NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
31 reportsClear category filter66,500 miles · Sep 11, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR THE KEY. IT HAD TO BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT TOYOTA AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PART AND I PAID THE LABOR. NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER, ALTHOUGH I AM ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE KEY.…
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THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR THE KEY. IT HAD TO BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT TOYOTA AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PART AND I PAID THE LABOR. NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER, ALTHOUGH I AM ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE KEY. AT TIMES THE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. THE HANDLE WOULD NOT MOVE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND I WAS CONCERNED THAT THE HANDLE WOULD BREAK. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND TOYOTA WILL NOT REPAIR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT SINCE SOMEONE COULD GET STUCK IN THEIR CAR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND THAT TOYOTA SHOULD REPAIR THIS DEFECT AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10167796
54,500 miles · Aug 15, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
THE DOOR LATCH HANDLES (PLASTIC) ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH FRONT DOORS HAVE BROKEN OFF DURING NORMAL USE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD; IF I'M IN AN ACCIDENT THAT DISABLES THE POWER WINDOWS (BATTERY FAILURE) I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE EXTERIOR HANDLES, AS I DO NOW, AND I WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR. BECAUSE THE CAR WARRANTY HAS EXP…
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THE DOOR LATCH HANDLES (PLASTIC) ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH FRONT DOORS HAVE BROKEN OFF DURING NORMAL USE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD; IF I'M IN AN ACCIDENT THAT DISABLES THE POWER WINDOWS (BATTERY FAILURE) I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE EXTERIOR HANDLES, AS I DO NOW, AND I WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR. BECAUSE THE CAR WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED THE DEALER SAID THE FAILURE IS NOT COVERED AND OFFERED TO REPLACE THEM FOR $33 EACH, PLUS INSTALLATION CHARGES. THE CORPORATE "CUSTOMER SERVICE" 800 NUMBER ALSO DENIED COVERAGE UNDER THE WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. I SEE NO PURPOSE IN REPLACING THEM WITH DUPLICATES THAT WILL ALSO BREAK. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10165591
34,715 miles · Aug 1, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE USED TO EXIT THE CAR BROKE OFF,AS I WAS ROUTINELY USING IT. AT FIRST I WAS ANXIOUS AS I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO TRY TO CRAWL OVER THE TRANSMISSION TO GET TO THE PASSENGER SIDE IN ORDER TO GET OUT. I THEN REALIZED I COULD USE THE POWER WINDOWS TO LOWER THE WINDOW , AND REACH WAY AROUND TO OPEN THE…
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THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE USED TO EXIT THE CAR BROKE OFF,AS I WAS ROUTINELY USING IT. AT FIRST I WAS ANXIOUS AS I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO TRY TO CRAWL OVER THE TRANSMISSION TO GET TO THE PASSENGER SIDE IN ORDER TO GET OUT. I THEN REALIZED I COULD USE THE POWER WINDOWS TO LOWER THE WINDOW , AND REACH WAY AROUND TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH OUTSIDE HANDLE. I THINK THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN AN ACCIDENT OR IF THERE WERE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT NECESSITATED A QUICK EXIT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10164079
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2006
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE WERE NORMAL USE OF CAR DOORS. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF FRONT PASSENGER AND BACK PASSENGER DOORS CRACKED AND ONE COMPLETELY FELL OFF. DOOR HANDLES BROKE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT WITHIN A 1.5 YEAR TIME SPAN AS PASSENGERS WERE TRYING TO GET OUT OF CAR (CAR WAS UNLOCKED). AS A RESULT RIDERS CANNOT…
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EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE WERE NORMAL USE OF CAR DOORS. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF FRONT PASSENGER AND BACK PASSENGER DOORS CRACKED AND ONE COMPLETELY FELL OFF. DOOR HANDLES BROKE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT WITHIN A 1.5 YEAR TIME SPAN AS PASSENGERS WERE TRYING TO GET OUT OF CAR (CAR WAS UNLOCKED). AS A RESULT RIDERS CANNOT LET THEMSELVES OUT OF THE CAR. ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR IS STILL IN WORKING CONDITION. DRIVER MUST "VALET STYLE" LET PASSENGERS OUT OF THE CAR. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10163911
29,300 miles · Jul 15, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED AT SPINDLE. THIS CAR HAS 29,000 MILES AND PASSENGERS ARE RARELY CARRIED. BREAKAGE RENDERED DOOR INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE,CAUSING MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COSMETIC PROBLEM, THEREFORE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS. UPON CALLING T…
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FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED AT SPINDLE. THIS CAR HAS 29,000 MILES AND PASSENGERS ARE RARELY CARRIED. BREAKAGE RENDERED DOOR INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE,CAUSING MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COSMETIC PROBLEM, THEREFORE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS. UPON CALLING TOYOTA'S EXTRA CARE PROTECTION PLAN, I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. DEALER WILL REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162458
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2006
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
I WROTE ON MAY 9, 2005 ABOUT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN JUNE 2004 THE DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IN MAY 2006 THE PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. TOYOTA REFUSED ANY SUPPORT. IN JULY 2006 THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. ALL THREE TIMES IT CRACKED…
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I WROTE ON MAY 9, 2005 ABOUT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN JUNE 2004 THE DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IN MAY 2006 THE PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. TOYOTA REFUSED ANY SUPPORT. IN JULY 2006 THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. ALL THREE TIMES IT CRACKED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. EXITING THE VEHICLE BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE AGAIN CONTACTED MY DEALERS CUSTOMER CARE AND PARTS DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE GENERAL MANAGER. THEY WOULD NOT LET ME TALK TO THE OWNER. THE PART MANAGER SAYS THERE HAVE NOT BEEN A LOT SOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS NOTHING IN THE BULLETINS. BUT THIS IS A RECURRING SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162285
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
I WROTE TO YOU ON MAY 9, 2006 ABOUT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN JUNE 2004, THE DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IN MAY 2006 THE PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. TOYOTA DID NOT HANDLE THIS EPISODE AND REFUSED TO DEAL WITH ME. IN JULY 2006 THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR…
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I WROTE TO YOU ON MAY 9, 2006 ABOUT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN JUNE 2004, THE DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IN MAY 2006 THE PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. TOYOTA DID NOT HANDLE THIS EPISODE AND REFUSED TO DEAL WITH ME. IN JULY 2006 THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE CRACKED. ALL THREE TIMES IT CRACKED WHEN TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. EXITING THE VEHICLE BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. IN MAY I CONTACTED MY TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA INTERNATIONAL. BUT DID NOT GET ANY SATISFACTION. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE FIRST TWO EPISODES HAPPENED WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR. THIS LAST ONE OCCURRED WHEN AN 81 YEAR OLD MAN TRIED TO OPEN OUR DOOR. I CRINGE TO THINK IF IT WERE AN EMERGENCY. WE'VE OWNED A LOT OF CARS AND NEVER HAD DOOR HANDLES CRACK. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PRODUCT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162217
55,457 miles · Jul 11, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
TOYOTA CAMRY LE 2002, PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR PLASTIC HANDLES FRONT AND REAR (RIGHT SIDE) BROKE WITHIN ONE DAY APART, THEREFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE WAS IMPOSSIBLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, SINCE DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE ELECTRIC. IN 2004, DRIVER SEAT INSIDE DOOR HANDLE ALSO BROKE IN THE SAME MANNER, (CRACKED IN THE HANDLE). *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162149
84,000 miles · Jul 5, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
THE INSIDE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IN MY 2002 CAMRY BROKE OFF. VERY SELDOM DO I HAVE PASSENGERS RIDE WITH ME, SO IT WASN'T EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE A 1995 TOYOTA COROLLA AND HAVE REPLACED BOTH INSIDE FRONT SEAT HANDLES AND A 1996 TOYOTA CAMRY AND HAVE REPLACED BOTH INSIDE FRONT HANDLES AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE …
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THE INSIDE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IN MY 2002 CAMRY BROKE OFF. VERY SELDOM DO I HAVE PASSENGERS RIDE WITH ME, SO IT WASN'T EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE A 1995 TOYOTA COROLLA AND HAVE REPLACED BOTH INSIDE FRONT SEAT HANDLES AND A 1996 TOYOTA CAMRY AND HAVE REPLACED BOTH INSIDE FRONT HANDLES AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OUTSIDE HANDLE. I DON'T THINK THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A 2002 TOYOTA. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP YET. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10161514
49,577 miles · Dec 27, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
THIS CAR IS BARELY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT: BOTH FRONT INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE WITHIN ONE WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE FRONT SEAT WITHOUT ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW TO USE THE EXTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOORS. AS THEY ARE POWER WINDOWS, HAD THE POWER BEEN OUT- THE ONLY WAY TO E…
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THIS CAR IS BARELY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT: BOTH FRONT INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE WITHIN ONE WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE FRONT SEAT WITHOUT ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW TO USE THE EXTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOORS. AS THEY ARE POWER WINDOWS, HAD THE POWER BEEN OUT- THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN FROM THE BACK SEAT (WHICH HAD CHILD LOCKS ENGAGED SO IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE AT THAT TIME...). *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146176
Official recalls
4Jul 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CSA MAY NOT DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CSAS AND REPLACE THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Dec 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Oct 1, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE TIRES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPEED RATING FOR THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING (112 MPH), POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Sep 25, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
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
4DP06003 · Engine Surging
Opened Sep 14, 2006 · Closed Apr 3, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
THE PETITIONER OWNS A MY 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 4-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2006. THE PETITIONER ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MY 2005 CAMRY. HE ALLEGES THAT BOTH VEHICLES EXHIBITED VEHICLE ENGINE SURGING, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A SHORT DURATION (1 TO 2 SECOND) INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED OCCURRING WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. IN AN INITIAL INTERVIEW, THE PETITIONER ESTIMATED THAT 6 TO 8 SURGE INCIDENTS, OF VARYING SEVERITY, OCCURRED IN THE MY 2006 VEHICLE OVER THE COURSE OF 10,000 MILES AND 7 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE PETITIONER REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE AT OVERCOMING THE SURGE. HOWEVER, HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT REPORTS FILED WITH NHTSA ALLEGING UNCONTROLLEDSURGING IN MY 2002 TO 2006 CAMRY VEHICLES BRINGING THOSE VEHICLES TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (IN SOME CASES, PURPORTEDLY, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED).AFTER REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A VEHICLE-BASED DEFECT THAT WOULD HAVE PRODUCED THE ALLEGED ENGINE SURGE IN THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE, NOR WAS IT ABLE TO WITNESS SUCH AN EVENT WHEN ROAD TESTING THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE.EVALUATION OF A SUSPECT THROTTLE ACTUATOR REMOVED FROM THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE DID NOT REVEAL A COMPONENT PROBLEM. WARRANTY AND PARTS SALES OF THE ACTUATOR ARE UNREMARKABLE.THESE DATA DO NOT SUPPORT THE EXISTENCE OF A WIDE-SPREAD DEFECT OR ONGOING CONCERN. THE FAULT DETECTION AND REACTION STRATEGY DESCRIBED IN TOYOTA?S TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS INDICATES THAT A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL DUE TO A COMPONENT OR SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD BE DETECTED WITHIN A ONE SECOND PERIODAFTER WHICH ENGINE POWER WOULD BE LIMITED. THE PETITIONER?S MY 2006 VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM OVERCOMES FULL ENGINE POWER AT EASILY ACHIEVABLE BRAKE PEDAL FORCES. BASED ON THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.PLEASE SEE THE MARCH 9, 2007 FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
THE PETITIONER OWNS A MY 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 4-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2006. THE PETITIONER ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MY 2005 CAMRY. HE ALLEGES THAT BOTH VEHICLES EXHIBITED VEHICLE ENGINE SURGING, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A SHORT DURATION (1 TO 2 SECOND) INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED OCCURRING WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. IN AN INITIAL INTERVIEW, THE PETITIONER ESTIMATED THAT 6 TO 8 SURGE INCIDENTS, OF VARYING SEVERITY, OCCURRED IN THE MY 2006 VEHICLE OVER THE COURSE OF 10,000 MILES AND 7 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE PETITIONER REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE AT OVERCOMING THE SURGE. HOWEVER, HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT REPORTS FILED WITH NHTSA ALLEGING UNCONTROLLEDSURGING IN MY 2002 TO 2006 CAMRY VEHICLES BRINGING THOSE VEHICLES TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (IN SOME CASES, PURPORTEDLY, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED).AFTER REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A VEHICLE-BASED DEFECT THAT WOULD HAVE PRODUCED THE ALLEGED ENGINE SURGE IN THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE, NOR WAS IT ABLE TO WITNESS SUCH AN EVENT WHEN ROAD TESTING THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE.EVALUATION OF A SUSPECT THROTTLE ACTUATOR REMOVED FROM THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE DID NOT REVEAL A COMPONENT PROBLEM. WARRANTY AND PARTS SALES OF THE ACTUATOR ARE UNREMARKABLE.THESE DATA DO NOT SUPPORT THE EXISTENCE OF A WIDE-SPREAD DEFECT OR ONGOING CONCERN. THE FAULT DETECTION AND REACTION STRATEGY DESCRIBED IN TOYOTA?S TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS INDICATES THAT A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL DUE TO A COMPONENT OR SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD BE DETECTED WITHIN A ONE SECOND PERIODAFTER WHICH ENGINE POWER WOULD BE LIMITED. THE PETITIONER?S MY 2006 VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM OVERCOMES FULL ENGINE POWER AT EASILY ACHIEVABLE BRAKE PEDAL FORCES. BASED ON THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.PLEASE SEE THE MARCH 9, 2007 FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control
THE PETITIONER OWNS A MY 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 4-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2006. THE PETITIONER ALSO PREVIOUSLY OWNED A MY 2005 CAMRY. HE ALLEGES THAT BOTH VEHICLES EXHIBITED VEHICLE ENGINE SURGING, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A SHORT DURATION (1 TO 2 SECOND) INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED OCCURRING WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. IN AN INITIAL INTERVIEW, THE PETITIONER ESTIMATED THAT 6 TO 8 SURGE INCIDENTS, OF VARYING SEVERITY, OCCURRED IN THE MY 2006 VEHICLE OVER THE COURSE OF 10,000 MILES AND 7 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE PETITIONER REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE AT OVERCOMING THE SURGE. HOWEVER, HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT REPORTS FILED WITH NHTSA ALLEGING UNCONTROLLEDSURGING IN MY 2002 TO 2006 CAMRY VEHICLES BRINGING THOSE VEHICLES TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (IN SOME CASES, PURPORTEDLY, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED).AFTER REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABLE INFORMATION, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A VEHICLE-BASED DEFECT THAT WOULD HAVE PRODUCED THE ALLEGED ENGINE SURGE IN THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE, NOR WAS IT ABLE TO WITNESS SUCH AN EVENT WHEN ROAD TESTING THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE.EVALUATION OF A SUSPECT THROTTLE ACTUATOR REMOVED FROM THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE DID NOT REVEAL A COMPONENT PROBLEM. WARRANTY AND PARTS SALES OF THE ACTUATOR ARE UNREMARKABLE.THESE DATA DO NOT SUPPORT THE EXISTENCE OF A WIDE-SPREAD DEFECT OR ONGOING CONCERN. THE FAULT DETECTION AND REACTION STRATEGY DESCRIBED IN TOYOTA?S TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS INDICATES THAT A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL DUE TO A COMPONENT OR SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD BE DETECTED WITHIN A ONE SECOND PERIODAFTER WHICH ENGINE POWER WOULD BE LIMITED. THE PETITIONER?S MY 2006 VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM OVERCOMES FULL ENGINE POWER AT EASILY ACHIEVABLE BRAKE PEDAL FORCES. BASED ON THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.PLEASE SEE THE MARCH 9, 2007 FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
DP05002 · Vehicle Speed Control
Opened Aug 5, 2005 · Closed Jan 5, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR. JORDAN ZIPRIN PETITIONED THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S (NHTSA) OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) TO COMMENCE A PROCEEDING TO DETERMINE THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT WITHIN THE ETC SYSTEM IN MY 2002 TO 2005 TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES, OR TO REOPEN A PRIOR INVESTIGATION PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE) 04-021.IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 18, 2005, MR. ZIPRIN AMENDED HIS PETITION TO INCLUDE ALLEGATIONS OF INTERRELATED BRAKE AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULT IN INAPPROPRIATE AND UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE ACCELERATIONS.THE 1172 VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE REPORTS CITED BY THE PETITIONER INVOLVE 4 LEXUS AND 15 TOYOTA MODELS DEFINING A POPULATION OF 7 MILLION VEHICLES.THE REPORTS TYPICALLY ALLEGED A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, THE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH SYSTEMS.IN ITS REVIEW OF THE REPORTS, ODI A) FAILED TO FIND EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE EXISTENCE OF A BRAKE RELATED DEFECT IN THE CITED MODELS, AND B) DETERMINED THAT MANY CITED PRODUCTS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ETC.ACCORDINGLY, ODI RESTRICTED ITS ANALYSIS TO THE 432 PETITIONER REPORTS INVOLVING MY 2002 TO 2005 CAMRY, SOLARA, AND ES MODELS (ALL EQUIPPED WITH ETC) THAT ALLEGED AN ABNORMAL THROTTLE CONTROL EVENT (SEE THE JANUARY 3, 2006 FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS).ABOUT 40% OF THE 432 REPORTS INVOLVE A DRIVEABILITY CONCERN WHERE THE OPERATOR INTENTIONALLY APPLIES THE THROTTLE PEDAL, IN EXPECTATION THAT THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, AND THEN EXPERIENCES A DELAY OR HESITATION IN VEHICLE RESPONSE.THESE REPORTS INVOLVE VEHICLE RESPONSE TO INTENTIONAL DRIVER COMMANDS WHICH ODI CONSIDERS UNRELATED TO THE ALLEGATIONS RAISED BY THE PETITIONER.THEREFORE, THE REPORTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED.ABOUT 20% OF THE REPORTS INVOLVE INCIDENTS WHERE OPERATORS ALLEGE VEHICLE ACCELERATION WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT AND AN INABILITY OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WHEN APPLIED.NEITHER THE REPORTS, NOR THE INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY ODI, IDENTIFIED ANY VEHICLE-BASED CAUSE TO EXPLAIN THE INCIDENTS OR DISCLOSED EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THAT A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE OR THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM HAD OCCURRED.BECAUSE THESE REPORTS DO NOT INDICATE A DISTINCT SAFETY DEFECT FOR INVESTIGATION, THE REPORTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED BY THE PETITIONERTHE REMAINING REPORTS (~ 40%, SIMILAR TO THE PETITIONER?S AND THOSE OF PE04-021) TYPICALLY DESCRIBE INCIDENTS WHERE A VEHICLE IS BEING MANEUVERED AT SLOW SPEED IN A CLOSE QUARTER SITUATION AT WHICH POINT THE OPERATOR ALLEGES THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT AND CRASHES.IN THE AFTERMATH, OPERATORS ARE UNSURE OF WHETHER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED OR NOT, SOMETIMES STATING THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT TIME TO USE THE BRAKE; A CRASH OCCURRED AND THE OPERATOR BELIEVES AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION CAUSED IT.IN SPITE OF THE EFFORT EXPENDED DURING PE04-021 AND DURING THIS ANALYSIS, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY VEHICLE-BASED CAUSE TO EXPLAIN THE REPORTS, OR UNCOVERED ANY EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT A THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE OCCURRED.THEREFORE, THE REPORTS HAVE AMBIGUOUS SIGNIFICANCE AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A BASIS ON WHICH ANY FURTHER INVESTIGATIVE ACTION IS WARRANTED.BASED ON THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES T
PE04021 · Throttle Control System
Opened Mar 3, 2004 · Closed Jul 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
THE LEXUS MODELS WERE THE SUBJECT OF DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-003.TWELVE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE TO TOYOTA REPORTS, INCLUDING THE TWO MINOR CRASHES.THE V6 EQUIPPED SOLARA MODELS HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN THE SUBJECT THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM.TOYOTA INTRODUCED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BEGINNING IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002.ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE IF THE SYSTEM COULD BE THE CAUSE OF COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED, OR FAILED TO DECREASE, (FOR A SHORT DURATION) WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED (THE ALLEGED DEFECT).DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, ODI ANALYZED AGENCY DATA AND REVIEWED VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) REPORTS, CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS INVOLVING 113 VOQ AND 36 TOYOTA REPORTS, INSPECTED TWO COMPLAINANT VEHICLES, REVIEWED RELEVANT TOYOTA SERVICE AND NEW CAR FEATURE DOCUMENTATION, REVIEWED AND ANALYZED TOYOTA?S RESPONSES TO ODI?S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, CONDUCTED A LIMITED CONTROL PEDAL ASSESSMENT, AND ATTENDED A TOYOTA TECHNICAL PRESENTATION THAT INCLUDED THE ASSESSMENT OF TWO DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES.THROUGH INTERVIEWS, ODI IDENTIFIED 14 VOQ AND 6 TOYOTA REPORTS (20 UNIQUE VEHICLES) WHERE COMPLAINANTS REPORT MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.IN SOME CASES THE CONDITION WAS EXPERIENCED BY DIFFERENT VEHICLE OPERATORS OR WAS WITNESSED BY OTHER OCCUPANTS.ODI WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF 9 TOYOTA AND AN ADDITIONAL 37 VOQ REPORTS (WHICH DESCRIBE 28 UNIQUE INCIDENTS) DUE TO INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION.THE REMAINING COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED (62 VOQ, 21 TOYOTA) DESCRIBED CONDITIONS NOT CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND WERE THUS CONSIDERED UNRELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION.NONE OF THE COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED REPORTED A COMPONENT FAILURE (OR OTHER INDICATOR OF A SYSTEM FAILURE) AS THE POTENTIAL CAUSE OF INCIDENTS RELEVANT TO THIS INVESTIGATION.IN MANY CASES, THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY INSPECTED BY DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES WHO ALSO FAILED TO IDENTIFY A FAULT WITHIN THE VEHICLE.TOYOTA IDENTIFIED 43 RELATED WARRANTY CLAIMS, 24 OF WHICH WERE FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES ONLY (NO REPAIRS PERFORMED).ODI FOUND NOTHING ABNORMAL IN THE CONTROL PEDAL CONFIGURATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE THE ATTACHED SUMMARY FOR FURTHER DETAIL.
PE02079 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 18, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ODI'S DATA ANALYSIS FOUND THE FIRES RATES TO BE CONSISTENTLY LOW AND EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONG SIX MODEL YEARS AND SIX DIFFERENT ENGINE CONFIGURATIONS.ODI EXAMINED A VARIETY OF ROOT CAUSES, THOSE BEING DETONATION (RESULTING IN OIL PAN PUNCTURE FROM CONNECTING ROD), STARTER FIRES, VARIOUS FUEL RELATED FIRES, LEAKING OIL FILTERS, WIRING ISSUES, IMPROPER REPAIRS AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKS.NONE OF THE ISSUES EXAMINED HAD REPORTS THAT INDICATED A TREND WHEN NORMALIZED FOR POPULATON AND EXPOSURE.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR FULL DETAILS.
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