Has Toyota Resolved the Engine Oil Emulsification Issue?

[DiRyan]

Toyota's engine oil emulsification issue has mostly been resolved. Currently, the engine oil emulsification situation in Toyota vehicles has been largely addressed. The Toyota Motor Group has recalled all affected vehicles for centralized inspection and repair, effectively resolving the phenomenon of engine oil emulsification. Here is some relevant information about engine oil: 1. Functions of Engine Oil: Engine oil serves multiple purposes, including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing against leaks, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. Choosing the right engine oil and replacing it regularly can maintain the engine in good condition and extend its lifespan. 2. Selecting Engine Oil: When selecting engine oil, the most expensive option is not necessarily the best. Instead, it is most appropriate to choose engine oil based on the characteristics of the car's engine and the driver's habits. Engine oil can also be categorized based on seasonal use—winter and summer. For winter use, the primary consideration is the low-temperature viscosity grade. In summer, due to higher temperatures, there is no need to select engine oil with an excellent low-temperature viscosity grade.

[AidenLynn]

I'm the owner of a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. In northern winters, my commute is only 2-3 km after work. The next year, I encountered oil cap emulsification. The dealership upgraded the ECU program, and the technician said it extended the engine warm-up time. For the past two years, the issue hasn't reappeared. I heard that the newer models have improved the PCV valve, making oil-gas separation more thorough. Observing car owner groups, those who bought after 2022 haven't posted any emulsification photos. However, this issue is closely related to driving conditions. If you frequently drive short distances in cold weather, don't turn off the engine immediately after parking. Let it run for a few more minutes to expel moisture, and it will help a lot.

[DeMartin]

Last month when I accompanied my friend to the dealership to check out the new Camry, I specifically inquired about the oil emulsification issue. The after-sales manager showed me a technical bulletin, explaining that Toyota had redesigned the piston ring ventilation system and vehicles produced after March 2021 are equipped with enhanced oil-gas separators. They also demonstrated the new active grille shutter function, which helps the engine warm up faster during cold starts. There's now an additional service item on the maintenance checklist - a free engine control software upgrade to optimize warm-up strategy. While older models did experience issues, the dealership hasn't received any emulsification complaints in the past six months.

[LeRicardo]

Last year, we conducted a real-world test of the Avalon Hybrid in Changchun at -20°C, specifically checking the oil dipstick. The core issue of oil emulsification in the past was the engine shutting down before reaching optimal temperature, allowing gasoline to mix with the engine oil. The current vehicle system is much smarter, preventing shutdown until the coolant temperature reaches 60°C. Upon opening the hood, the PCV tubing appears noticeably thicker, and winter fuel consumption is about 0.8L lower than the previous model. The maintenance manual now includes inspection of the crankcase ventilation tube as part of quarterly service. For northern owners, I recommend using 0W-16 low-viscosity oil for better fluidity and faster vaporization of the fuel mixture.