2002 Toyota Sienna Engine cooling Problems

“I own a 2002 Toyota Sienna which I purchased as a certified used vehicle in january 2008. I wasn't informed about the problems these particular vehicles were having with oil sludge build up. Shortly after january 2010, I checked my oil and found the oil to be gummy. I took it in for a proper oil change (though it was under the 3000 mile mark for an oil change). I checked the oil again after only driving 100 miles or so, and found the same gummy oil build up. I stopped driving it as soon as I noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust. …”

“My 2002 Sienna was diagnosed with oil sludge at 73,000 miles. Dealer says it cannot replace engine at their cost without receipts to prove oil changes. Since we did the changes ourselves we have no receipts.”

“I have 2002 Toyota Sienna. The car was perfect until after 30k miles. We first noticed the car occasionally had difficulty of starting during warm weather or warm engine condition. Then the situation got worst, the no starting got more often. We even got stuck in the freeway and busy street because we stopped the car and had a lot of difficulty to get the car started again. The situation could be dangerous in a traffic busy location. I have two friend who have Sienna and they both had the similar problems with their Sienna. …”

“Engine oil sludge forming in camshaft carrier and under oil filler cap after only 35k miles! I bought this Sienna brand new for $32000 and perform maintenance religiously, changing oil & filter every 4000 - 5000. Yet, last week on a routine oil change I noticed black gritty deposits caked underneath the oil filler cap! It was about 2-4 mm thick; I could scrape it with my fingernails and it felt like hardened sugar. I could see the black deposits well into the cam carrier. I found out that many other Toyota owners are experiencing this sludge problem! …”

“I own a 2002 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle was purchased new from magic Toyota in edmonds wa. The van has 20000 miles on it and is now in need of a new engine. I have had it serviced but apparently the Toyota engines have an oil sludge build up problem which destroys the engine if it occurs. Toyota is uncertain at this juncture if they are going to repair the engine which is still under warranty. I had it serviced on 11/20/02 at magic Toyota. Four weeks later the engine is dead lined with blue smoke, poor compression, and a knock. …”