2001 Toyota Sienna Engine cooling Problems

“The engine failed and had to be replaced at a cost of $5,000 due to oil sludge buildup. Traveling on I-4 from tampa to orlando the check engine light appeared then we heard a tapping from the engine,. I pulled off the road and aaa towed the vehicle and a rental car company picked us up. I had two elderly passengers (in their 80's) with walkers who had to traverse the grass along the interstate to get to the rental car and were nearly blown over by passing trucks. …”

“I have a Sienna le 2001. 118,000 miles. We have been the only owners since we bought it. We have no perfect record of oil changes but we have done it periodically. About 3-4 months ago, it was running ok, but it blew out white-ish/ blue-ish smoke occasionally (usually when first starting, it didn't seem to make a difference if it was hot or cold). It also had little and occasional power loss when accelerating from a stop. I took it to the dealer where we bought it, and they said they just took off the top cover of the engine and it looked like it was gummed up with oil. …”

“The engine of my Toyota Sienna 2001 with an identified oil sludge problem seized while driving at highway speeds. Vehicle could not be controlled and my toddler threw up in fear as we tried to avoid being smashed into while the car coasted to a stop. Mechanic repeatedly said cam seized, metal filings found, and could not think of any other reason but the sludge problem. Toyota refused to repair the vehicle under unlimited mileage, 8-year warranty. Car is presently with dealer and may be examined by engineers from NHTSA (dealer agreed on 12/22/05). This failure was predicted by another dealer. …”

“I bought the car in 2001, used at 18,000 miles. I have had all scheduled maintenance done. On aug 8th I had and oil change and by sept. 17 there was no oil , another oil change was done. By sept. 22 there was no oil. I brought the car to stevenson Toyota in jacksonville, nc, where they told me I had an oil gelling problem. They are keeping my car for 1-2 weeks, without the use of a loaner car. They state that Toyota will clean the parts one time as a good will gesture and possibly pay for a rental car for 3 days. They also said that my warranty and extended warranty does not cover this. …”

“At 54,525 miles, the check engine light came on. It was diagnosed as replace air/fuel sensor b1 s1. Failure caused excessive damage because the sensor fused into the rear exhaust manifold. Diagnostic testing $ 49.00 sensor replacement part 227.52 labor 150.00 rear exhaust manifold 154.21 rear exhaust manifold gasket 29.27 repair was not done at a Toyota dealership. I am reporting this so that Toyota will change the design. Failed part should not damage surrounding structures. Suggest recall on this part if Toyota continues to use this design.”