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I recently had my 2002 Highlander die on me. Says in the notes found oil on the spark plugs and that cylinder #2 had 12psi instead of 125psi.

So last year when I took my car in to have it checked, as my oil light was on and blue smoke was coming out, Toyota told me that there was no sign of oil smudging. They then said that they think the problem is in the valves and that they should be replaced for $1,860 and also that my heads need to be sent out for $500 to be fixed.

I denied this as they said that they are only 50% correct on what to do. Who would pay for something that costs almost as much as the engine considering they didnt give me a confident answer?

Anyways, I see after the fact info about the oil gel settlement. I called a few other Toyota dealers and they told me that when my car was taken in that there should have been a 5 to 6 hour inspetcion done as Toyota knew about this issue.

So now im stuck with no car and am being told to file a claim with Toyota and then with the 3rd party lawyer if denied.

Just curious what are others doing out there? Should I replace the engine and hope to get some money back? or is this a situation that was my fault and its just the engine thast denied and im suppose to say oh well?  or do I try and trade the car in, with a bad engine, and see if I can get a good deal?

Thanks  

Hi Bob!

I live in Illinois and just drove to Northern Mich and back and used 3.25 quarts of Oil. I don't have any signs of oil use, no smoke, no oil on the ground. It's had a tune up and a local auto repair guy said he couldn't figure out the oil use.

I'm just wondering what kind of "luck" you've had and what direction you went? I'm about to start. I've never sued anybody, but this could be a first. Jus email me if you could. Any pointer would be much appreciated. Thanks

Lee
lshafter@comcast.net  

I have a V6 3.0L 2002 Toyota Highlander Limited edition with 124,000 miles on it. I have performed regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance checks including a 120,000 mile maintenance check before my road trip. Recently on a road trip while relocating to California my car engine failed causing my family a great deal of stress and angst. After towing the car for over 1000 miles we were told by a Toyota dealership that there was a hole in the engine block with $7000+ in repair. I am extremely disappointed in this car and Toyota quality given that Toyota is considered to be the # 1 car maker. I am over my extended warranty period by 3 months. I would like my engine replaced at a reasonable cost by Toyota. I have also heard of a class action lawsuit against Toyota for the engine failures for 2002 Toyota Highlanders. Then there is this link about oil gelling
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=2002&make=Toyota&model=Highlander

I don't know if the oil gelling issue is related to having a hole in the block. What should I do?