NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
238 reportsClear category filter16,000 miles · Mar 31, 2006
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE AFTER SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING A 100 DEGREE RIGHT TURN INTO THE GARAGE. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN FOR 90 FEET, SIDE-SWIPED OUR JEEP PARKED IN THE GARAGE, AND THEN TOOK OUT THE LOAD BEARING WALL AT THE REAR RIGHT OF THE GARAGE. CAR HAS 16K MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN GARAGED A…
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SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE AFTER SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING A 100 DEGREE RIGHT TURN INTO THE GARAGE. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN FOR 90 FEET, SIDE-SWIPED OUR JEEP PARKED IN THE GARAGE, AND THEN TOOK OUT THE LOAD BEARING WALL AT THE REAR RIGHT OF THE GARAGE. CAR HAS 16K MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN GARAGED AT ALL TIMES. INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAYS THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM, BUT CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT SINCE THIS IS CAR RELIES ON ELECTRONIC CONTROL THROUGHOUT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10154294
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER PRESSED GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE, THREE SECONDS LATER VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. *TX THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. ABOUT 17 MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLES WAS REPAIRED. *NM UPDATED *JB
NHTSA ODI #10151872
6,200 miles · Dec 19, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. SHE WAS PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD. AS SHE LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A METAL POLE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED UNDERNEATH THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAGS DEP…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. SHE WAS PULLING OUT ONTO THE ROAD. AS SHE LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A METAL POLE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED UNDERNEATH THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, SHE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WITH CHEST PAINS AND BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WAS COMING TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT. NO REPAIRS WERE ADE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10145642
19,970 miles · Nov 11, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS PULLING INTO APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING SPACE WHEN MY 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SURGED FORWARD. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS HALF WAY IN THE SPOT WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD AND JUMPED OVER SIDEWAY PLOWING INTO APARTMENT BUILDING. I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE TIR…
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I WAS PULLING INTO APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING SPACE WHEN MY 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SURGED FORWARD. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS HALF WAY IN THE SPOT WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD AND JUMPED OVER SIDEWAY PLOWING INTO APARTMENT BUILDING. I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE TIRES WERE SCREECHING, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT HIT THE BUILDING WALL. THE CAR WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY FOR AN ESTIMATE. THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE APARTMENT BUILDING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10142465
9,446 miles · Oct 14, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. *TS THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WOULD FLUCTUATE WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ODOMETER BECAME STUCK ON THE SAME MILEAGE FOR 3-5 DAYS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR AND SPEEDOMETER ASSEMBLY SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUEMR TRADED THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS U…
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VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. *TS THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WOULD FLUCTUATE WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ODOMETER BECAME STUCK ON THE SAME MILEAGE FOR 3-5 DAYS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR AND SPEEDOMETER ASSEMBLY SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUEMR TRADED THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10140996
11,380 miles · Oct 12, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SLOWLY PULLED INTO GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT AN OBJECT IN THE GARAGE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM KNOW, AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF A CAR DOING THAT. THE SPEED WAS…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SLOWLY PULLED INTO GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT AN OBJECT IN THE GARAGE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM KNOW, AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF A CAR DOING THAT. THE SPEED WAS 1 MPH.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10139471
45,000 miles · Sep 16, 2005
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
DT: 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON THREE OCCASIONS AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE ROARED WHILE THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY LURCHED FORWARD WHEN THIS HAPPENED.THE CONSUMER HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROB…
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DT: 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON THREE OCCASIONS AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE ROARED WHILE THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY LURCHED FORWARD WHEN THIS HAPPENED.THE CONSUMER HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON ONE OCCASION HE TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND IT WENT INTO REVERSE. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10133209
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TOYOTA CAMRY 2004, SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY SURGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10134397
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
DT: THE GAS PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS HAS CAUSED THE CONSUMER AT LEAST FOUR ACCIDENTS. BECAUSE WHEN THE CONSUMER GOES TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE T WILL ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS SO SURPRISED EVERY TIME THIS OCCURRED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL SHE HIT SOMETHING…
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DT: THE GAS PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS HAS CAUSED THE CONSUMER AT LEAST FOUR ACCIDENTS. BECAUSE WHEN THE CONSUMER GOES TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE T WILL ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS SO SURPRISED EVERY TIME THIS OCCURRED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL SHE HIT SOMETHING. THREE TIMES THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO STOP IT WHILE BETWEEN OTHER VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN MAY 2005. SHE OBTAINED INJURIES BECAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORTS WERE TAKEN. ON 8-17-05 THE CONSUMER HIT A LIGHT POLE. PREVIOUSLY, THE CONSUMER HAD CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE FROM THEM. ALSO, THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH LEG ROOM IN THE DRIVER SIDE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10133333
14,775 miles · Aug 8, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
DT: CONSUMER OWNS 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH V6 ENGINE. CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHOT THROUGH THE PARKING SPOT, STRIKING A METAL POST, AND DAMAGING THE PASSENGER'S FRONT OF VEHICLE, THE BUMPER , FRONT FENDER, AND BOTH PASSENGER DOORS. WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CONSUMER…
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DT: CONSUMER OWNS 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH V6 ENGINE. CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHOT THROUGH THE PARKING SPOT, STRIKING A METAL POST, AND DAMAGING THE PASSENGER'S FRONT OF VEHICLE, THE BUMPER , FRONT FENDER, AND BOTH PASSENGER DOORS. WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CONSUMER FELT THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL LEFT THE BOTTOM OF FOOT AND CONTINUED TO THE FLOORBOARD WITH NO ASSISTANCE. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005 AT ABOUT 7:30 PM IN LOUISVILLE, AT TOWN FAIR CENTER ON HURSTBOURN LANE. CONSUMER WENT TO DEALER, AND DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT VEHICLE, THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ANY PROBLEM LIKE THIS, AND TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE FLOOR MAT STUCK TO THE PEDAL , CAUSING THE ACCELERATION. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SAID THEY OPENED A CASE AND DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO CONTACT CONSUMER IN ABOUT 3 DAYS.*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10131955
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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