NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
13 reportsClear category filter78,000 miles · May 9, 2022
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that there was also a grinding sound while applying the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak and AB…
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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that there was also a grinding sound while applying the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak and ABS sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the tank was rusted and was also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #11463944
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2022
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a fuel leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fa…
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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a fuel leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #11451506
31,400 miles · Apr 25, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
AT A STOP SIGN, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FROM THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS UNDER CA. 40 MPH SURGED FASTER THEN SLOWER IN A JERKY SORT OF FASHION. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 IT SEEMED TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOT…
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AT A STOP SIGN, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FROM THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS UNDER CA. 40 MPH SURGED FASTER THEN SLOWER IN A JERKY SORT OF FASHION. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 IT SEEMED TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOTA HAS REPEATEDLY REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10585017
63,440 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
ON I-5, IN THE FAST LANE OUTSIDE PORTLAND, OREGON WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT WAS STILL IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I REACHED A REPAIR SHOP THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CHIP FAILURE IN THE GAS PEDAL. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED ANYWHERE, WITHOUT GAS THE CAR JUST STOPS, AND THE…
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ON I-5, IN THE FAST LANE OUTSIDE PORTLAND, OREGON WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT WAS STILL IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I REACHED A REPAIR SHOP THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CHIP FAILURE IN THE GAS PEDAL. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED ANYWHERE, WITHOUT GAS THE CAR JUST STOPS, AND THE RESULT COULD BE FAR MORE SERIOUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548383
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
PURCHASED CAR FROM LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WITH JUST OVER 100K MILES. GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING. CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. FOUND OUT IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE BODY. IT COSTS OVER $1000 TO FIX. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS EXACT PART ON TOYOTA CAMRY'S. WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE RECALLED! OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522974
74,000 miles · Nov 7, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY CITY HIGHWAY, THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. THE CAR'S COMPUTER SHUT IT DOWN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART, AS THE STUCK OPEN THROTTLE BODY MADE THE ENGINE RACE AND THE COMPUTER SHUT IT DOWN. AS THIS WAS A KNOW FACTORY DESIGN DEFECT, THE NEWLY REDESIG…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY CITY HIGHWAY, THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLE STUCK WIDE OPEN. THE CAR'S COMPUTER SHUT IT DOWN, CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART, AS THE STUCK OPEN THROTTLE BODY MADE THE ENGINE RACE AND THE COMPUTER SHUT IT DOWN. AS THIS WAS A KNOW FACTORY DESIGN DEFECT, THE NEWLY REDESIGNED REPLACEMENT THROTTLE BODY FIXED THE PROBLEM BUT TOYOTA CHARGES ABOUT $1000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. WITH THE MANY REPORTED FAILURES OF THIS PART AND THE DECISION TO MAKE A REDESIGN TO CURE THE PROBLEM, IT APPEARS THAT THE CUSTOMER ABSORBS THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. THERE WAS NO HELP FROM THE LOCAL DEALER ETC! ERGO MY INITIATION OF A COMPLAINT! WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OVER A LONG PERIOD, IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY NO RECALL WAS EVER INITIATED NOR WAS THERE A SATISFACTORY INVESTIGATION! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434749
80,000 miles · Oct 3, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. IT HAS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY WHICH HAS LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED AND COST $1000 TO FIX FROM THE DEALER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A FEW OF MY FRIENDS HAVE HAD TO PAY TWICE TO GET THIS FIXED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THERE A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE STEERING LINKAGE THAT POPS WHEN YOU TURN. THIS EVENTUALLY LE…
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I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. IT HAS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY WHICH HAS LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED AND COST $1000 TO FIX FROM THE DEALER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND A FEW OF MY FRIENDS HAVE HAD TO PAY TWICE TO GET THIS FIXED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THERE A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE STEERING LINKAGE THAT POPS WHEN YOU TURN. THIS EVENTUALLY LEADS TO SLOP IN THE STEERING AND IT CAUSE MY TO GO IN THE DITCH. THIS ACCIDENT HAS GIVEN ME A CHRONIC BACK CONDITION AND PREVENTED ME FROM COMMISSIONING IN THE MILITARY. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO KNOWN TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAMRYS BUT TOYOTA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358917
76,000 miles · Aug 26, 2010
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainCrash
ON 8/0/10 VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT. BACKED UP VEHICLE. PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE. VEHICLE ENGINE REVVED UP AND CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES. ATTEMPTED TO HIT BRAKE. DISTANCE BETWEEN BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL IS 3 1/2 INCHES. VEHICLE INVOLVED WAS A TOYOTA. ENGINEER IS INSPECTING VEHICLE ON 8/27/10. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352147
25,000 miles · Mar 10, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
TOYOTA CAMRY 2004. I PURCHASE TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 NEW AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE ACCELERATION OF CAR FOR TWO OCCASIONS. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AROUND MARCH 2005 IN THE MORNING AND GAS PADDLE WENT DOWN BY ITSELF FOR A 30 SEC OR SO. I DID NOT HAD THE CONTROL OF THE GAS PADDLE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AROUND 2005. THIS HAPPENED FOR FEW S…
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TOYOTA CAMRY 2004. I PURCHASE TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 NEW AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE ACCELERATION OF CAR FOR TWO OCCASIONS. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AROUND MARCH 2005 IN THE MORNING AND GAS PADDLE WENT DOWN BY ITSELF FOR A 30 SEC OR SO. I DID NOT HAD THE CONTROL OF THE GAS PADDLE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AROUND 2005. THIS HAPPENED FOR FEW SECONDS ONLY (30-45 SEC). I EXPERIENCE LITTLE INCREASE IN THE SPEED FOR THAT BRIEF PERIOD. I HAVEN'T SHOWN THE PROBLEM TO DEALER. THIS HAPPENED FOR A BRIEF PERIOD SO I THOUGHT SOMETHING IS MY FAULT BUT NOW IT SEEMS LIKE SOME OTHER ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318581
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE (6 CYLINDER) HAS A STICKING GAS PEDAL PROBLEM. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, THE GAS PEDAL IS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS FROM THE "UP" POSITION. IT TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO RELEASE FROM THE STUCK POSITION AND ALLOW THE PEDAL TO FURTHER D…
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MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE (6 CYLINDER) HAS A STICKING GAS PEDAL PROBLEM. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, THE GAS PEDAL IS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS FROM THE "UP" POSITION. IT TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO RELEASE FROM THE STUCK POSITION AND ALLOW THE PEDAL TO FURTHER DEPRESS FOR PROPER ACCELERATION. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL FINALLY DOES RELEASE AFTER APPLYING PRESSURE, THE MOTOR HAS REVVED UP CAUSING THE CAR TO, IN ESSENCE, POP A WHEELIE, SPIN ITS WHEELS, AND ACCELERATES IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MANNER. THIS TOYOTA MODEL HAS NOT YET BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED SINCE IT IS EXHIBITING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS THOSE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR POSES A RISK PROFILE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN WITHOUT BEING FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304952
Official recalls
3Nov 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.
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..
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
2DP06003 · 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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