NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports35,000 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND THEN SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP WITHOUT DRIVER PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGING. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN BEFORE REPAIRS COUL…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND THEN SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP WITHOUT DRIVER PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGING. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE PEDAL CONTROL, P/N 78010-33010. I AM WAITING ON THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344511
120,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Electrical SystemFire
TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 GOT CAUGHT ON FIRE I DROVE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 THE OTHER DAY AND SUDDENLY THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED. ENGINE DIED. WHEN I CRANKED IT BACK UP AGAIN, SMOKES STARTED COMING OUT. I CHANGED MY OIL REGULARLY. THE LAST ONE WAS A WEEK BEFORE AT VALVOLINE (THEY CHECKED ALL FLUIDS) TOYOTA RAN AN INVESTIGATION AND TH…
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TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 GOT CAUGHT ON FIRE I DROVE MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 THE OTHER DAY AND SUDDENLY THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED. ENGINE DIED. WHEN I CRANKED IT BACK UP AGAIN, SMOKES STARTED COMING OUT. I CHANGED MY OIL REGULARLY. THE LAST ONE WAS A WEEK BEFORE AT VALVOLINE (THEY CHECKED ALL FLUIDS) TOYOTA RAN AN INVESTIGATION AND THIS IS WHAT THEY MADE UP: "SERPENTINE BELT IS FAULTY, CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED, PRESSURE IN RADIATOR CAUSED IT TO BURST AND SPRAYED COOLANT ONTO THE BATTERY AND FUSE BOX AND RELAY PANEL WHICH LED TO A SHORT CIRCUIT" I TALKED TO A NICE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT TOYOTA AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING THAT THEY MADE UP TO GET AWAY IT. HE EXPLAINED TO ME HOW THAT WASN'T TOO LIKELY TO HAPPEN TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT THEY'LL CALL ME BEFORE INSPECTING THE CAR. THEY NEVER DID . THEY SENT ME A LETTER, WHICH ARRIVED A DAY AFTER MY VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE TOWED FROM THE DEALER (ON FRIDAY). I HAD TO WAIT TILL MONDAY TO TOW IT AWAY AND THEY CHARGED ME WEEKENDS STORAGE FEE ($25 A DAY) I PLANNED TO JUST DONATE THE CAR AND IT WILL USUALLY TAKES 2-3 DAYS. I THOUGHT I'LL DO THAT BY THE TIME THEY ARE READY TO INSPECT MY CAR. I CALLED TOYOTA EARLIER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK (2 DAYS - EVEN AFTER INSPECTION). AGAIN, THAT NEVER HAPPENED TILL NOW THE WHOLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED UP. MOST STUFFS MELTED, BUT I'M SURPRISED THEY CAN CONCLUDE THAT IT'S THE SERPENTINE BELT. YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE TO BELIEVE. EVERYTHING THERE MELTED AND TURNED BLACK BEFORE FIREMAN CAME (HUGE FIRE). I WENT TO CHECK AND RETRIEVE THE BELT AND IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE CUT IT DELIBERATELY. I EVEN HAD HARD TIME OPENING THE HOOD BECAUSE THEY DAMAGED IT..... DO YOU GUYS THINK THIS IS A FOUL PLAY? I GOT NO FULL COVERAGE ON THE CAR. I'M PRETTY MUCH BROKE NOW....AND THEY SORTA PUSH ME TO GET RID OF MY CAR THEY SAID THEY'LL CALL ME TO ARRANGE A MEETING FOR INSPECTION. THEY NEVER DID AND INSPECTED MY CAR ANYWAY THEY CUT SOME STUFFS LIKE SERPENTINE BELT FROM MY ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344113
43,593 miles · Jul 8, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD TIM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD TIME, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, AT WHICH TIME A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES OR VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR FOURTEEN DAYS TO PERFORM FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,593. UPDATED 08/24/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/25/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10342054
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2010
Air Bags
WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY, PURCHASED IN OR, REGISTERED IN WA SINCE 2005. WE HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR RESET AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, BOTH IN OR AND WA. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE REPAIRS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA IN BELLEVUE HAS STATED THAT THEY "REPLACED" THE SENSOR LAST TIME IT FAILED BUT IT ONC…
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WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY, PURCHASED IN OR, REGISTERED IN WA SINCE 2005. WE HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR RESET AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, BOTH IN OR AND WA. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE REPAIRS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA IN BELLEVUE HAS STATED THAT THEY "REPLACED" THE SENSOR LAST TIME IT FAILED BUT IT ONCE AGAIN HAS FAILED; WHICH MEANS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA'S SERVICE MANAGER HAS STATED THAT THE LAST REPAIR WAS THE LAST ONE THEY WOULD ABSORB. I BELIEVE THIS AIRBAG SENSOR WAS NOT REPLACED AND REMAINS FAULTY; EITHER BY DESIGN OR IN THIS PARTICULAR ONE. I AM BRINGING IT IN FOR ANOTHER REPAIR TOMORROW BUT EXPECT A BATTLE OVER THE COST OF REPAIR BEING ABSORBED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS FAILED AIRBAG SENSOR MEANS DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR ANYONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE WA STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THIS MAY BE A KNOWN PROBLEM ALREADY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10341905
26,000 miles · Jul 7, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT FAILED BECAUSE OF THE BEARINGS AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FEEL EXTREMELY TIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING COLUMN, STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS E…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT FAILED BECAUSE OF THE BEARINGS AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FEEL EXTREMELY TIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING COLUMN, STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 26,000. UPDATED 8/25/10 *CN UPDATED 08/27/10 UPDATED 08/30/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10341819
73,915 miles · Jun 30, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
MY WIFE WAS PULLING HER 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAR IN DRIVE WITH HER FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE OF LITTLE USE AND THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT HER FROM CRASHING INTO AN OFFICE BUILDING WAS A SMALL RETAINING WALL THAT STOPPED THE CAR. THE CAR IS NOW AT AN AUTO BOD…
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MY WIFE WAS PULLING HER 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAR IN DRIVE WITH HER FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE OF LITTLE USE AND THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT HER FROM CRASHING INTO AN OFFICE BUILDING WAS A SMALL RETAINING WALL THAT STOPPED THE CAR. THE CAR IS NOW AT AN AUTO BODY SHOP WITH OVER $7,000 IN REPAIRS TO BE MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10340830
67,000 miles · Jun 10, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTUR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA ODI #10335693
44,000 miles · Jun 10, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TWICE AS SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE TWICE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. SHE DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000.
NHTSA ODI #10335679
44,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT UPHILL AND CRASHED INTO LARGE ROCKS. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. A POLICE REPOR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT UPHILL AND CRASHED INTO LARGE ROCKS. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO SPIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 44,000. UPDATED 6/19/10 *CN UPDATED 07/27/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10334998
23,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE OF ACCELERATION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A STEEL POLE. THE FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH THE LEVEL OF IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE OF ACCELERATION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A STEEL POLE. THE FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH THE LEVEL OF IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE BODY DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WAS ESTIMATED AT THE COST OF $16,000. THE CAUSE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THAT TIME. IN ADDITION, THE IDENTICAL UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR YEARS LATER. THERE WERE NO INJURES IN THAT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. UPDATED 09/22/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/23/10
NHTSA ODI #10334992
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