Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Sienna. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Had sludge in the engine. Engine lost oil and smoke coming out the tail pipe. They rebuilt my engine for free. Saying that I did not change oil frequent enough. I have proof and did change every 4-5000 miles but not with the Toyota dealership. My concern is that what did they change to make sure this doesn\\'t happen again. They could not promise me it wouldn\\'t even if I changed the oil every 3000 miles.
Fax fm george a. Stouffer (nc) request that Toyota cover the cost of a new engine for this 1998 Toyota Sienna due to an "oil gel" problem. White smoke had come from the tail pipe. The service dealer diagnosed that Toyota labeled an "oil gel problem" and told the consumer that the engine would be cleaned under warranty. The problem recurred and destroyed the engine. Toyota should be responsible for the payment under the same provisions as before. (they refused the request) the request for assistance was denied, because the manufacturer stated the consumer did not properly maintain the vehicle, however the consumer had proof that the vehicle was well maintained, once that proof was sent, the manufacturer claimed the warranty only covered one single repair, but the original repair never fixed the design flaw, but only cleaned out the oil gel.
At only 30,000 miles, while vehicle still under full bumper to bumper warranty, smoke began emitting from exhaust pipe. Took to dealer - dealer says it is steam. Next smoke gets worse (its blue) & oil light flashes when braking. Take it back to dealer - dealer says need oil change. Do it. Next - same stuff. Take it back. Dealer says oil leak in valves or rings - will call to set up appt. For repair. No call. I call dealer. Dealer says want oil change receipts. I get them. Dealer says no fix under warranty, not covered, caused by consumer lack of maintenance. I complain to manufacturer. No luck. I look on internet - hundreds of identical complaints on various web sites. Caused by sludge in engine, which analysis of shows water & fuel in oil. I contaact you.