Class Action Suit re: Oil Gelling
11-27-06, 10:36 PM
#16
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For the RX300, the engine oil gelling issue was eliminated starting with August 2001 build. So the 2003 model is not affected. My 2002 RX300 was built in January 2002, so it's not affected, either. However, Toyota/Lexus decided to include all 2002s in the extended warranty programme.
For those who own other Lexus / Toyota vehicles, these are the affected models:
# Camry, built August 1996 to July 2001
# Camry Solara, built June 1998 to May 2001
# Sienna, built July 1997 to May 2001
# Avalon, built July 1996 to May 2001
# Celica, 4-cylinder, built August 1996 to April 1999
# Highlander, built November 2000 to July 2001
# Lexus ES 300, built August 1998 to July 2001
# Lexus RX 300, built January 1998 to July 2001
Source: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A
For those who own other Lexus / Toyota vehicles, these are the affected models:
# Camry, built August 1996 to July 2001
# Camry Solara, built June 1998 to May 2001
# Sienna, built July 1997 to May 2001
# Avalon, built July 1996 to May 2001
# Celica, 4-cylinder, built August 1996 to April 1999
# Highlander, built November 2000 to July 2001
# Lexus ES 300, built August 1998 to July 2001
# Lexus RX 300, built January 1998 to July 2001
Source: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A
How I determine when the engine was built?
11-28-06, 07:22 PM
#18
Lexus Champion
Check the window sticker if you bought it new. It'd have the manufacturing date. Or your Lexus dealer can look it up through VIN number.
You'll have to open up the engine to check for sludge or oil gelling. A common symptom would be valve lifting noise, since the oil passage to the valves may be clogged. Sometimes the engine may simply seize without any warning.
Even with this oil gelling issue, the Toyota/Lexus engines are still among the most reliable engines out there.
You'll have to open up the engine to check for sludge or oil gelling. A common symptom would be valve lifting noise, since the oil passage to the valves may be clogged. Sometimes the engine may simply seize without any warning.
Even with this oil gelling issue, the Toyota/Lexus engines are still among the most reliable engines out there.
11-30-06, 08:45 AM
#20
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I would like to know this as well. I own a 99 with 100k on it and it does burn quite a bit of oil. Does this mean if they find the problem they will replace the motor at no charge or is it pending on the Judges decision still? Seems like the dealerships would love this as they get paid for the job anyway so it might be an easy way to get a new motor...?
12-08-06, 09:00 AM
#21
12-08-06, 10:36 AM
#22
Moderator
I will take a stab at this, but you need to call your dealership for the "right" answer.
As I see it the dealership has to be paid either by customer or the manufacturer for labor and parts.
If you want the dealer to check, then you have to be prepared to pay for the time (labor) and parts (must replace gaskets etc). When I say prepared, I mean you will have to pay if there is NO problem. If there is a problem then the dealership will do the repairs and bill the manufacturer for reimbursement.
Salim
As I see it the dealership has to be paid either by customer or the manufacturer for labor and parts.
If you want the dealer to check, then you have to be prepared to pay for the time (labor) and parts (must replace gaskets etc). When I say prepared, I mean you will have to pay if there is NO problem. If there is a problem then the dealership will do the repairs and bill the manufacturer for reimbursement.
Salim
12-08-06, 06:38 PM
#23
Lexus Champion
I would like to know this as well. I own a 99 with 100k on it and it does burn quite a bit of oil. Does this mean if they find the problem they will replace the motor at no charge or is it pending on the Judges decision still? Seems like the dealerships would love this as they get paid for the job anyway so it might be an easy way to get a new motor...?
Dealerships don't necessarily jump at any warranty work. Dealerships that do too many warranty repairs may get audited by the carmakers (common industry practice.) It may jeopardize its "Lexus Elite" status so it's a thin line to walk.
12-18-06, 10:51 AM
#25
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i thought i had read about the reason why here but i cannot find it with a search
what i recall was that toyota redesigned suspect oil passages in the head to make them larger and less suspect to clog up with sludge, which resulted in oil starvation? can someone confirm?
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