Our 2000 Toyota Avalon 6 cylinder engine shut down due to oil sludge. We had it towed to the nearest Toyota dealer (champion Toyota) where they told us the engine is dead due to the years of oil sludge. No one told us that the 2000-2002 avlon was in a quiet recall called csp to "fix" those engines. The figure for a new engine is $9000, we decided to take the car to a auto shop near the house where the oil sludge was cleaned. We got the car back. Within a few weeks, the car broke down on a busy highway intersection late at night. We had the car towed home as it was very late. We had the car towed to charles maund Toyota who sold us the car (car previously owned by the owner charles maund. We bought it with 7000 miles on it in 2000T. The mechanics there cleaned the sludge and try to test drive, only to have the engine shut down again..they took it apart and found that the engine has been damaged beyond repair due to the sludge problem. We did some research on the web and has them to make good on the repairs even though we were not notified of the csp and were not able to take advantage of it during the time limit placed on the csp by Toyota Corp. The problem is well known and well documented. We have regularly changed the oil, though not always with Toyota dealer as we have moved. The engine breakdown could have caused accidents had we not been able to coast to a narrow shoulder by the corner of 2222/360 highway interchange. We want Toyota to replace the engine and correct the defective design. We also believe that Mr. Charles maund may have received the csp notice as he was the "original owner" but fail to communicate that to us. We have purchased 2 vehicles from charles maund and were regular maintenance customers so they have our records and would have known that we have one of the oil sludge 6 cylinder Avalons.

- Austin, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. In the mornings, especially in cold weather, the contact makes several attempts to start the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument control panel. She called the dealer and is currently in the process of having the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer stated that because she exceeded her warranty, they would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 63,000.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

I own a Toyota Avalon 2000 with <87000; 4 weeks ago the car experienced a complete engine failure that was determined to be as a result of low oil volume most likely due to oil sludge build-up. I have regularly maintained the vehicle, and have all the receipts. The dealership has tried to avoid taking blame, but after two independent adjusted viewed the car, the dealership has put me in a loaner vehicle. I am awaiting a return call from the regional manager, but they are taking a long time to respond; they have had my car 4 weeks. I have done extensive research and found Toyota reported oil sludge problems and has covered costs of repairs. I am, however, having great difficulty getting something done with my car.

- Nashville, TN, USA

I took my Avalon in because there was smoke coming from the tailpipe upon engine start. They told me that there was sludge buildup caused by the improper maintainance and that they would clean out the engine and that should help. But the fact is the car now pings so loud you can not hear the radio. No it is not the gas. They blamed the sludge problem on my maintenance. I have always kept the car up to date on the oil changes. The miles at that time were approximately 30,000. I have heard many Toyota's have the same problem. The miles I have now are 50,000.

- Lauderdale By The Sea, FL, USA

While driving at any speed and when accelerator was released vehicle stalled and lost power. Once vehicle stops only then can it be restarted. Vehicle had been to the dealer twice for this problem, and dealer could not duplicate the problem.

- Florence, MS, USA

The engine would cut off twice while driving 40 to 65 mph. Dealer test drove vehicle for 125 miles however was not able to find anything wrong the vehicle.

- Columbia, MD, USA

Changed engine oil as directed by Toyota dealer on my new 2000 Toyota Avalon (every 3,000 miles). White smoke started coming from exhaust in late 2001. Took it in to Toyota service dept. Was accused of not keeping up routine maintenance (oil changes) on the vehicle, as sludge had built up under valve cover and in engine. Was totally livid at this untrue accusation. Was told I needed $4,000 to repair. I had to trade the vehicle in on a new Toyota vehicle -- starting at $4,000 in the red. For example, new vehicle was approximately $26,000. To that Toyota added the $4,000 to it. I now owe $30,000 on a vehicle worth much much less. I'm enraged and want a $4,000 credit back to my balance on my new vehicle after learning of the obvious relevation that Toyota is to blame for a faulty engine problem on many of its vehicles. I work for a law firm and will stop at nothing short of this outcome. Thank you.

- Chalmette, LA, USA

Impact on right front, severe enough to knock engine out of mount.

- Clarksdale, MS, USA