The 1.8-litre VVT-i...

The 1.8-litre VVT-i engine is found in models across the line-up, but can suffer from excessive oil burning from as few as 50,000-60,000 miles, according to main dealers. The problem is being blamed on the piston ring design, and Toyota says that any unit consuming more than one litre of oil every 1,000 miles will be looked at and, full service history permitting, rectified.

If your Toyota VVT-i is consuming too much oil, call your dealer

Auto Express has already heard of X-reg models being given replacement ‘short engines’ – which do not include the cylinder head and ancillaries. Bosses claim this is part of the manufacturer’s ongoing customer care policy. So, if your Avensis, RAV4 or MR2 has covered only moderate mileage, but you feel it is drinking too much oil, the firm recommends you get in touch with your local franchised dealer as soon as possible.

Luxury offshoot Lexus also appears to be suffering, as some 2.2-litre diesel models have been forced to have their cylinder heads removed and de-coked after as few as 20,000 miles.

The manufacturer reckons the problem is specific to the driving conditions in this country. It says they affect what is known as the engine’s ‘fifth injector’, which controls the vehicle’s emissions. Apparently, only a handful of cars have developed difficulties so far.