NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports66,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
I EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM (WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS) IN MAY OF LAST YEAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AFTER PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I RESTARTED IT, IT PERFORMED NORMALLY. I THEN DROVE IT DIRECTLY TO MY REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS NOT RECURRED SINC…
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I EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM (WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS) IN MAY OF LAST YEAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AFTER PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I RESTARTED IT, IT PERFORMED NORMALLY. I THEN DROVE IT DIRECTLY TO MY REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE. I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH ABOUT 72,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314092
2,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I BOUGHT A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY LE SEDEN IN NOVEMBER OF 2004. AFTER I START TO DRIVE THE CAR I NOTICED ALMOST EVERY TIME I SAW THE RED LIGHT AND TOOK MY FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL BUT DID NOT PUSH ANY BRAKE, THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN. BUT WHEN THE…
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I BOUGHT A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY LE SEDEN IN NOVEMBER OF 2004. AFTER I START TO DRIVE THE CAR I NOTICED ALMOST EVERY TIME I SAW THE RED LIGHT AND TOOK MY FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL BUT DID NOT PUSH ANY BRAKE, THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN. BUT WHEN THE SPEED AT ABOUT 28 MILES/ HOUR THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SPEED UP TO 29-30 MILES WITHOUT EVEN TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN EL MONTE CA,LONGO TOYOTA IN JAN. 2005. AFTER THE MECHANIC DRIVE WITH ME HE ALSO NOTICED THE PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SOFT WEAR THAT CONTROL THE GAS. BUT WHEN WE GOT BACK HE TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE SAME AS THE LEXUS WHICH HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK AGAIN AFTER I ALMOST INVOLVED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SUDDEN ACCEL. BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE AND NO RECALL REGARDING THIS MODEL. THOUGH I STILL KEEP THE CAR AND I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL DUE TO THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUE. I DEFINITELY THINK THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE CARS WERE RECALLED. [XXX]. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314053
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ALTHOUGH MY TOYOTA XLE V6 IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES SINCE 2004, THE YEAR OF MY CAMRY. WHEN I'M DRIVING SLOWLY, (APPROXIMATELY 15MPH) GOING OVER A BUMP AND I NEED TO BRAKE, MY BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND. I HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES WITH GREAT FORCE AND THE ANTI-LOCKS KICK IN. . I BROUGHT THIS TO …
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ALTHOUGH MY TOYOTA XLE V6 IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES SINCE 2004, THE YEAR OF MY CAMRY. WHEN I'M DRIVING SLOWLY, (APPROXIMATELY 15MPH) GOING OVER A BUMP AND I NEED TO BRAKE, MY BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND. I HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES WITH GREAT FORCE AND THE ANTI-LOCKS KICK IN. . I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY DEALER IN 2004. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO SOMETHING MINOR (OF WHICH I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND) BUT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO OCCUR. I HAVE BEEN UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE BRAKING ON THIS CAR FOR YEARS. THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY, IN ORDER TO PROCEED, I NEED TO INPUT A DATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313941
17,258 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Steering
I PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED A 2004 NEW CAMRY AT A CAR DEALERSHIP IN CALIFORNIA. AT 17,000 MILES I NOTICED A THUMPING SOUND AND VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS YEAR CAR WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FIXED. THE REPAIR WAS MADE UNDER WARRANTY. JUST RECENTLY AT 49, 000 MILES, THE SAM…
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I PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED A 2004 NEW CAMRY AT A CAR DEALERSHIP IN CALIFORNIA. AT 17,000 MILES I NOTICED A THUMPING SOUND AND VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS YEAR CAR WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FIXED. THE REPAIR WAS MADE UNDER WARRANTY. JUST RECENTLY AT 49, 000 MILES, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING COULD HAVE GONE OUT ANY TIME AND I WOULD HAVE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL. I WAS AGAIN INFORMED THAT THE 2004 CAMRY'S HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS TIME I HAD TO PAY OVER $600 AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE WRITTEN TO TOYOTA COMPANY ASKING THEM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, SINCE IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER OCCURRED AGAIN. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313866
20,000 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* CONTACT OWNS 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED DUE TO A STIC…
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TL* CONTACT OWNS 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED DUE TO A STICKY PEDAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #10313844
111,000 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UP HILL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS MOVING SLOWLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE ANOTH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UP HILL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS MOVING SLOWLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE HE FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE ISN'T SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE PEDAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
NHTSA ODI #10313657
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, NEARING A COMPLETE STOP, TAPPING BRAKE TO HIT PARKING STOP SIGN IN GARAGE, CAR SURGED OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING INTO HOUSE TEARING OUT SHEETROCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313329
50,000 miles · Feb 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
OUR 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY STALLED YESTERDAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE ARE TOLD THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST TO US OF $600. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE WHETHER ALL TOYOTA ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES AND ELECTRONICS SINCE 2001 SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313017
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT, LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING PLAZA, MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TO A HIGH SPEED,FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH WAS ON LOW, WENT ON FULL BLAST WITHOUT TOUCHING THE AC CONTROLS AND SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE CAR ACCELERATED. IN SPITE OF THE FULL A…
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DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT, LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING PLAZA, MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TO A HIGH SPEED,FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH WAS ON LOW, WENT ON FULL BLAST WITHOUT TOUCHING THE AC CONTROLS AND SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE CAR ACCELERATED. IN SPITE OF THE FULL APPLICATION OF MY BRAKES, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS IN SHOCK AND PANIC. I HIT A HANDICAP SIGN THAT FELL OVER AND DAMAGED TWO PARKED CARS. I NEARLY STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN, NOT TO MENTION ALMOST INJURING OR KILLING MYSELF. AFTER TRAVELING 372 FEET, I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO PALLETS OF FENCE MATERIAL. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED. COST OF ACCIDENT, INCLUDING MEDICAL EXPENSES WAS APPROXIMATELY $22,000. (THE PEDESTRIAN WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES AND I, ALSO, WENT TO HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED.) SADLY ENOUGH, MY LICENSE TO DRIVE WAS REVOKED AS A RESULT OF THIS ORDEAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312895
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT FEELS THE VEHICLE SURGED DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. UPDATED 04/13/2…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT FEELS THE VEHICLE SURGED DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. UPDATED 04/13/2010
NHTSA ODI #10312715
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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