NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
43 reportsClear category filter180,000 miles · Sep 27, 2023
EngineSteeringFire
The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warni…
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The contact owned a 2002 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel had seized up and the vehicle had begun to lose forward momentum. The contact heard an abnormal "popping" sound at the moment the steering had stopped functionality. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact pulled off of the roadway and stopped, as she placed the vehicle in park (P) she noted smoke coming from the front. The contact stated she exited the vehicle and saw that there were flames from under the vehicle. The contact stated that after about 2 to 3 minutes the entire front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the flames using foam and other chemicals. The police were also on scene and filed a report. The vehicle was towed away to an impound lot. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #11546975
118 miles · Mar 13, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR RIDE IS JERKY . AT ANY LEFT EXIT THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON EXIT RAMP ON LEFT TURN. STEERING TIGHTENS AND LOCK-UP. THE CAR SHUTS DONE WHILE STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE ENGINE GOES QUITE AND DIES.THE GAS PEDAL STOP PRODUCING POWER. THE CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND STILL IN DRIVE . ALSO GO…
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WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR RIDE IS JERKY . AT ANY LEFT EXIT THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON EXIT RAMP ON LEFT TURN. STEERING TIGHTENS AND LOCK-UP. THE CAR SHUTS DONE WHILE STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE ENGINE GOES QUITE AND DIES.THE GAS PEDAL STOP PRODUCING POWER. THE CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND STILL IN DRIVE . ALSO GOING DOWN HILL THE CAR BECOMES IMMOBILE AND STALL. ON OTHER OCCASIONS CAR STALL AT LIGHTS ON LOCAL ROADS SHORTLY AFTER MAKING LEFT TURNS AND STOP LIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO TOYOTA SUPERSTORE WESTON ST HARTFORD CT. ON THREE OCCASIONS. THEY KEPT IT FOR A DAY, TWO DAYS, A WEEK AND THERE IS STILL NO SOLUTION. . NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO STOP THE CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANICS, AUTO ZONE. THEY SEE THE CAR ACT UP BUT THERE ARE NO CODES AND NO SYSTEM ERROR ACTIVITY SUMMARY. DEALERSHIP OFFER NO SOLUTION . ALWAYS THERE ARE 3 LIGHT THAT COMES ON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHECK BATTERY LIGHT AND CHECK FUEL LIGHT . TRIPLE A TOLL THIS CAT ON 3 OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASION DURING THE SNOW IT HAD CHECK TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS TO GET THE NECESSARY OIL CHANGE BECAUSE I HAVE LIFETIME OIL AND LUBE. THEY ARE THE ONES SERVICING THE CAR SO IF ANY PARTS GO WRONG THEY ARE THE ONES CHANGING THEM.. THEY WANT ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. I TOLD THEM I CANNOT AFFORD ONE. I WONDER IF THEY ARE SABOTAGING MY CAR. IN HOPES THAT I WILL PURCHASE A NEW ONE. PLEASE HELP ME! I LEARNED THAT THE CAR STOPS AND STARTS UP AGAIN AFTER YOU SHUT IT DOWN TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION FOR A WHILE SO THIS IS HOW I AM SURVIVING. THIS IS VERY SCARY! HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10694025
53,000 miles · Feb 12, 2015
Steering
VEHICLE SHAKE AT 55 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683006
89,000 miles · Dec 18, 2014
Steering
AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REALIZED WITH THEIR CAMRYS, MINE TOO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION. IT IS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RACK AND PINION BOOTS, AS WELL AS THE STEERING PUMP. I AM NOW FACED WITH A $1600 REPAIR BILL. DESIGN ERRORS OCCUR, AS AN ENGINEER I UNDERSTAND THIS. BUT THE PROBLEM IS TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE…
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AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REALIZED WITH THEIR CAMRYS, MINE TOO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION. IT IS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RACK AND PINION BOOTS, AS WELL AS THE STEERING PUMP. I AM NOW FACED WITH A $1600 REPAIR BILL. DESIGN ERRORS OCCUR, AS AN ENGINEER I UNDERSTAND THIS. BUT THE PROBLEM IS TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND ADMIT TO THE ERROR. THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA. I HAD HEARD HOW RELIABLE THEY WERE. I AM NOT SO SURE NOW. I AM CURRENTLY SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR, AND I HAVE SCRATCHED TOYOTAS OFF OF MY LIST. I CAN NOT GIVE BUSINESS TO A COMPANY THAT TREATS CLIENTS THIS WAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667031
122,124 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Steering
EACH TIME YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A "WHINING' IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A PLASTIC PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT MAY CAUSE THE PROBLEM THEY ARE NOT FOR SURE AND IT WOULD COST ME OVER $200 IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM FOR A "CHEAP" PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT …
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EACH TIME YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A "WHINING' IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A PLASTIC PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT MAY CAUSE THE PROBLEM THEY ARE NOT FOR SURE AND IT WOULD COST ME OVER $200 IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM FOR A "CHEAP" PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF USING IT. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS DRASTICALLY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577965
112,000 miles · Jan 20, 2014
Steering
STEERING HAS BEEN GETTING TIGHT. THOUGHT IT WAS POWER STEERING PUMP. MECHANIC SAYS ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEED REPLACEMENT. WHY NO RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560698
88,800 miles · Jun 2, 2013
Steering
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND TURNING WAS A PROBLEM. STEERING LIKE A MAD TRUCK WITH JERKING MOVEMENTS WHEN TURNING AND PULLING BACK. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WHY HAS TOYOTA NOT HAD RECALL? AT SAME TIME THEY SAID BRAKES GONE. JUST HAD THEM FIXED AT LOCAL G…
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OVER A PERIOD OF TIME STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND TURNING WAS A PROBLEM. STEERING LIKE A MAD TRUCK WITH JERKING MOVEMENTS WHEN TURNING AND PULLING BACK. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. WHY HAS TOYOTA NOT HAD RECALL? AT SAME TIME THEY SAID BRAKES GONE. JUST HAD THEM FIXED AT LOCAL GAS STATION A YEAR AGO BUT DID NOT TAKE ROTOR DOWN. GRAND TOTAL $2700
NHTSA ODI #10514692
80,000 miles · Apr 29, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringStructureCrash
ON NOVEMBER 13, 2009, I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO TURN IN AND PARK MY CAR (MY FOOT STILL PRESSING THE BRAKE). WHEN MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATES ABOUT 15 FEET AND SMACKS INTO A BUILDING. A $10,000 CLAIM WAS MADE AGAINST MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I INFORMED THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR SINCE THE RESPONDING OFFI…
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ON NOVEMBER 13, 2009, I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO TURN IN AND PARK MY CAR (MY FOOT STILL PRESSING THE BRAKE). WHEN MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATES ABOUT 15 FEET AND SMACKS INTO A BUILDING. A $10,000 CLAIM WAS MADE AGAINST MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I INFORMED THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR SINCE THE RESPONDING OFFICER URGED ME TO GET MY VEHICLE CHECKED OUT. ALMOST INSTANTLY AFTER I BEGAN EXPLAINING THE DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT OVER THE PHONE, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE GAS PEDAL WASN'T THE ISSUE AND THAT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN PASSED OVER BECAUSE MY CAR WASN'T BRAND NEW, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONE OF THE SAME YEAR MODELS THAT RECEIVED AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. I RECEIVED A POST CARD NOTIFYING ME OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST TOYOTA, HOWEVER IT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO PROPERTY DAMAGE AND I'M NOT SURE WHICH AVENUE TO TAKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509958
42,500 miles · Feb 3, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. WHEN I PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND STARTED TURNING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, CAR WOULDN'T TURN AND BRAKING DID NOT STOP CAR. IT SEEMED AS IF ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. CAR FINALLY STOPPED WHEN IT HIT PARKED CAR. SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496230
168,450 miles · Jan 19, 2012
Steering
I PURCHASED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY 3 YEARS AGO AT 115,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 205,000 AS OF THE DATE OF THIS LETTER. LAST SPRING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN COLD WEATHER AND THERE WAS A SQEAKING NOISE BEHIND OR AROUND MY STEERING WHEEL SO I REPLACED THE PUMP. IT WARMED UP, SO I COULDN'T TEST THE RESULT. THIS WINTER, THE PROBLEM…
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I PURCHASED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY 3 YEARS AGO AT 115,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 205,000 AS OF THE DATE OF THIS LETTER. LAST SPRING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN COLD WEATHER AND THERE WAS A SQEAKING NOISE BEHIND OR AROUND MY STEERING WHEEL SO I REPLACED THE PUMP. IT WARMED UP, SO I COULDN'T TEST THE RESULT. THIS WINTER, THE PROBLEM IS MUCH WORSE AND UNSAFE, SO IT WASN'T THAT. AFTER NEARLY HITTING A CAR BECAUSE I COULD HARDLY COME OUT OF MY TURN, I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 1/17/12. THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY WOULD START BY REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT FOR $510, BUT WOULD NOT GUARANTEE IT. I ASKED 5 OTHER MECHANICS WHO SAID THAT IT CAN'T BE THAT IF IT ONLY OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER, SO I TOLD THEM NOT TO DO ANYTHING. I'M BRINGING IT BACK TO MY TOWN TO HAVE OTHERS LOOK AT IT AND FIX IT. MOST OF THEM FEEL IT IS THE RACK, OR, JUST GOO'D UP POWER STEERING FLUID, WHICH THEY WILL START WITH, AT A COST OF ONLY $50 TO DRAIN AND REFILL. I HAVE HAD RACK QUOTES OF $880. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I PLAN TO KEEP IT FOR 500,000 MILES. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10444479
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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