2000 Toyota Sienna Engine cooling Problems

“Noticed check engine light on and smoke on cold start up. Called local Toyota dealer and was told this would be a major fix and would cost at least $3,000.00 to repair. After doing a google search I realized my Sienna most likely had oil gel and called tmsusa in california to report it. Was told to take van to a local dealer and have diagnosed. Took it in the very next day and oil gel was confirmed (in writing). Was then told that the van was 90 days past coverage and it would cost $6,200.00 for a new engine. …”

“Oil gelling related damage-2000 Toyota Sienna w/v6 with oil gelling. This engine was repaired under Toyota's special repair program. The issue is that the repair does not include enough parts to properly return the unit into service without compramising the main and rod bearings, as well as the rear and front seals. I am now faced with a $1400 repair bill for the rear main seal at 65k miles. I beleive that this portion of the engine was comprimised do to lack of oil casued by the oil gelling. …”

“I own a 2000 Toyota Sienna le. I noticed a coolant leak. I took it in to a Toyota dealer and discovered the problem was the leak from the cooling pipe. The cause of the problem was the cooling pipe was rubbing against the power steering line (according to the service advisor) and the cooling pipe wore out. I asked if it was a design flaw. He replied that he never saw this before, but there should be something between the cooling pipe and the power steering line to prevent the rubbing. …”

“Engine oil light came on when driving, when taken to dealer, service rep. Indicated this would potentially be a very expensive repair. After a quick search on the internet revealed an issue with this engine and a call to Toyota national and some discussions with the dealer the car was taken for desludging . Proof of oil changes had to be provided, much discussion about how it was our fault . Since we are both engineers and typically keep our vehicles a very long time, this was insulting. Van was returned, but oil light came on within 10 miles. …”

“I am not sure of dates, but our Toyota dealer tried to blame us for the "smoking" problem due to the lack of oil changes. We did not slack off on the oil changes, and now they admit that the "smoking" problem is due to bad engine design, or whatever. We have had the van in for repairs several times, but I am not sure of dates, or how much we have spent. The problem has started again, and this time, not only is it smomking, and reads low oil (on the dip stick), but we are now going thru a quart of oil per tank of gas!!! …”