NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
238 reportsClear category filter111,000 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UP HILL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS MOVING SLOWLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE ANOTH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UP HILL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS MOVING SLOWLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE HE FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE ISN'T SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE PEDAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
NHTSA ODI #10313657
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, NEARING A COMPLETE STOP, TAPPING BRAKE TO HIT PARKING STOP SIGN IN GARAGE, CAR SURGED OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING INTO HOUSE TEARING OUT SHEETROCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313329
50,000 miles · Feb 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY STALLED YESTERDAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE ARE TOLD THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST TO US OF $600. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE WHETHER ALL TOYOTA ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES AND ELECTRONICS SINCE 2001 SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313017
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT, LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING PLAZA, MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TO A HIGH SPEED,FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH WAS ON LOW, WENT ON FULL BLAST WITHOUT TOUCHING THE AC CONTROLS AND SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE CAR ACCELERATED. IN SPITE OF THE FULL A…
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DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT, LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING PLAZA, MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TO A HIGH SPEED,FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH WAS ON LOW, WENT ON FULL BLAST WITHOUT TOUCHING THE AC CONTROLS AND SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE CAR ACCELERATED. IN SPITE OF THE FULL APPLICATION OF MY BRAKES, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS IN SHOCK AND PANIC. I HIT A HANDICAP SIGN THAT FELL OVER AND DAMAGED TWO PARKED CARS. I NEARLY STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN, NOT TO MENTION ALMOST INJURING OR KILLING MYSELF. AFTER TRAVELING 372 FEET, I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO PALLETS OF FENCE MATERIAL. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED. COST OF ACCIDENT, INCLUDING MEDICAL EXPENSES WAS APPROXIMATELY $22,000. (THE PEDESTRIAN WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES AND I, ALSO, WENT TO HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED.) SADLY ENOUGH, MY LICENSE TO DRIVE WAS REVOKED AS A RESULT OF THIS ORDEAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312895
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT FEELS THE VEHICLE SURGED DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. UPDATED 04/13/2…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT FEELS THE VEHICLE SURGED DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. UPDATED 04/13/2010
NHTSA ODI #10312715
88,000 miles · Feb 22, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricVehicle Speed Control
-A 2000 CAMRY WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS -TRIED TO FIX PROBLEMS BUT MECHANICS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS. -A 2004 CAMRY WITH BRAKE AND ACCELERATION PROBLMES. REPORTED TO TOYOTA BUT IGNORED ME. REPORTED AGAIN BUT STILL IGNORED. -NEED HELP AS I SPENT SO MUCH UNTIL PROBLEMS KILLED MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312590
42,393 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
ON APRIL 15,2008 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY DOWN OUR STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WENT INTO IDLE AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. I HAD A EXTENDED WARRANTY STILL IN EFFECT SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAD 42,393 MILES ON THE CAR SO I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR. WE HAVEN'T HAD…
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ON APRIL 15,2008 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY DOWN OUR STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WENT INTO IDLE AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. I HAD A EXTENDED WARRANTY STILL IN EFFECT SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAD 42,393 MILES ON THE CAR SO I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR. WE HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM SINCE BUT I AM AFRAID THAT THE REPLACED SENSOR MAY BE DEFECTIVE AND COULD CAUSE UNWANTED ACCELERATION/DECELERATION SINCE IT WAS REPLACED IN 2008. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE NEWLY REPLACED ACCELERATOR SENSOR MAY NOT BE SAFE EITHER CONSIDERING ALL THE RECENT REPORTS. PLEASE USE YOUR POWER AND GET TOYOTA TO ADD THE 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY TO THEIR RECALL LIST BEFORE OTHER SERIOUS PROBLEMS OCCUR. THANKS FOR YOUR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION ON THIS MATTER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DECIDE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312579
49,600 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
VEHICLE STARTED UP AFTER BEING IN MALL PARKING LOT. AS I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOCATION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT SPEED AND DIRECTED VEHICLE AWAY FROM OTHER PARKED CARS AND PEDESTRIANS. ULTIMATELY I HIT ONE OTHER VEHICLE, CROSSED SEVERAL GRASSED ISLANDS, AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER…
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VEHICLE STARTED UP AFTER BEING IN MALL PARKING LOT. AS I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOCATION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT SPEED AND DIRECTED VEHICLE AWAY FROM OTHER PARKED CARS AND PEDESTRIANS. ULTIMATELY I HIT ONE OTHER VEHICLE, CROSSED SEVERAL GRASSED ISLANDS, AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER SHUTTING OFF IGNITION. *TR SEE ALSO ODI 10293584 *DSY
NHTSA ODI #10312469
12,806 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
ON 7-23-06, AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED EXITING A PARKING LOT. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES. OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGE PLUS BODILY INJURY OCCURRED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. A SIMILAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON 12/30/04. COMPLAINTS WERE ALSO PERIODICALLY MADE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE …
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ON 7-23-06, AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED EXITING A PARKING LOT. THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES. OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGE PLUS BODILY INJURY OCCURRED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. A SIMILAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON 12/30/04. COMPLAINTS WERE ALSO PERIODICALLY MADE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE BRAKES MADE TO THE DEALER. A FORMAL COMPLAINT WAS FINALLY MADE TO TOYOTA USA ASKING THEM TO BUY BACK THE CAR. ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS WERE HELD ON 11/16/06 AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA HAD SOMEONE REVIEW CAR'S BREAKING AND ACCELERATOR AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM AND THE CLAIM WAS DENIED TO BUY BACK THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312024
79,000 miles · Feb 18, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS AN AGGRESSIVE ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE R…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS AN AGGRESSIVE ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH REPLACEMENT THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 07/27/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10311790
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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