The Toyota Scion Story

TheProfessor · 01-27-2023, 12:21 PM

Have now/previously purchsed used Toyota/Scion.
4 cylinder.
This 4 cylinder engine was used in multiple Toyota and Scion models.

The previous owner never checked the oil. Doesn't know how anyway.
But always took to Toyota dealership for 3,000 mile oil change. Yes, it was 3,000 miles in those days.

I do check the oil.
And noticed that oil was down a quart.
Checked for leaks. None.

Then did an internet search of this model.
Low and behold, there was a TSP (Technical Service Bulletin) on this engine.
Excessive oil burning as Toyota had put in incorrect piston rings in engine. At factory. Toyota knew about this. Toyota never advised customers of this TSP.

AND
IF customer complained about excessive oil burning - Toyota/Scion would put new piston rings in or replace the entire engine. Whichever was less costly to Toyota. This was an engine extended warranty for 10 years. From date of new purchase.

For me though. The 10 years has gone by before I purchased used vehicle.

Now. I just keep adding engine oil. And on my way. The car does start, run, and drive fine currently. The car was oil undercoated - so zero rust.

As a suggestion to all. Do an internet search - see if there are any TSP's on your vehicle. Note that TSP is not a recall. Recalls are usually limited for safety related items.

There is a myth about Toyota products that is now tarnished.

01-27-2023, 12:21 PM	#1
TheProfessor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,062 Thanks: 17 Thanked 326 Times in 198 Posts	The Toyota Scion Story Have now/previously purchsed used Toyota/Scion. 4 cylinder. This 4 cylinder engine was used in multiple Toyota and Scion models. The previous owner never checked the oil. Doesn't know how anyway. But always took to Toyota dealership for 3,000 mile oil change. Yes, it was 3,000 miles in those days. I do check the oil. And noticed that oil was down a quart. Checked for leaks. None. Then did an internet search of this model. Low and behold, there was a TSP (Technical Service Bulletin) on this engine. Excessive oil burning as Toyota had put in incorrect piston rings in engine. At factory. Toyota knew about this. Toyota never advised customers of this TSP. AND IF customer complained about excessive oil burning - Toyota/Scion would put new piston rings in or replace the entire engine. Whichever was less costly to Toyota. This was an engine extended warranty for 10 years. From date of new purchase. For me though. The 10 years has gone by before I purchased used vehicle. Now. I just keep adding engine oil. And on my way. The car does start, run, and drive fine currently. The car was oil undercoated - so zero rust. As a suggestion to all. Do an internet search - see if there are any TSP's on your vehicle. Note that TSP is not a recall. Recalls are usually limited for safety related items. There is a myth about Toyota products that is now tarnished.