Toyota Announces Repair Allowances

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. has announced a new customer satisfaction program for
owners of 1997 through 2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with either the 3.0-liter
V-6 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines. Toyota reported that it is taking this action
because a very small number of customers have reported engine damage from motor-oil
breakdown, also known as oil gelling or “sludging,” a result of oil-change intervals
delayed beyond the factory-recommended schedule. While any make vehicle can suffer from
this condition if the oil is not changed often enough, Toyota has initiated this program to
ensure owners peace of mind. To make certain customers have absolute confidence in their
vehicles, this program will cover repair costs and incidental expenses for which a customer
has paid or could incur as a result of damage due to oil gelling for a period of eight
years from the date of first sale or lease without a mileage limitation. In addition to the
costs of repairs, reasonable incidental expenses, such as car rental, and other
out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. This program replaces a previous special policy
adjustment regarding oil-gel damage, and extends protection against this condition well
beyond the new-vehicle powertrain warranty period. According to Toyota, oil gelling is not
caused by engine design, but by the long-term effects of changing oil at intervals longer
than factory recommendation. When maintained according to schedule, it is extremely
unlikely that any vehicle powertrain will develop this condition. Lexus and Toyota will
continue to communicate to customers the importance of assuring proper maintenance
schedules for any automobile. Customers whose engines have needed repair in the past should
contact Toyota at (888) 802-9436 or Lexus at (888) 654-6421 for details on obtaining
reimbursement. In the event that this condition should develop in the future, customers are
advised to see their dealer to arrange for repairs.