NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
54 reportsClear category filter80,000 miles · Jan 25, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ON 26 DECEMBER 2009 TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE US POST OFFICE HAD AN UN-COMMANDED ACCELERATION. WITHIN A SPAN OF FOUR FEET INTO THE PARKING SPOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKE COULD NOT STOP THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. THE CAR JUMPED THE SIDEWALK AND DROVE …
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A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ON 26 DECEMBER 2009 TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE US POST OFFICE HAD AN UN-COMMANDED ACCELERATION. WITHIN A SPAN OF FOUR FEET INTO THE PARKING SPOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKE COULD NOT STOP THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. THE CAR JUMPED THE SIDEWALK AND DROVE INTO THE WINDOW AND CORNER OF THE BUILDING WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE WITH ONLY THE BUILDING HOLDING THE CAR AS IT TRIED TO RACED FURTHER. MOVING THE TRANSMISSION LEVER FROM DRIVE TO PARK THE DOORS DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK. TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF POSITION WAS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO STOPPING THE RACING ENGINE. THE FLOOR MAT WAS CHECKED ON EXITING THE CAR AND WAS NOT TO BE ANYWHERE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL..THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND NO LIFE TREATING INJURY WAS SUSTAINED. *TR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED NECK AND BACK PAIN. UPDATED 03/17/10
NHTSA ODI #10302122
8,100 miles · Nov 6, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I BOUGHT NEW 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY V6LE ON MARCH 2004.I NOTICED THE BRAKE FLUID KEEP LOSING FROM MAX LEVEL TO MIN LEVEL WITHIN 100 MILES DRIVE AFTER 1YEAR OR 8000 MILES UNTIL TODAY (40200MILES). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC ,NO LEAKING FOUND. I RECENTLY READ THE REPORT BY NHTSA THAT THE TOYOTA BRAKING SYSTEM COULD LOSE MOST OF ITS…
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I BOUGHT NEW 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY V6LE ON MARCH 2004.I NOTICED THE BRAKE FLUID KEEP LOSING FROM MAX LEVEL TO MIN LEVEL WITHIN 100 MILES DRIVE AFTER 1YEAR OR 8000 MILES UNTIL TODAY (40200MILES). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC ,NO LEAKING FOUND. I RECENTLY READ THE REPORT BY NHTSA THAT THE TOYOTA BRAKING SYSTEM COULD LOSE MOST OF ITS POWER & EFFECTIVENESS AGREE BECAUSE THAT IS THE PROBLEM OF MY CAR RIGHT NOW. I HOPE THIS COMPLAINT MAY HELP YOU TO FIND WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291230
Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS SYSTEM COMPUTER FAILED. NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL 95,000 MILE SERVICE VISIT WHEN COMPLAINT RAISED TO DEALER OF BRAKE NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10249704
50,000 miles · May 15, 2008
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicSuspensionCrashInjury
I BOUGHT A 2004 CAMRY ABOUT A MONTH AGO FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA USED CAR DEALER. A WEEK LATER I TOLD THEM FRONT-END FELT FUNNY AND NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. THEY SAID I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. HAD THAT DONE. CALLED THEM LAST WEEK AND SAID I STILL FEEL LIKE THERE'S SOME SORT OF FRONT-END PROBLEM. MY BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY AND ALMOST TO THE …
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I BOUGHT A 2004 CAMRY ABOUT A MONTH AGO FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA USED CAR DEALER. A WEEK LATER I TOLD THEM FRONT-END FELT FUNNY AND NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. THEY SAID I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. HAD THAT DONE. CALLED THEM LAST WEEK AND SAID I STILL FEEL LIKE THERE'S SOME SORT OF FRONT-END PROBLEM. MY BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY AND ALMOST TO THE GROUND. SOMETIMES I'M NOT SURE IF I'M GOING TO STOP IN TIME. ALSO TOLD THEM MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SHIMMYING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PROBABLY INDICATING A TIRE BALANCE ISSUE AND THEY WOULD CHARGE ME $50 TO BALANCE/ROTATE MY TIRES. I DECIDED TO PUT THE MONEY TOWARD NEW FRONT TIRES INSTEAD HOPING THAT WOULD ALSO REDUCE ROAD NOISE. AS FOR THE BRAKES.... I WAS TOLD THAT WAS STANDARD FOR THE CAMRY MODELS AND WAS A KNOWN DESIGN ISSUE BUT NO CORRECTIONS WERE IN PLACE THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF. LAST WEEKEND I WAS IN A CRASH. MY BRAKES FAILED! MY ABS DID NOT ENGAGE AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30-40 MPH ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE PERSON IN FRONT HIT THEIR BRAKES. I HIT MINE AND CONTINUED TO SKID INTO THE BACK OF THEIR VEHICLE. I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. THERE'S NO REASON OTHER THAN BRAKE FAILURE FOR ME TO HAVE CRASHED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227918
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY, HAS HAD SPONGY BRAKES FROM NEW, DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE, AND IF YOU PUMP THE BRAKES AND HOLD THEM YOU GO RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. IF YOU ARE STOPPING SLOWLY THE BRAKES RESPOND VERY POORLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10223853
12,000 miles · Jan 9, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND WEAK BRAKES. I HAVE NORMAL DRIVING HABITS AND HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THE BRAKES ARE OK FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE GOING BAD AGAIN. THE BRAKING DISTANCE IS VERY BAD AND BRAKE RESPONSE IS DANGEROUSLY SLOW. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214257
Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT, I HIT THE BRAKE BUT IT CAUGHT THE GAS PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. ONLY THE BALCONY WALL OF THE PARKING STOPPED THE CAR. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE SPRAIN OF MY NECK AND A $3000 DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212637
51,705 miles · Oct 23, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE BRAKE DIFFICULTIES WITH MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES BY THE HOUSTON DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT REPAIRING IT WAS THE BEST THEY COULD DO, AND NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. WHENEVER I STOP, MY BRAKES WILL ONLY COMPLETEL…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE BRAKE DIFFICULTIES WITH MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES BY THE HOUSTON DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT REPAIRING IT WAS THE BEST THEY COULD DO, AND NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. WHENEVER I STOP, MY BRAKES WILL ONLY COMPLETELY STOP AT ALMOST 1.5 INCHES FROM THE CAR FLOOR. I NEED SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, AND I NEVER WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKES FAILING TO STOP OR ONLY STOPPING ONCE IT HITS THE FLOOR. I AM 85 YEARS OLD, MAKE WEEKLY DOCTOR VISITS ON HEAVILY CONGESTED HOUSTON FREEWAYS. I NEED MY CAR TO WORK PROPERLY EVERY TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10206631
47,000 miles · Sep 4, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF INCHES BEFORE THE BRAKES MADE HARD CONTACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES, OR LEAKING FLUID PRESENT. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE REAR BRAKES, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY 3-6 MONTHS LATER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF INCHES BEFORE THE BRAKES MADE HARD CONTACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES, OR LEAKING FLUID PRESENT. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE REAR BRAKES, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY 3-6 MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000. UPDATED 01/02/08.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS BEFORE IT STARTS SLOWING DOWN. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED IF THE BACK BRAKES ARE TIGHTLY ADJUSTED THEN THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM THE DEFECT IS CALLED SOFT BRAKES. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201821
76,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A PARKED CAR. SHE ALSO RAN OVER THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO THE CORNER OF THE SHOPPING CENTER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. SHE FELT THAT THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A PARKED CAR. SHE ALSO RAN OVER THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO THE CORNER OF THE SHOPPING CENTER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. SHE FELT THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000 MILES. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10199000
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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