NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 3, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO PARK THE VEHICLE, WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HIT A POLE, WENT OVER A SMALL MOUND OF GRASS AND STOPPED HITTING TWO CARS THAT WERE PARKED PERPENDICULAR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUND GRAS…
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2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO PARK THE VEHICLE, WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HIT A POLE, WENT OVER A SMALL MOUND OF GRASS AND STOPPED HITTING TWO CARS THAT WERE PARKED PERPENDICULAR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUND GRASS. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TO HAVE IT INSPECTED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE HOOKS WERE MISSING THAT HELD THE FLOOR MATS IN PLACE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10334841
26,190 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL/ WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY WASHED, THE GREEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THE CONTACT COULD PROCEED. SHE PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THEN SUDDENLY THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL/ WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY WASHED, THE GREEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THE CONTACT COULD PROCEED. SHE PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TWO TO FOUR SECONDS TO A SPEED OF 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,190 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 54,000. UPDATED 09/22/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE TURNED THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO AVOID HITTING A CONCRETE WALL, AND INSTEAD SHE HIT A LIGHT POLE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/22/10
NHTSA ODI #10334501
52,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainCrash
THE KEY IN MY TOYOTA SPECIAL EDITION 2004 CAMRY IS DESIGNED TO BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, MINE CAN BE REMOVED REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE GEAR SHIFT. EX: ONCE THE CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AND SHOULD IT STILL BE IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. THIS SHOULD NOT…
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THE KEY IN MY TOYOTA SPECIAL EDITION 2004 CAMRY IS DESIGNED TO BE REMOVED ONLY WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE PARK POSITION. HOWEVER, MINE CAN BE REMOVED REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE GEAR SHIFT. EX: ONCE THE CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AND SHOULD IT STILL BE IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE.. AS A RESULT , I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR ROLLED DOWN AN INCLINE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE..NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, BUT A CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN IN A CAR SEAT IN THE REAR AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I T HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT PLACING THE CAR IN THE PARK POSITION BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. DIDN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL THE ACCIDENT THAT IT WAS NOT DESIGNED THAT WAY. NOTIFIED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF TOYOTA AND THEY RESPONDED WITH THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY SAFETY PROBLEM. WORLD TOYOTA IN ATLANTA WILL REPAIR THE PROBLEM FOR APPROXIMATELY $424.00, BUT I FEEL IT SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S RESPONSIBILITY AND DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334037
44,600 miles · May 24, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS STARTED TO "HOLD BACK" WHEN I DRIVE IT. THEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, THE FLASHING LIGHT WENT OFF. I CALLED THE LANCASTER PA TOYOTA DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AS LONG AS IT IS INTERMITTENT AND NOT CONSTANT, IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOU…
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MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS STARTED TO "HOLD BACK" WHEN I DRIVE IT. THEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, THE FLASHING LIGHT WENT OFF. I CALLED THE LANCASTER PA TOYOTA DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AS LONG AS IT IS INTERMITTENT AND NOT CONSTANT, IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. BUT I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER TOYOTA CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331975
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, A VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SHORT SO THE CONTACT USED EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPEC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, A VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SHORT SO THE CONTACT USED EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.
NHTSA ODI #10331230
60,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE REVERSING, THE CONTACT NOTICED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY THE IMPACT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY PLANNED TO HAVE SO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE REVERSING, THE CONTACT NOTICED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY THE IMPACT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY PLANNED TO HAVE SOMEONE INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10327490
138,000 miles · Apr 23, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHILE EXITING EZ-PASS TOLL MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE REVVED UP OUT OF CONTROL, AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS BEING FLOORED WHEN I WAS JUST BARELY TOUCHING IT. I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, APPLY THE FOOT BRAKE, AND PULL OVER SAFELY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I'M W…
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WHILE EXITING EZ-PASS TOLL MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE REVVED UP OUT OF CONTROL, AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS BEING FLOORED WHEN I WAS JUST BARELY TOUCHING IT. I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, APPLY THE FOOT BRAKE, AND PULL OVER SAFELY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I'M WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10327133
73,000 miles · Apr 21, 2010
Steering
NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN AND TOO MUCH PLAY IN STEERING. REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. MAJOR ISSUE AVERTED SINCE MY MECHANIC PICKED UP ON THE ISSUE. SIGNIFICANT AUTOMOBILE PART, SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. TOYOTA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326923
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW AS THE CONSUMER WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUNDED LIKE MAXIMUM RPMS. THE VEHICLE SIDE SWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE, JUMPED FOUR OR FIVE CURBS AND PLOWED INTO A LANDSCAPE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10318651
86,000 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
THE 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 25 MILES ON THE FREEWAY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING IN A HOSPITAL PARKING GARAGE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I WAS PARKING. THE CAR WAS ABOUT 3 FEET FROM A CONCRETE WALL, THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE CAR CRASHED, RUINED THE BUMPER AND OTHER PARTS BENEATH THE FIBERGLASS…
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THE 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 25 MILES ON THE FREEWAY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. I WAS PARKING IN A HOSPITAL PARKING GARAGE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I WAS PARKING. THE CAR WAS ABOUT 3 FEET FROM A CONCRETE WALL, THEN THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE CAR CRASHED, RUINED THE BUMPER AND OTHER PARTS BENEATH THE FIBERGLASS. I HAD A LARGE BRUISE FROM THE SEATBELT AND MY 6 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WAS SCREAMING IN THE BACK SEAT. I GOT US OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY, THE CAR HOWEVER WAS STILL TRYING THE GO FORWARD INTO THE WALL SINCE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I GOT BACK IN AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. THE POLICE WOULD NOT COME AND FILE A REPORT SINCE IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, SO WE FILED A REPORT WITH THE HOSPITAL'S BUILDING SECURITY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A TOYOTA COLLISION SHOP AND STILL REMAINS THERE TODAY. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO COME OUT AND "INSPECT" THE CAR AND WE CANNOT MOVE OR FIX THE CAR UNTIL THEY HAVE THEIR INSPECTION. THIS WAS ABOUT A MONTH AGO. WE HAVE BEEN GETTING NOTHING BUT THE RUN AROUND FROM TOYOTA BOTH AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR AND FROM THE NATIONAL CORPORATION OF TOYOTA. WE WILL BE SEEKING A LAWYER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325643
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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