Has the issue of oil emulsification in the Avalon been resolved?
3 Answers
Currently, the problems of oil dilution and emulsification in the Avalon have not been resolved. Here is an introduction to the Avalon: 1. Overview: The Avalon is a flagship model launched by Toyota Motor Corporation in the U.S. market in the 1990s and is the largest sedan model under the Toyota brand. 2. Features: The interior design features a two-tone color scheme, a 9-inch multimedia touch screen, and a multifunction steering wheel wrapped in genuine leather. Safety technologies include a rear cross-traffic emergency braking system, a panoramic parking camera with alert function, and 'Intelligent Clearance Sonar.' It offers three driving modes: Eco Mode, Normal Mode, and Sport Mode.
To be honest, I've been following the early oil emulsification issue with the Avalon Hybrid for a long time, and some friends' cars have encountered it too. Toyota did update the engine control program later, mainly optimizing the hybrid system's working logic to allow the engine to warm up faster. Now, it's quite rare to see that milky layer on the oil cap in newer batches of cars—at least, post-2021 owners in car enthusiast groups rarely complain about it. However, I should remind you that any car driven for short distances in winter, especially if it's turned off after just three to five kilometers each time, can lead to moisture accumulation. My advice is to take a highway trip monthly to let the engine fully heat up, which effectively prevents moisture buildup. Also, make it a habit to check under the oil cap regularly, and if you notice abnormal fluid levels, head to the 4S店 immediately.
Having worked in car repairs for over a decade, I've seen many cases of oil emulsification. The Asian Dragon's improvement measures are indeed effective. They redesigned the PCV ventilation system, added thermal insulation layers to the engine block, and after updating the ECU program, the fuel injection during cold starts became more precise. Follow-up visits with customers show that post-2022 models rarely experience oil emulsification now. However, remember that emulsification is a physical phenomenon—any brand can encounter it if the engine doesn't reach a temperature high enough to evaporate moisture. The key is to check the oil dipstick: if emulsification is only on the oil cap surface and disappears after driving, it's fine; but if the entire oil turns milky or the oil level rises abnormally, immediate action is required. Long-term neglect can corrode engine bearings, which is no trivial matter.