File · TOYOTA-1MZ-SLUDGE

1MZ-FE engine sludge

Manufacturer

Toyota/Lexus

Years

1997–2002

Where people complain about this

Reddit reply — long

That sounds like the **1MZ-FE engine sludge** issue — it's a known defect on Toyota/Lexus Camry/Avalon/Sienna from 1997–2002.

1MZ-FE V6 engines suffer oil-pickup sludge buildup leading to engine seizure. Toyota issued a special policy adjustment covering many affected vehicles.

Source: Toyota engine sludge policy adjustment.

If you've taken it to the dealer 2+ times for the same thing, you might have a lemon-law case. I built a free tool that checks your specific car against active class actions and NHTSA records — defectfiles.com. Takes about 60 seconds, no signup. Worst case it tells you nothing's there.

Reddit reply — short

Sounds like the 1MZ-FE engine sludge issue — well-documented defect on Toyota/Lexus 1997–2002, Toyota engine sludge policy adjustment. If your dealer's tried to fix it 2+ times you may have a case. Free 60-sec check at defectfiles.com.

Driving a Toyota Camry? Run yours through the check.

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