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2004 Toyota Camry

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Camry years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Toyota Camry are substantially higher than the model-year median of 295.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

516 reports with mileage · 122 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 238 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

199 crash reports11 fire reports96 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

37 reports
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200,000 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Electrical SystemPower Train

1. THERE WAS NO EVENT THE CAR WENT INTO A IDLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY FOUND A BAD "THROTTLE BODY". I'M FINDING OUT THIS IS A COMING PROBLEM FOR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY'S AND WHAT'S AMAZING, THE TOYOTA PARTS MANAGER SAID THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. PLEASE …

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1. THERE WAS NO EVENT THE CAR WENT INTO A IDLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY FOUND A BAD "THROTTLE BODY". I'M FINDING OUT THIS IS A COMING PROBLEM FOR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY'S AND WHAT'S AMAZING, THE TOYOTA PARTS MANAGER SAID THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. PLEASE NOTE THIS ITEM COSTS OVER $1000 TO REPLACE!! THIS IS UNCALLED-FOR!! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ON LINE ARE COMPLAINING. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. 2. THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ONCE (FEB. 22ND, 2011) 3. TOYOTA REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY. (DEALER NAME: BERNARDI TOYOTA IN FRAMINGHAM, MA 508-766-2463). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384292

80,000 miles · Jul 30, 2010
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY DECELERATED, AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD VERY SLOWLY. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OFF OF THE TRAVEL LANE AND INTO A SAFE LOCATION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN VERY SLOWLY (APPROXIMATELY 2-4 MILES PER HOU…

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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY DECELERATED, AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD VERY SLOWLY. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OFF OF THE TRAVEL LANE AND INTO A SAFE LOCATION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN VERY SLOWLY (APPROXIMATELY 2-4 MILES PER HOUR) WITH THE ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED COMPLETELY. AFTER ABOUT 45 SECONDS THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE TO 35-40 MILES PER HOUR AND STAY AT THAT SPEED WITH THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY DEPRESSED. THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE WITH THESE ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL COMPUTER HAD FAILED, AND THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL COMPUTER MUST BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10346282

35,000 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND THEN SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP WITHOUT DRIVER PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGING. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN BEFORE REPAIRS COUL…

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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND THEN SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP WITHOUT DRIVER PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGING. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE PEDAL CONTROL, P/N 78010-33010. I AM WAITING ON THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344511

120,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Electrical SystemFire

TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 GOT CAUGHT ON FIRE I DROVE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 THE OTHER DAY AND SUDDENLY THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED. ENGINE DIED. WHEN I CRANKED IT BACK UP AGAIN, SMOKES STARTED COMING OUT. I CHANGED MY OIL REGULARLY. THE LAST ONE WAS A WEEK BEFORE AT VALVOLINE (THEY CHECKED ALL FLUIDS) TOYOTA RAN AN INVESTIGATION AND TH…

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TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 GOT CAUGHT ON FIRE I DROVE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 THE OTHER DAY AND SUDDENLY THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED. ENGINE DIED. WHEN I CRANKED IT BACK UP AGAIN, SMOKES STARTED COMING OUT. I CHANGED MY OIL REGULARLY. THE LAST ONE WAS A WEEK BEFORE AT VALVOLINE (THEY CHECKED ALL FLUIDS) TOYOTA RAN AN INVESTIGATION AND THIS IS WHAT THEY MADE UP: "SERPENTINE BELT IS FAULTY, CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED, PRESSURE IN RADIATOR CAUSED IT TO BURST AND SPRAYED COOLANT ONTO THE BATTERY AND FUSE BOX AND RELAY PANEL WHICH LED TO A SHORT CIRCUIT" I TALKED TO A NICE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT TOYOTA AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING THAT THEY MADE UP TO GET AWAY IT. HE EXPLAINED TO ME HOW THAT WASN'T TOO LIKELY TO HAPPEN TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT THEY'LL CALL ME BEFORE INSPECTING THE CAR. THEY NEVER DID . THEY SENT ME A LETTER, WHICH ARRIVED A DAY AFTER MY VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE TOWED FROM THE DEALER (ON FRIDAY). I HAD TO WAIT TILL MONDAY TO TOW IT AWAY AND THEY CHARGED ME WEEKENDS STORAGE FEE ($25 A DAY) I PLANNED TO JUST DONATE THE CAR AND IT WILL USUALLY TAKES 2-3 DAYS. I THOUGHT I'LL DO THAT BY THE TIME THEY ARE READY TO INSPECT MY CAR. I CALLED TOYOTA EARLIER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK (2 DAYS - EVEN AFTER INSPECTION). AGAIN, THAT NEVER HAPPENED TILL NOW THE WHOLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED UP. MOST STUFFS MELTED, BUT I'M SURPRISED THEY CAN CONCLUDE THAT IT'S THE SERPENTINE BELT. YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE TO BELIEVE. EVERYTHING THERE MELTED AND TURNED BLACK BEFORE FIREMAN CAME (HUGE FIRE). I WENT TO CHECK AND RETRIEVE THE BELT AND IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE CUT IT DELIBERATELY. I EVEN HAD HARD TIME OPENING THE HOOD BECAUSE THEY DAMAGED IT..... DO YOU GUYS THINK THIS IS A FOUL PLAY? I GOT NO FULL COVERAGE ON THE CAR. I'M PRETTY MUCH BROKE NOW....AND THEY SORTA PUSH ME TO GET RID OF MY CAR THEY SAID THEY'LL CALL ME TO ARRANGE A MEETING FOR INSPECTION. THEY NEVER DID AND INSPECTED MY CAR ANYWAY THEY CUT SOME STUFFS LIKE SERPENTINE BELT FROM MY ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344113

52,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainCrash

THE KEY IN MY TOYOTA SPECIAL EDITION 2004 CAMRY IS DESIGNED TO BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, MINE CAN BE REMOVED REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE GEAR SHIFT. EX: ONCE THE CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AND SHOULD IT STILL BE IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. THIS SHOULD NOT…

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THE KEY IN MY TOYOTA SPECIAL EDITION 2004 CAMRY IS DESIGNED TO BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, MINE CAN BE REMOVED REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE GEAR SHIFT. EX: ONCE THE CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AND SHOULD IT STILL BE IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE.. AS A RESULT , I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR ROLLED DOWN AN INCLINE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE..NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, BUT A CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN IN A CAR SEAT IN THE REAR AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I T HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT PLACING THE CAR IN THE PARK POSITION BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. DIDN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL THE ACCIDENT THAT IT WAS NOT DESIGNED THAT WAY. NOTIFIED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF TOYOTA AND THEY RESPONDED WITH THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY SAFETY PROBLEM. WORLD TOYOTA IN ATLANTA WILL REPAIR THE PROBLEM FOR APPROXIMATELY $424.00, BUT I FEEL IT SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S RESPONSIBILITY AND DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334037

26,835 miles · Dec 11, 2009
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND THE COMPUTER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RESET. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,835. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 1/14/10 *CN UPDATED 01/15/10*JB

NHTSA ODI #10295324

45,000 miles · Oct 12, 2009
Electrical System

IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ON A BUSY STREET, MY CAR EXPERIENCED A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO PULL IT OFF FROM THE ROAD AND WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE SERVICE SHOP ADVISED ME THAT IT WILL COST OVER $1000 …

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IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ON A BUSY STREET, MY CAR EXPERIENCED A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO PULL IT OFF FROM THE ROAD AND WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE SERVICE SHOP ADVISED ME THAT IT WILL COST OVER $1000 TO FIX THE FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT IN LATER MODEL YEARS, BUT TO DATE, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AS IT DOES AFFECT ALL 2004 CAMRYS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287080

26,000 miles · Aug 24, 2009
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY 4-CYLINDER VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 2 MPH THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED SURGE AT 3,000 RPMS, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY COMPUTER CHIP IN THE G…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY 4-CYLINDER VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 2 MPH THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED SURGE AT 3,000 RPMS, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY COMPUTER CHIP IN THE GAS PEDAL. THE COMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE FOR $750. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK AFTER THEY SPOKE WITH MANAGEMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 26,000. THE CONSUMER STATED DURING TESTING OF THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, THE DRIVERS FLOOR MAT WAS IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AS A UNIT WITH THE COMPUTER CHIP/SENSOR ATTACHED. UPDATED 10/23/09

NHTSA ODI #10281553

99,487 miles · Apr 10, 2008
Electrical System

I HAD PROBLEMS WITH CAR 1ST DAY. THEY EVEN GAVE ME A FREE SUNROOF AND 3 FREE OIL CHANGE DUE TO THE PROBLEM AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FIX. BUT STILL HAVING PROBLEM. NOW MY CADILLAC COMVOR IS OUT AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX AFTER SAYING IT WAS COVERED. AND MY CAR IS ONLY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224146

15,668 miles · Jan 8, 2006
Electrical SystemStructure

O2 SENSORS FAILED DUE TO RODENTS OR RABBITS CHEWING THE PLASTIC WIRING HOUSING THE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL WIRES. O2 SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT $600. THE OUTSIDE COATINGS OR SHEATHS FOR THE WIRING IS MADE OF A SOY BASED PLASTIC, AND POSSIBLY CONTAINING A "FISH OIL" IN THE SHEATH, WHICH ATTRACTS RODENTS AND RABBI…

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O2 SENSORS FAILED DUE TO RODENTS OR RABBITS CHEWING THE PLASTIC WIRING HOUSING THE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL WIRES. O2 SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT $600. THE OUTSIDE COATINGS OR SHEATHS FOR THE WIRING IS MADE OF A SOY BASED PLASTIC, AND POSSIBLY CONTAINING A "FISH OIL" IN THE SHEATH, WHICH ATTRACTS RODENTS AND RABBITS, AND THEY CHEW ON THE PLASTIC WIRE COVERINGS, THEREBY DESTROYING THE O2 SENSOR'S WIRING MECHANISM. THIS PROBLEM IS PREVALENT IN THE DENVER AND MOUNTAIN STATES AREAS AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED AS THE PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FIRES OR ENGINE FAILURES. THE WIRING HOUSING SHOULD BE CHANGED TO A "RETARDANT" TYPE OF WIRING TO PREVENT OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS PROBLEM, AND NOT JUST FOR TOYOTA BUT FOR ALL MANUFACTURERS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10147178

Official recalls

3

11V539000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 9, 2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

04V595000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Dec 15, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (SSC 40M) BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..

04V346000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jul 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.

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

2

DP06003 · 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

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