From what I have seen on the Internet, the timing chain cover oil leak was known for some time (since about 2007), yet Toyota has not accepted at least partial responsibility for getting the repair done. I have been quoted by Toyota in Huntington Beach of $3,500 to do the repair on my 2006 Avalon with 86,744 miles. They said it requires the whole motor to be removed and it is all labor. This was my first Toyota and I'm guessing if they are going to charge that amount, it will be my last. Too bad...Honda here I come!
The is a very serious s issue from a financial point of view with a cost approaching 2000.00 on a flagship toyota avalon. may be the last toyota I purchase
I have never heard of dropping an engine to replace a cover let alone a timing chain cover. This seems to be a systemic problem throughout several model years. I think Toyota should pay for the replacement of the gasket and recall all vehicles such as this. I asked the service guy if he had seen this type of problem on any other Avalons before and he said there were a few. I will be contacting Toyota and if I do not get a proper reply I will make a complaint with the local BBB.
I took my Avalon to the dealer for routine oil change; I've always had it done by the dealer using Royal Purple syn oil. I'm the original owner, oil changed every 3000 miles (even though it can go 5k miles), garage kept, mileage a mere 34300. Dealer rep tells me I have an oil leak, timing cover, cost will be $2500 to drop engine and replace. Car is 5 months out of warranty. I ask him, no, tell him, to tell Toyota about this defective condition. Rep calls next day, "Good News", Toyota will pay for repair. This doesn't sound like "Good News" to me, suspect problem will occur again. In which case, I told Rep I'll file a Lemon Law suit against Toyota. I agree with others - I won't buy Toyota again.
I had an Oil Hose replaced several years ago after all engine in car drained while I was on the road. Paid for repair and two years later Toyota has recall for the same problem. I asked if it was related and they refunded me the repair cost. Now two years later a slow leak in the timing belt chain cover and they want $3400 to do the repair. Service manager says the seals just degrade over time. I have had Hondas and Toyotas for much longer than this car and never had a problem. I wonder if there could be a connection between the Oil Hose leak issue and the strain it put on the engine and seals and this major repair problem. Have not called Toyota yet to address but would be interested if anyone has had same problems and what resolution was. Did Toyota step up and pay for repair. BTW there is a 2007 service bulletin for this issue from Toyota. What does a service bulletin mean? What a mess.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
From what I have seen on the Internet, the timing chain cover oil leak was known for some time (since about 2007), yet Toyota has not accepted at least partial responsibility for getting the repair done. I have been quoted by Toyota in Huntington Beach of $3,500 to do the repair on my 2006 Avalon with 86,744 miles. They said it requires the whole motor to be removed and it is all labor. This was my first Toyota and I'm guessing if they are going to charge that amount, it will be my last. Too bad...Honda here I come!
- scliff, Fountain Valley, CA, US