NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
281 reportsClear category filter28,000 miles · Jun 21, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
SOMETIME IN OCT. WHILE PULLING OFF OF I-74 ONTO 53RD ST. IN DAVENPORT, IA, WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE CAR SPED UP RATHER THAN SLOWED DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TOWARDS THE END OF NOVEMBER WHILE TRAVERSING FROM US-6 ONTO I-80 IN GENESEO. BOTH TIMES I HAD BEEN USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, DISENGAGED IT BY …
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SOMETIME IN OCT. WHILE PULLING OFF OF I-74 ONTO 53RD ST. IN DAVENPORT, IA, WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE CAR SPED UP RATHER THAN SLOWED DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TOWARDS THE END OF NOVEMBER WHILE TRAVERSING FROM US-6 ONTO I-80 IN GENESEO. BOTH TIMES I HAD BEEN USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, DISENGAGED IT BY APPLYING THE BRAKE AND AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN REAPPLICATION OF THE BRAKE CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED UP. BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN REAPPLYING THE BRAKE CAR SLOWED NORMALLY ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER I HAD A MORE SERIOUS INCIDENT WHILE PULLING INTO A CONVIENCE STORE OFF OF WOLF ROAD IN GENESEO. I DIENGAGED THE CRUSE AND PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE. THE CAR SLOWED NORMALLY AND WAS ALMOST TO A STOP WHEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT, AND JUST MISSED THE BUILDING, BUT TOOK OUT A 4X4 SUPPORT FOR THE ROOF OVERHANG. DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO DENTS ON THE CAR AND THE 4X4. NO PERSONAL INJURIES WERE INVOLVED. AFTER THE FIRST OCCURANCE I THOUGHT IT WAS MY MISTAKE, I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR WHEN I MEANT TO APPLY THE BRAKE. THE SECOND TIME I FELT IT WAS PROBABLY A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AND WOULD BRING IT UP WITH TOYOTA NEXT TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. THE THIRD TIME I WAS SURE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA AND I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID NEITHER THEY OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD HEARD OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM BEFORE. WE THEN CONTACTED THE TOYOTA OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA, AND THEY TOOK DOWN THE INFORMATION, INFORMING US THIS PROBLEM HAD NOT OCCURED BEFORE. LAST WEEK SCOTT YON OF THE NHTSA CONTACTED US AND ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE THREE OCCURANCES. AFTER LOOKING AT THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND FINDING MANY SIMILAR INSTANCES I DECIDED TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE LISTING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10078546
23,669 miles · Jun 14, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN IN REVERSE, AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND MAILBOX. *AK SEE VOQ 10073601. *DSY *NM UPDATED 7/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/23/12
NHTSA ODI #10073604
23,000 miles · Jun 14, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A TREE. THE CAUSE OF INCIDENT HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SHOT BACK AND HIT A TREE. *S…
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WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A TREE. THE CAUSE OF INCIDENT HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *LA THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AS THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SHOT BACK AND HIT A TREE. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10071940
20,602 miles · Jun 9, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
1). SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FOWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY,…
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1). SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FOWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, LOOKING AT CONDOMINIUMS, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. NO CRASH, NO INJURIES, NO DAMAGES TO CAR. 3.) ON 6-1-04, I ENTERED PARKING SPACE ON SIDE OF CVS PHARMACY, 1885 W HENDERSON RD., UPPER ARLINGTON, OH 43220, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD EVEN WITH BRAKE APPLIED AND STRUCK CONCRETE COLUMN. NO INJURIES OR MECHANICAL DAMAGE, BUT FRONT BUMPER WAS DENTED AND SCRATCHED. TOOK CAR TO TANSKY SAWMILL TOYOTA, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OR DUPLICATE THE SURGE. THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES, AND THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. SEE VOQ 10074942 (DUPLICATE) *DSY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10075107
20,602 miles · Jun 7, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
1.) SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, LO…
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1.) SOON AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR, PROBABLY IN MAY OR JUNE OF 2002, I BEGAN TO PARK IN SPACE AT TARGET ON SAWMILL ROAD IN COLUMBUS OHIO, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK REAR BUMPER OF PICKUP TRUCK. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO CAR OR TRUCK. 2.) ON 5-9-04 SURGE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, LOOKING AT CONDOMINIUMS, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. NO CRASH, NO INJURIES, NO DAMAGES TO CAR. 3.) ON 6-1-04, I ENTERED PARKING SPACE ON SIDE OF CVS PHARMACY,1885 W HENDERSON RD., UPPER ARLINGTON, OH 43220, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD EVEN WITH BRAKE APPLIED AND STRUCK CONCRETE COLUMN. NO INJURIES OR MECHANICAL DAMAGE, BUT FRONT BUMPER WAS DENTED AND SCRATCHED. TOOK CAR TO TANSKY SAWMILL TOYOTA, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OR DUPLCATE THE SURGE. THEY CHECKED BRAKES, AND THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS . *AK SEE VOQ 10075107 (DUPLICATE). *DSY
NHTSA ODI #10074942
19,000 miles · Jun 5, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 WAS PARKED. WHEN I PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, W/ FOOT ONLY ON BRAKE, IT SURGED FORWARD , CRASHING THE CAR THROUGH THE COMMON GARAGE WALL WHICH SEPARATES TWO PATIO HOMES. I WAS THROWN FORWARD AS THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE WALL, HITTING THE CAR IN THE OTHER GARAGE WHICH WAS PUSHED BACKWARDS INTO THE OTHER GARAGE DO…
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TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 WAS PARKED. WHEN I PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, W/ FOOT ONLY ON BRAKE, IT SURGED FORWARD , CRASHING THE CAR THROUGH THE COMMON GARAGE WALL WHICH SEPARATES TWO PATIO HOMES. I WAS THROWN FORWARD AS THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE WALL, HITTING THE CAR IN THE OTHER GARAGE WHICH WAS PUSHED BACKWARDS INTO THE OTHER GARAGE DOOR. BOTH CARS HAD TO REPAIRED, A NEW GARAGE WALL AND GARAGE DOOR WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS KILLED. I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AS IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY AND I AM SURE THEY WILL NOT FIND ANY FAULT IN THE CAR EVEN THOUGH NTSA HAS SUPPORTED THAT THIS CAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS HAD INCIDENTS OF THIS SURGING OCCURRING. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WILL BE 50% OF WHAT THE BLUE BOOK STATES IT WILL BE WORTH WHEN I SELL IT. I NEED INFORMATION AND YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS CAUSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10074852
19,000 miles · Jun 4, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW IT DOWN , BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10071432
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2004
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
I AM ATTORNEY FOR A VICTIM IN A COMA AND IN INTENSIVE CARE. HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 DRIVEN BY A 68 YEAR OLD LADY. CAMRY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THEN CRASHED INTO A STOREFRONT AFTER GOING FORWARD. BACKED INTO TRAFFIC 40 FEET AWAY, STRUCK VEHICLES, AND WENT FORWARD AGAIN KILLING PEDESTRIAN AS WELL. CASE UNDER…
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I AM ATTORNEY FOR A VICTIM IN A COMA AND IN INTENSIVE CARE. HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A TOYOTA CAMRY 2002 DRIVEN BY A 68 YEAR OLD LADY. CAMRY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THEN CRASHED INTO A STOREFRONT AFTER GOING FORWARD. BACKED INTO TRAFFIC 40 FEET AWAY, STRUCK VEHICLES, AND WENT FORWARD AGAIN KILLING PEDESTRIAN AS WELL. CASE UNDER INVESTIGATION. RECENT ACCIDENT. PREVIOUS REPORTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ALL CAMRYS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE MORE LOSS OF LIFE. POSSIBLE POWER TRAIN/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. UPDATED 03/05/10 *BF UPDATE 9/21/2011*CW
NHTSA ODI #10073168
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *MR THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO A GARAGE, AND HIT THREE OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM RECURRED ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS. CURRENTLY THE GEARSHIFT BEGUN TO GIVE THE CONSUMER PROBLEMS. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10074037
13,000 miles · May 20, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHILE PARKING INTO A SPACE AT A SCHOOL VEHICLE SURGED AND LUNGED FORWARD WHILE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10074004
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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