NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
238 reportsClear category filter55,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Seat BeltsVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC, SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ENTIRE ACCELERATED PEDAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC, SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ENTIRE ACCELERATED PEDAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10295605
85,300 miles · Dec 13, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
CAR WAS EXITING A MEDIUM RIGHT TURN WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WENT THRU A FENCE AND HIT A TREE. *TR UPDATED 02/02/10 *BF CORRECTED VIN AT THE CONSUMERS REQUEST. UPDATED 02/02/10
NHTSA ODI #10295509
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
49,604 miles · Nov 25, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. HE WAS FORCED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. HE WAS TREATED AT AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR INJURIES TO THE BACK, HEAD, AND AROUND THE CHEST/SHOULDER AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. HE WAS FORCED TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. HE WAS TREATED AT AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR INJURIES TO THE BACK, HEAD, AND AROUND THE CHEST/SHOULDER AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,604. SEE ALSO ODI 10312469 *DSY
NHTSA ODI #10293584
143,905 miles · Nov 25, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
PROJECT: NHTSA HOTLINE CENTER CASE: TOYOTA ACCELERATORS CASE NUMBER: 202302 DATE: 11/04/2009 TIME: 17:57:22 CREATION DATE: 11/04/2009 CREATION TIME: 09:48:50 FROM: ADRIENNE WITHERSPOON COMMENTS: I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY AND THERE IS ANOTHER ACCELERATOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIG…
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PROJECT: NHTSA HOTLINE CENTER CASE: TOYOTA ACCELERATORS CASE NUMBER: 202302 DATE: 11/04/2009 TIME: 17:57:22 CREATION DATE: 11/04/2009 CREATION TIME: 09:48:50 FROM: ADRIENNE WITHERSPOON COMMENTS: I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY AND THERE IS ANOTHER ACCELERATOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED ALSO. WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, I PAID NEARLY $700 TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR IN MY CAR BECAUSE WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO CONTROL THE SPEED. I WOULD TRY TO INCREASE SPEED AND COULD NOT. YOU CAN CHECK MY REPAIR RECORD AT MARK JACOBSON TOYOTA IN DURHAM, NC. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH A 2005 TOYOTA WHO RECENTLY PAID OVER $1,000 TO REPLACE HER ACCELERATOR AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CHARLESTON, SC. FOR THE SAME REASON, A STIFF OR NON-RESPONSIVE ACCELERATOR WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293502
55,000 miles · Nov 5, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION. CONSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, SO THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE BUMPER AND THE FRONT-END OF VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE WARRANTY COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION. CONSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK, SO THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE BUMPER AND THE FRONT-END OF VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE WARRANTY COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE FLOOR-MATS CAUSED THE FAILURE. HE THEN ADDED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH HIS MODEL TYPE. HOWEVER HE SPECULATED THAT THE TECHNICIAN INCORRECTLY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE FLOOR-MATS WERE VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO HIS MECHANIC, AND REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $1200.00.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10291128
32,000 miles · Nov 4, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10290945
31,000 miles · Nov 3, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TWO (2) SEPARATE INCIDENTS: BOTH TIMES, ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR HAD TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKE PEDAL AND PARKING BRAKE USED TO STOP VEHICLE. DEFINITELY NOTHING STUCK ON/UNDER ACCELERATOR EITHER TIME. HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE ASAP TO STOP THE ENGINE FROM RACING TO VERY HIGH RPMS. 1. HAPPENED FIRST WHEN PARALLE…
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TWO (2) SEPARATE INCIDENTS: BOTH TIMES, ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR HAD TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKE PEDAL AND PARKING BRAKE USED TO STOP VEHICLE. DEFINITELY NOTHING STUCK ON/UNDER ACCELERATOR EITHER TIME. HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE ASAP TO STOP THE ENGINE FROM RACING TO VERY HIGH RPMS. 1. HAPPENED FIRST WHEN PARALLEL PARKING THE CAR. SPEED < 5MPH. APPROX MAY, 2007. CLEAR WEATHER. APPROX 60 DEGREES. HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN CAR WAS RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. CAR WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS. STARTED AND OPERATED OK WHEN RESTARTED AFTER THIS BREAK. 2. HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN FROM ABOUT 45 MPH. APPROX SEPT, 2008. PARTLY CLOUDY WEATHER. NO RAIN. APPROX 60 DEGREES. CAR WAS THEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS. OPERATED OK WHEN RESTARTED AFTER THIS BREAK. NOT SURE OF EXACT DATES BUT IT COULD BE RECONSTRUCTED FROM DEALER RECORDS, IF NECESSARY. TOOK TO TWO SEPARATE TOYOTA DEALERS AND WAS TOLD BY EACH: "...NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR". "CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM." "KEEP AN EYE ON IT..." *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290867
30,000 miles · Oct 26, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING IN A PARKING LOT AT LESS THAN 1 MPH. THERE WAS SLIGHT PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; FOLLOWED BY AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING IN A PARKING LOT AT LESS THAN 1 MPH. THERE WAS SLIGHT PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; FOLLOWED BY AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY TO THE LEFT KNEE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SCENE WITH CAUTION. AN AUTO BODY COLLISION MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITH AN ESTIMATED REPAIR COST OF $500.00. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #10289857
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
DRIVING 2004 TOYTOA CAMRY WHEN SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED AND VEHICLE RAN INTO A SENIOR CENTER BUILDING. NO ONE WAS KILLED, BUT THE CAR HAS MAJOR DAMAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10286708
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