulder on a busy road and left stranded as well as the fire risk when all the oil now covers the engine/underbody/back of vehicle.

High pressure oil cooler line failure of rubber hose section dumped 5 qts of engine oil soaking undercarriage and spraying onto nearby hot exhaust pipe and right rear tire. No indication of loss of oil pressure on vehicle monitoring system. Noticed a faint smell of burnt oil when vehicle was parked. Returned later to start vehicle and heard audible engine noise and turned of engine to investigate under hood, a noticable puddle of oilhad accumulated under car. Vehicle towed for diagnoses and repair.