While starting the vehicle, blue smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The dealership is aware of the problem. The consumer stated that the dealer said that it was an engine sludge problem. There is a recall on 1997-2001 2.2 cyl engines, which can cause the engine to seize up during operation. The engine is prone to dangerous levels of gasoline contamination dilution. The consumer feels that this vehicle should be covered even though its a 1996, because it has the same engine.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

Vehicle has excessive oil consumption, there is blue smoke coming from tailpipe at start up. Dealer stated there was a sludge problem in engine due to the oil not being changed regularly.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

The engine seized and blew while driving on the interstate, which caused a catastophic fire and complete damage to the entire engine and surrounding parts. It was a potentially disastrous event that could have caused great injury. We are contacting Toyota regarding the newsworthy "engine sludge" problem that they are admitting in 1996-2000 Camry (ours was 1996) and there claim of honoring engine damage claims.

- Lexington, KY, USA

Consumer states that oil and other coolants sludged up in vehicle. Consumer had to replace engine. Mechanic indicated it was a manufacturer problem.

- Bryan, TX, USA

The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat.

- Houston, TX, USA

When starting vehicle consumer has to step on gas pedal to start vehicle, which can cause internal damage to bearings.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Sludge buildup in engine. Huge puffs of black smoke on starting.

- Houston, TX, USA

The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat.

- Houston, TX, USA

Vehicle stalls in traffic when releasing gas pedal, this happens intermittently, contacted dealer and dealer stated that has to happen with them before vehicle can be checked.

- Weiner, AR, USA

Whenever vehicle is either idling at a stop sign or light it would stall. Could be driving or turning a corner, vehicle would stall. Has happened 3 times. Had taken vehicle to dealer, mechanic could not locate cause of stalling.

- Verona, PA, USA

Cannot start engine and engine stallling due to idle spped control valve failure. Replaced isc valve 5 times since 1997.

- Torrance, CA, USA

Car stalls when starting cold. Idle speed control motor failed 4 times since purchased, almost once a year.

- San Jose, CA, USA

I have seen on the internet that there have been numerous sludge engine with proper maintenance. Toyota not backing the warranty. There is a big problem worldwide here.

- Onalaska, WI, USA

Mech said failure of neoprene washer caused trans failure

- Victorville, CA, USA

While driving at low speed vehicle would stall without prior warning. Every 7-8 months it shows symptoms of instability during ignition. The RPM needle is also very unstable, especially on colder days.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

While driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. Dealer cannot determine the cause.

- Milton, MA, USA

No cold/fast idle, car stalls when starting cold, idle erratic, goes low have to give it gas so it won't stall,3 trips to the dealer, each time dealer claimed car was repaired, problem still exists. Toyota customer service has been no help, when contacing dealer for the fourth time, they said they'd get back to me. Won't return my calls. This is going on for a month, I am afraid to drive the car.

- Chester, NY, USA

While driving all power stopped, causing the driver to lose control. When noticed the power failure tried to pull over, but did not have control of the vehicle.

- Handover, PA, USA

Since the owner of the vehicle purchased the automobile, it has been pulsating/vibrating and hesitation when driving at higher speeds of 50 mph or more. The dealership has not been able to rectify the problem and consumer is unsatisfied with the performance of the vehicle.

- Bowie, MD, USA

Engine is having trouble starting, the problem is undiagnosed and is still present.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA