NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 29, 2012
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JUMP A CURVE AND CRASH INTO BRICK STEPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HURT THEIR WRIST IN THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JUMP A CURVE AND CRASH INTO BRICK STEPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HURT THEIR WRIST IN THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE PER THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10463591
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2012
Visibility
PROBLEMS WITH THE SUNROOF. CABLES BROKE UNEXPECTEDLY RIGHT AFTER THE THIRD YEAR. DEALER SAID THE ENTIRE PULLEY SYSTEM BROKE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. DEALER SAID WARRENTY HAD JUST EXPIRED, COST OVER $1000+ TO REPLACE IT. TWO YEARS AGO, WHILE DROVE ON THE FREEWAY; THE ROOF EXPLODED, GLASS DROPPED ALL OVER, IT WAS SCARY. PAID $800…
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PROBLEMS WITH THE SUNROOF. CABLES BROKE UNEXPECTEDLY RIGHT AFTER THE THIRD YEAR. DEALER SAID THE ENTIRE PULLEY SYSTEM BROKE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. DEALER SAID WARRENTY HAD JUST EXPIRED, COST OVER $1000+ TO REPLACE IT. TWO YEARS AGO, WHILE DROVE ON THE FREEWAY; THE ROOF EXPLODED, GLASS DROPPED ALL OVER, IT WAS SCARY. PAID $800+ AND INSTALLED THE NEW ROOF WITH DEALER, A MONTH LATER THE PULLEY BROKE AGAIN. THE DEALER SAID WE HAVE TO PAY $1000+ AGAIN. IT IS DIFFERENT ISSUE THAN THE GLASS. TOTAL COST OVER $3000+ FOR JUST A SUN ROOF ITSELF. UNTIL NOW, I HAVEN'T REPLACED YET. I AM AFRAID TO KEEP REPLACING THE PULLEY SYSTEM. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462839
74,300 miles · Jun 12, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,300.
NHTSA ODI #10461331
15,000 miles · May 15, 2012
Visibility
BOTH SUN VISORS HAVE FAILED WITH ORDINARY USE. THE BRACKETS BREAK AND THE SUN VISOR FALLS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE OBSTRUCTING YOUR VISION. THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AS THE PLASTIC BRACKET EASILY BREAKS. THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR BROKE FIRST THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TALKED WITH THE TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE W…
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BOTH SUN VISORS HAVE FAILED WITH ORDINARY USE. THE BRACKETS BREAK AND THE SUN VISOR FALLS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE OBSTRUCTING YOUR VISION. THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AS THE PLASTIC BRACKET EASILY BREAKS. THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR BROKE FIRST THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TALKED WITH THE TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WERE LOTS OF REPLACEMENTS. THE COST TO REPLACE BOTH WERE IN EXCESS OF $250.00. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT CAN EASILY CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS. MY SON WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR HAD PINNED THE VISORS UP TO THE OVERHEAD MATERIAL WITH STRAIGHT PINS TO KEEP IT FROM DROPPING IN HIS FACE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS UNTIL HE WENT OFF TO COLLEGE BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONLY DRIVER OF THE CAR. I KNOW THIS IS NOT ON THE SAME LEVEL AS A AIR BAG BUT IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NEVER THE LESS AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ONE SUN VISOR EVER BREAK, YET THIS CAR HAD TOW BREAK. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD VISORS AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO FORWARD THEM TO YOU FOR TESTING. I LOOKED AT THEM AND COULD EASILY SEE WHERE THE DEFECT IS, YET I AM NOT A ENGINEER. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THESE ISSUES BUT MIGHT BE THE ONLY ONE TO COMPLAIN OF THIS DEFECT. I WOULD BE EASY TO SEE JUST HOW MANY ARE REPLACED. THIS IS "CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE" THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT CAN IMPAIR A DRIVERS VISIBILITY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10458609
79,000 miles · Apr 20, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GROCERY STORE AND INJURED TEN PEOPLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE CR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GROCERY STORE AND INJURED TEN PEOPLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #10455934
144,000 miles · Apr 17, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I TURNED ON THE MOTOR OF MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED AT A HOME DEPOT. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE (AND NOT ON THE GAS), THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 15 YARDS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455569
106,100 miles · Mar 17, 2012
Air Bags
THE FROM PASSENGER SRS AIRBAG ASSEMBLY IS COMING OFF, EXPOSING SOMETHING LIKE YELLOW PADDING WHICH MAY BE INDICATION OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS MAY CAUSE FATALITIES DURING ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10452052
105,000 miles · Mar 7, 2012
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING MY 2004 CAMRY INTO A PERPENDICULAR PARKING SPACE IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS I APPROACHED THE CURB TO COME TO A STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY LEAPED FORWARD AT WHAT SEEMED LIKE FULL THROTTLE, JUMPED THE CURB, LUNGED UP A FLIGHT OF THREE CONCRETE STEPS, AND CRASHED THROUGH THE GLASS …
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I WAS SLOWLY PULLING MY 2004 CAMRY INTO A PERPENDICULAR PARKING SPACE IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS I APPROACHED THE CURB TO COME TO A STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY LEAPED FORWARD AT WHAT SEEMED LIKE FULL THROTTLE, JUMPED THE CURB, LUNGED UP A FLIGHT OF THREE CONCRETE STEPS, AND CRASHED THROUGH THE GLASS DOORS OF THE ENTRY OF THE BUILDING. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, AT THE HOUR OF THE DAY WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED (3:30 PM), THERE ARE SMALL GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WAITING FOR RIDES OR CHATTING IN FRONT OF THIS FACILITY. BY SOME MIRACLE THERE WERE NO PEOPLE PRESENT ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THE CAR OR COMING OUT OF OR GOING INTO THE BUILDING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. TRULY A MIRACLE THAT NO ONE WAS HURT OR WORSE. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES. THE POLICE HAD THE CAR REMOVED BY FLATBED TO A BODY SHOP YARD. I LATER LEARNED THAT THE POLICE HAD DRIVEN THE CAR IN THE BODY SHOP YARD AND COMMENTED THAT THE CAR DROVE WITHOUT ISSUES. I SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED A CARELESS DRIVING CITATION IN THE MAIL. A LOCAL MEDIA REPORT OF THE INCIDENT, CRIBBED FROM THE POLICE BLOTTER, STATED THAT THE POLICE BELIEVED THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT WAS DRIVER ERROR. THERE IS NOT THE LEAST DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT STOP THE CAR! THE CAR ACTED ON ITS OWN AS IF POSSESSED! I WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN! I BOUGHT A NEW CAR AND TOOK A HUGE LOSS ON THE VALUE OF THE TOYOTA BY SELLING IT FOR PARTS TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A TENTH OF ITS RETAIL VALUE SO IT WOULD NEVER FIND ITS WAY BACK ONTO THE ROAD TO THREATEN OTHER PEOPLE WITH INJURY OR DEATH! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10450696
155,000 miles · Feb 18, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
OUR 2004 CAMRY 2.4 ENGINE HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THE STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS AT 155,000 MILES AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP. THEY ARE TELLING ME IT MAY NEED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO THIS COMMON FAULTY TOYOTA DEFECT ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. I AM OUTRAGED TO KNOW THAT I'M GONNA BE CHARGED ALMOST 6000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A FAULTY ENGI…
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OUR 2004 CAMRY 2.4 ENGINE HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THE STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS AT 155,000 MILES AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP. THEY ARE TELLING ME IT MAY NEED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO THIS COMMON FAULTY TOYOTA DEFECT ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. I AM OUTRAGED TO KNOW THAT I'M GONNA BE CHARGED ALMOST 6000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A FAULTY ENGINE. WHY ISN'T TOYOTA DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS?! HOW MUCH CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448442
105,000 miles · Feb 17, 2012
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND THERE THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND THERE THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10448315
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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