Structure. Review the 143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

381 reports

45,000 miles · Oct 24, 2018

Unknown Or Other

FRAME TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH, DEALER WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION AND ADVISED TO SCRAP VEHICLE! LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.

NHTSA ODI #11142492

132,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018

Power TrainStructureSuspension

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I JUST PURCHASED MY 2006 4RUNNER AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP WHERE I WORK TO HAVE THEM DO AN OIL CHANGE AND FLUID CHECK, THE MECHANICS BROUGHT ME BACK AND TOLD ME THAT MY FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THEY THINK THAT IN A MATTER OF 2 YRS TOPS THE FRAME WILL BE ROTTED AND COLLAPSE . I WAS TERRIFIED AND IN A PANIC MY HUSBAND HAD TAKEN MY 4RUNNER IT TO HIS FRIENDS GARAGE AND HAD THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH UNDERCOATED. I CALLED A TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT TOYOTA CAN DO AND HE TOLD ME THAT A LOT OF 4RUNNER OWNERS HAVE BEEN CALLING ABOUT THEIR ROTTED FRAMES AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT'S OMLY A MATTER OF TIME WHEN THE 4RUNNERS WILL BE RECALLED BECAUSE THEY SHARE THE SAME FRAME AS THE TACOMA'S I AM SO SICK WITH FEAR AND I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WOULD DELAY THIS RECALL WHEN IT IS A RISK OF HUMAN LIVES I DRIVE MY KIDS IN THIS 4RUNNER AND EVERY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP I AM SCARED PLEASE HELP US MAKE TOYOTA DO THE RIGHT THING BEFORE PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES I AM NOT RICH I SAVED UP ALL MY PAYCHECKS TO BUY THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I'M STUCK

NHTSA ODI #11141373

119,600 miles · Oct 18, 2018

Unknown Or Other

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MY 4-RUNNER IS IN GREAT SHAPE WITHOUT ANY BODY RUST, NICE INTERIOR , MOTOR DOESN'T USE OIL ETC. I TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR PA ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE HOME. THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT , THE REAR STABILIZERS ARE UNATTACHED, THE FROM LEFT WHEEL IS READY TO FALL OFF. THE HITCH ON THE BACK FOR PULLING TRAILERS IS READY TO FALL OFF. I NOTICED IN THE PAST WEEK THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE RIGHT( NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE ) AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHIMMY STARTING AT 50 M.P.H. AND BRAKING.

NHTSA ODI #11141277

168,000 miles · Oct 17, 2018

Structure

FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY, AND IT IS STARTING TO CAUSE CONCERNS REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE FRAME AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURE. TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER, WHO DOCUMENTED THE FRAME IS STARTING TO GET WEAK/SOFT AND JEOPARDIZING THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11141091

167,000 miles · Oct 15, 2018

Structure

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I OWN A 200Y TOYOTA 4RUNNER, 4X4 4.0 V6 TRUCK, AND DURING THE SPRING TIME I BEGAN TO NOTICE COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF RUST SCALE FALLING FROM MY TRUCK OVER NIGHT. I JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS SURFACE RUST/PAINT FALLING OFF, CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A WEEK AND BEGAN TO HEAR CREAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I TOO A LOOK UNDERNEATH AND SAW THAT THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH AND THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT BACK TO BEHIND THE CENTER OF THE AXLE IS RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NONE FOR MY MODEL BUT DID FOR SIMILAR YEAR TUNDRA, SEQUOIA, AND THE TACOMA WHICH IS A SHARED DESIGN WITH MY 4RUNNER. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN WAITING FOR A FRAME REPAIR AT A AFTERMARKET BODY SHOP FOR OVER 4 MONTHS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE AND RECEIVED NO HELP. I RECENTLY SEARCHED HOPING TO FIND NEW INFORMATION AND FOUND THAT THE NHTSA HAS OPENED AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FRAME RUST ISSUE. I AM WRITING THIS TO LET YOU KNOW THIS IS A REAL ISSUE AND NEEDS A FRAME REPLACEMENT RECALL. A 2006 MODEL YEAR TRUCK SHOULD NOT NEED A FRAME REPAIR FROM RUST AFTER 12 YEARS OF EXISTENCE AND I BELIEVE TOYOTA IS NEGLIGENT IN RECALLING ALL OTHER TRUCK BASED VEHICLES FOR FRAME RUST WHILE TRYING TO CHEAP OUT AND EXCLUDE THE 4RUNNER. DUE TO VEHICLE BEING IN SHOP I DO NOT HAVE PICTURES, BUT I CAN GET THEM IF NEEDED AND ALSO TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE SHOULD HAVE THE RECORD OF ME CONTACTING THEM AND SENDING IN PICTURES EARLIER THIS YEAR. THANK YOU! 1804271716 IS THE TOYOTA CARE CASE NUMBER.

NHTSA ODI #11140406

80,000 miles · Oct 14, 2018

Structure

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WHEN TAKING MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC FOR A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND TURNING AND FEELING VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING. MY MECHANIC STATES THAT THERE IS EXTENSIVE AND PERVASIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, SPECIFICALLY ON THE FRAME AND FRAME MOUNTING POINTS, THAT IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS AFFECTING OTHER WORKING PARTS OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I WAS SHOWN THE EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION ON THE LADDER FRAME AND FRAME ASSEMBLY. THE FRAME IN ITS ENTIRETY IS EXTENSIVELY CORRODED AND AREAS WHERE BOLTS MOUNT PARTS TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAVE CORRODED AND CAUSED PARTS TO FAIL AND LITERALLY HANG OFF CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT REQUIRES THE FRAME ITSELF TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THESE OTHER PARTS TO BE REMOVED OR REPLACED. THIS IS ABNORMAL FOR ANY VEHICLE AND IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS AS THE FRAME IS THE MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. CONTINUING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITH THE FRAME IN THE CONDITION IT IS IN IS HAZARDOUS. TOYOTA RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS FRAME TYPE I.E., SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA MODELS FROM THE SAME YEARS OF PRODUCTION AS THIS 4RUNNER FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM OF EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION THAT COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THESE VEHICLES USE THE SAME FRAME AND SAME ASSEMBLY PROCESSES FOR PREVENTING RUST AND CORROSION AND AFTER YOUR INVESTIGATION THE FRAME AND FRAME COMPONENTS OF THESE VEHICLES WERE FOUND BY YOUR ORGANIZATION TO BE WORTHY OF A COMPLETE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11140232

150,500 miles · Oct 12, 2018

StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

EXCESSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO FRAME, GOT FIXED FOR LAST YEAR INSPECTION AND MORE PROBLEMS OCCURED THIS YEAR. VEHICLE OTHER WISE IN GOOD SHAPE, DISAPPOINTING TO GET RID OF IT. COULD CASE HAZARD DUE TO WELD OF CROSS MEMBER DEVELOPING HOLE.

NHTSA ODI #11139966

156,044 miles · Oct 7, 2018

SuspensionUnknown Or Other

VEHICLE FRAME IS RUSTING FASTER THAN NORMAL. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MANY SUSPENSION PARTS, WELDED FRONT ALIGNMENT TABS TO KEEP VEHICLE IN LINE, REPLACED VEHICLE SUSPENSION BUT UNSURE HOW LONG THIS WILL LAST DUE TO FRAME STILL FLAKING. TOYOTA DEALER STATES THAT THE RUST IS SEVERE AND WHEN I HAD MY REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED,…

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NHTSA ODI #11138847

164,000 miles · Oct 6, 2018

Suspension

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RUSTED FRAME - WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM THE SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME. THANK GOD THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE REPAIR WILL REQUIRE WELDING TO THE FRAME TO SUPPORT A NEW CONTROL ARM. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. HAD THIS HAPPENED A HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. UNACCEPTABLE! I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALER BUT WILL NOT BE CONDUCTING ANY REPAIRS UNTIL TOYOTA'S SERVICE MANAGER RESPONDS TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING RECALLS ON FRAMES. THE NTSB HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO REVIEW AND IF NECESSARY, BASED ON MY ANALYSIS, EXTEND THE RECALL TO THESE VEHICLES AS WELL. SAME FRAME AS TACOMA WHICH IS ALREADY RECALLED.

NHTSA ODI #11138767

125,000 miles · Oct 5, 2018

Unknown Or Other

THE FRAME OF MY 4RUNNER IS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. IT IS FLAKING OFF IN BIG PIECES FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME AS WELL AS THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. IN A COUPLE OF LOCATIONS, IT HAS CORRODED SO MUCH THAT THERE IS A 1.5" DIAMETER HOLE IN THE FRAME. OTHER AREAS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT STRUCTURALLY AND FOR SUSPENSION, H…

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NHTSA ODI #11133488

Official recalls

16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Jun 2, 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

16V065000 · Air Bags:side/window

Feb 5, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

11V113000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Feb 24, 2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

DP18002 · Frame Corrosion

Opened Aug 17, 2018 · Closed Mar 18, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members

On August 7, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Gary Weinreich alleging premature frame corrosion failure in model year (MY) 2002 - 2006 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The petitioner based his request upon a corrosion-related front suspension failure he experienced in his MY 2005 Toyota 4Runner, a class action lawsuit settlement involving other Toyota products, and other complaints of underbody corrosion in Toyota 4Runner vehicles that he found in NHTSA?s online complaint database. The petitioner submitted a complaint to NHTSA documenting his experience (NHTSA ID 11098055). On August 17, 2018, ODI opened DP18-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI?s evaluation included information provided by the petitioner regarding his vehicle, facts related to the class action lawsuit cited by the petitioner, and consumer complaint data received by NHTSA regarding underbody corrosion in third and fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner vehicles.The undercarriage of the petitioner?s vehicle exhibited severe corrosion damage indicative of seawater immersion. The vehicle?s service history shows that concerns with underbody corrosion were first noted by a Toyota dealer in a multi-point vehicle inspection performed on April 28, 2011. The invoice for that inspection noted ?severe and excessive amount of rust on the undercarriage and on the drive shaft transmission.? Two years later, on October 21, 2013, another multi-point inspection by a Toyota dealer observed further progression of underbody corrosion damage, noting: ?rust on shocks/struts and other components,? ?rust on exhaust system,? ?both splash shields severely rusted,? and ?undercarriage very rusty.? On July 17, 2017, approximately 10 months prior to experiencing the suspension failure incident, an independent repair facility performing routine oil change and brake maintenance informed the Petitioner of a concern with ?excessive frame corrosion? on his vehicle. The service history, severe general corrosion damage, failure age, and environment do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure.ODI?s analysis of NHTSA complaint data identified fifteen incidents of front lower control arm failure in fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicles. Two of the failures, including the petitioner?s vehicle, involve vehicles operated in ocean front communities with continuous exposure to aerosolized marine salts and potential exposure to seawater immersion. The remaining thirteen failures all involved vehicles owned or previously registered in states with the greatest use of deicing salts to treat road surfaces in winter months (?Salt states?). On average, the front lower control arm failures occurred after 13.1 years in service in highly corrosive environments. The failure ages and environments do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Since the information before the Agency is not indicative of a vehicle-based defect, it is unlikely that any investigation opened because of granting this petition would result in an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition and the potential risks to safety, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action if warranted or the p

RQ10003 · Unintended And Uncontrolled Acceleration

Opened Feb 16, 2010 · Closed Mar 1, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Electrical System:software

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal