NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
56 reportsClear category filter73,400 miles · May 8, 2014
StructureCrash
I PARKED THE CAR. AFTER REALIZING THAT I WAS ABOUT 2 FT FROM THE PARKING BUMP, I DECIDED TO MOVE IT FORWARD AND AS I TOOK THE CAR OFF PARK THE CAR TOOK OFF AND HIT THE BUMP AND WAS STOPPED BY A TREE. THE CAR CLIMBED PARTIALLY ON THE TREE, LEAVING THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS COMPLETELY OFF THE GROUND. I PUT THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED TO…
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I PARKED THE CAR. AFTER REALIZING THAT I WAS ABOUT 2 FT FROM THE PARKING BUMP, I DECIDED TO MOVE IT FORWARD AND AS I TOOK THE CAR OFF PARK THE CAR TOOK OFF AND HIT THE BUMP AND WAS STOPPED BY A TREE. THE CAR CLIMBED PARTIALLY ON THE TREE, LEAVING THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS COMPLETELY OFF THE GROUND. I PUT THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT, NO AIRBAGS DISPLAYED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON THE REPAIR OF THE FRONT BUMPER. TOYOTA INVESTIGATED AND A MONTH LATER DELIVERED THE "DATA" BY MAIL FROM BOSCH, WITHOUT ANY USEFUL INFORMATION FOR ME. I DO NOT DARE DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587230
86,415 miles · Aug 16, 2013
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainStructureCrashInjury
ON DECEMBER 14, 2012, AT ABOUT 7:20 AM, MY SPOUSE, [XXX] GOT INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY, WHICH WAS PARKED ON OUR DRIVEWAY. AFTER FASTENING HER SEAT BELT AND THEN CHECKING BEHIND TO MAKE SURE OUR STREET WAS FREE OF PEDESTRIANS AND BIKE RIDERS, MY SPOUSE PLACED HER RIGHT FOOT FIRMLY ON THE …
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ON DECEMBER 14, 2012, AT ABOUT 7:20 AM, MY SPOUSE, [XXX] GOT INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY, WHICH WAS PARKED ON OUR DRIVEWAY. AFTER FASTENING HER SEAT BELT AND THEN CHECKING BEHIND TO MAKE SURE OUR STREET WAS FREE OF PEDESTRIANS AND BIKE RIDERS, MY SPOUSE PLACED HER RIGHT FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER FROM "PARK" TO "REVERSE" THE TOYOTA CAMRY INSTANTLY ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AND HIT A TREE ON MY ACROSS THE STREET NEIGHBOR'S LAWN, FORTUNATELY, THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE HITTING MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE DOOR BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL DUG ITSELF INTO THE LAWN AND THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE LOST TRACTION IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO WHAT ONE EXPECT WHEN ONE DRIVES INTO HEAVY SNOW. THE TOTAL TIME ELAPSED DURING THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS LESS THAN TWO SECONDS. THE DISTANCE TRAVELED DURING THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS EXTREMELY SHORT. THE TREE WAS LOCATED ABOUT 57 FEET FROM THE REAR END OF THE CAR AND THE TOTAL DISTANCE THAT THE CAR TRAVELED WAS ONLY 72 FEET.. MY SPOUSE WAS TERRIFIED BY THE EXPERIENCE BUT, FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS NOT PHYSICALLY INJURED. I HAD TO CALL AAA TO COME WITH A TOW TRUCK. AAA EXTRACTED THE CAR FROM THE LAWN'S SOFT EARTH BY THE USE OF A CHAIN ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUNK LID WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE PARKING PAW WITHIN THE TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN.. I AM A RETIRED NYS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER. I CAN PROVE THAT THE SUA INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE FIRMWARE (SOFTWARE) IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITHIN THE CAMRY. I FILED A 48 PAGE BRIEF OBJECTING TO THE US COURT RECENT TOYOTA ECONOMIC LOSS LAWSUIT. IT IS AVAILABLE ON THE PACER SYSTEM. I SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED THAT ALL 2002 THROUGH 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY CARS BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA AND EQUIPPED WITH APPLICABLE BRAKE OVERRIDE SYSTEMS. . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535740
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
20 miles · Apr 14, 2013
Service BrakesStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I DROVE UP IN FRONT OF MOSSES TOWN HALL BUILDING IN LOWNDES COUNTY AL AS I TRIED TO PUT ON BRAKES TO PARK THE CAR IT BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AND JUMP THE PARKING BUMPS AND HIT THE BUILDING KNOCKING DOWN THE WALL OF BRICKS AND THAT'S WHEN IT STOPPED. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AND TOOK A LOOK. THERE WERE PERSON IN TH…
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I DROVE UP IN FRONT OF MOSSES TOWN HALL BUILDING IN LOWNDES COUNTY AL AS I TRIED TO PUT ON BRAKES TO PARK THE CAR IT BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AND JUMP THE PARKING BUMPS AND HIT THE BUILDING KNOCKING DOWN THE WALL OF BRICKS AND THAT'S WHEN IT STOPPED. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AND TOOK A LOOK. THERE WERE PERSON IN THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING WHO RAN OUT TO SEE WERE I OKAY. THIS WAS THE FIRST AND I HOPE THE LAST INCIDENT I HAD WITH THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508192
156,000 miles · Jul 10, 2012
Electrical SystemService BrakesStructureCrash
MY SON WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN OFF BROWN RD ONTO AMBER GLEN DR IN CHARLOTTE, NC WHEN THE CARS STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN HE TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR IT WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR HIT A TREE THAT CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT/INJURED OR KILLED. B…
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MY SON WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN OFF BROWN RD ONTO AMBER GLEN DR IN CHARLOTTE, NC WHEN THE CARS STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN HE TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR IT WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR HIT A TREE THAT CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT/INJURED OR KILLED. BUT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IS TOTALED AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN APRIL 2012 FROM THE TOYOTA SCION DEALERSHIP IN HUNTERSVILLE, NC AND WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS OR RECALLS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SOMEONE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN MISLEAD AND CHEATED OUT OF MY MONEY TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD TO ANYONE AND WHY WAS THE DEALERSHIP NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND MADE THE CUSTOMER AWARE OR DID THEY JUST NOT CARE. TOYOTA HAS LEFT A BAD MEMORY THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET AND THAT IS DEFINITELY A BAD WAY TO RUN A BUSINESS. I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2002/TOYOTA/CAMRY/STEERINGHTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/TOYOTA/CAMRY/STEERING-WHEEL-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465157
Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2011
StructureVisibility
2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID FLOOR BECAME WET DUE TO ROOF DRAIN HOSES BECOMING DISCONNECTED FROM DRAIN PAN. CONSUMER FEELS THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER ALSO FOUND A TSB ISSUED IN APRIL 2011. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10420282
65,000 miles · Feb 24, 2010
EquipmentStructure
SECOND TIME IN THE 8 YEARS THAT WE HAVE OWNED OUR 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE STARTING TO PEEL AGAIN CREATING A HAND CUTTING HAZARD. FIRST TIME THEY WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I TALKED TO A SERVICE REP AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN MANY DO THIS. MY WIFE AND NUMEROUS O…
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SECOND TIME IN THE 8 YEARS THAT WE HAVE OWNED OUR 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE STARTING TO PEEL AGAIN CREATING A HAND CUTTING HAZARD. FIRST TIME THEY WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I TALKED TO A SERVICE REP AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN MANY DO THIS. MY WIFE AND NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CUT BECAUSE OF THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. TOYOTA REFUSES TO CORRECT PROBLEM AND I REFUSE TO PAY MONEY TO PAY FOR OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS ONLY TO DO THE SAME THING IN THE FUTURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313962
100,000 miles · Dec 15, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureInjury
INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THE CHROME COATING HAS CRACKED AND PEELED REVEALING A SHARP EDGE THAT CUTS THE FINGERS OF THE PERSON PULLING THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. PERMANENT REPAIR REQUIRES REMOVING THE INSIDE DOOR PANELS AND INSTALLING NEW HANDLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251834
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
THE DOOR HANDLES ON THE CAR WHERE YOU OPEN THE DOOR AT BREAK. THIS IS FROM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FROM JUST OPENING THE DOORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250743
50,000 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AT LEAST THREE TIMES. THE HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS GREATER THAN 61,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *CN THE DOOR HANDLES WERE CRACKED. UPDATED 12/30/0…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AT LEAST THREE TIMES. THE HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS GREATER THAN 61,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *CN THE DOOR HANDLES WERE CRACKED. UPDATED 12/30/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10250336
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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