This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving approximately 25 mph heard loud noise coming from the engine. This forced driver to pull of the road. Then, called triple aaa, and towed vehicle to the dealer. Technician stated the need to replace the engine. Consumer had navigated in different websites and found 5000 identical problems.
Failure of valve seals and engine varnish at only 62,000 miles. Vehicle was properly maintained oil changes within mfg. Specs. This engine runs too hot! only 2000 miles out of warranty Toyota refused help, overcharged for repair, and charged for an oil change that was never done!!!!
While driving at approximately 65 mph going uphill on expressway, we heard a loud noise from the engine compartment, followed immediately by smoke and flame. By the time we go to the shoulder of the road, we had no brakes, no steering, nothing was working. Car was totally covered in smoke and flames were intense. Another vehicle stopped within seconds of our pulling over with a medium sized fire extinguisher. He proceeded to lay on his back and totally empty the extinguisher from under the car, which made no difference. By the time the fire trucks arrived (within 10 minutes), the entire engine compartment was totally burned. I notice that you have closed out PE02-079, but believe it to be related. The car is under investigation by state farm insurance. The car had a major service at 67,000 miles, including a timing belt replacement on July 24th, 2003. The car had approximately 70,000 miles at the time of the incident.
Vehicle's engine failed and caught on fire. The consumer was traveling on the highway when the engine caught fire. Dealership indicated the consumer was the one responsible for the fire. They stated the cause was: Lack of oil, which caused the bearings to wear out. Throw rod, #3 bearing rod spun and caused it to break the rod. It went through the block and allowed oil to cover the engine compartment and ignite, starting a fire and melting some of the compartments.
While driving at highway speeds, a clicking noise was heard and then smoke started to come from under the hood. The vehicle lost power. The consumer viewed flames under the hood.
- College, MD, USA
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Several times oil would backup into the engine or excessive oil would be used. When the consumer pulled into a gas station the vehicle caught fire and exploded. The cause of the failure was questionable and the dealership needed to replace the engine.
While driving at 45mph and with no warning consumer could hear a loud noises coming from engine. Then vehicle shut off, causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.
Additional info to ODI number 765034 - shop mentioned that the water pump damaged caused scrapping on the engine block. Since the engine block is made of an aluminum base his concern was that the marks might cause a crack to occur. He said no leaking was seen at this time but I want to put on record that damage was made to the engine that might cause problems in the furture. This scraping was due to the water pump failure that was noted in the ODI number 765034 questionnaire. This info was also mentioned to Toyota in a certified letter but I have not received any response yet from Toyota.
On 9/8/2001 I had the 30,000 mile maintenance performed on my 1999 Toyota Camry. On July 7,2002, the water pump failed and damaged the timing belt. I had to replace the water pump, timing(camshaft belt), several additional belts, idler, tensioner and anti-freeze. Labor and parts totaled $710.44. This is the 5th occurance of a water pump failing on a 1999 Toyota Camry with under 45,000 miles that was reported on this web site alone. The powertrain warranty covers the water pump for 60 months or 60,000 miles. I have sent a certified letter to Toyota, which they have received but have not received a response from them. The water pump should last more that 45,000 mile and with the number of failures that have occured, there is a trend that there is a problem with this part.
I bought this car as a used "programed car" in February, 2000. It has approximately 35,000 miles on it. It has driven just fine up until February 24, 2002. It all of a sudden started to have clear liquid like smoke emit from the rear exhaust pipe. I had just filled the car up with gas. I was able to get the car to my mechanic the next day. My mechanic told me that I had a "blown head gasket". this is very, very unusual for Toyota. I have owned Toyota for over 16 years now, and have never had this type of a problem in a new car. After my mechanic has the opportunity to go over the car, he confirmed that it was indeed the "head gasket". I asked him what would cause a "head gasket" to go out on a fairly new Toyota" I have always been very prompt with my general upkeep on my cars, regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other necessary filter changes. My mechanic said, it's a good posibility that the head gasket could have been defective. He asked me to check with someone to see if there has been a recall on any 1999 Toyota camarys. Is this the type of information that I can get from you, or do I need to contact the corporate headquarters for Toyota" please call or E-mail me you response as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence.
Consumer was traveling about 25mph on a side street traveling onto another street, and without prior warning, vehicle took off and hit two vehicles. Consumer had feet on brakes, and vehicle continued to move. Dealership was aware of problem. Consumer also experienced this same problem a year ago, however was able to pull over and stop vehicle, for this last accident, dealer replaced gasket and cleaned throttle body.
On 6-16-01, I was on my way home when my car suddenly lost power. I wasn't able to stop the vehicle. In order to stop it, I had to apply the emergency brake. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased it from. It has been there ever since. I found out today that the water pump froze up on it and broke the timing belt. The salesman who sold me my car told me that he has heard of many owners of the Camry who have experienced the same problem that I'm experiencing. He told me that the car is pretty much unsafe, so I traded it in and bought a corolla today. I had no intention of trading in my car. I would like to know if toytoa knew about the failed water pump/timing belt in their Camry'. and if so, why didn't they let the public know about how dangerous this could be? I leased my Camry and Toyota is making me pay for remainder of the lease. Therefore, I am paying two car notes. I would like for them to reimburse me for the money I lost in this deal.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tustin, CA, USA