NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports104,000 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Service Brakes
THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET IS DANGEROUS. IT OVERHANGS THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN WEARING A SHOE SIZE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 OR ABOVE, THE TOE OF THE SHOE HITS THE BRACKET ABOVE THE PEDAL INHIBITING THE ABILITY TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY SCARY. I NOTICED WHEN I CHANGE TO A LARGER SHOE SIZE BECAUSE OF BUNION …
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THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET IS DANGEROUS. IT OVERHANGS THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN WEARING A SHOE SIZE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 OR ABOVE, THE TOE OF THE SHOE HITS THE BRACKET ABOVE THE PEDAL INHIBITING THE ABILITY TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY SCARY. I NOTICED WHEN I CHANGE TO A LARGER SHOE SIZE BECAUSE OF BUNION PAIN AND EXPERIENCED THE FEAR OF APPLYING THE BRAKES BUT NOT MAKING IMMEDIATE CONTACT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON 4 LANE ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. HAD TO CHANGE BACK INTO 9.5 MEN'S SIZE SHOE TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. CHECKED OTHER MODEL CARS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS BEND IN THE BRACKET. ALL ARE BENT BEHIND THE PEDAL NOT OVER THE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11022951
104,000 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Service Brakes
I HAVE BUNION PAIN THAT REQUIRED ME TO GET LARGER SHOES. WHEN I STARTING WEARING THESE SHOES I NOTICED THAT THE TOE OF THE SHOE WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE BRAKE PEDAL, INTERFERING WITH ME APPLYING IMMEDIATE PRESSURE TO THE BREAK PEDAL. THE BRACKET IS DESIGNED WITH A BEND THAT OVERHANGS THE TOP OF…
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I HAVE BUNION PAIN THAT REQUIRED ME TO GET LARGER SHOES. WHEN I STARTING WEARING THESE SHOES I NOTICED THAT THE TOE OF THE SHOE WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE BRAKE PEDAL, INTERFERING WITH ME APPLYING IMMEDIATE PRESSURE TO THE BREAK PEDAL. THE BRACKET IS DESIGNED WITH A BEND THAT OVERHANGS THE TOP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I SIZE SHOE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 INTERFERES WITH BREAKING. IT ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. I WAS IN MOTION AND THE TOE OF MY SHOE WOULD BEND BACK ON THIS BRACKET BEFORE MY FOREFOOT WOULD COME PUSH FAR ENOUGH DOWN ON THE PEDAL TO BRAKE. I EXAMINED SEVERAL OTHER CAR MODELS AND NONE OF THEM HAS A BRACKET WITH THIS BEND OVER HANGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11022950
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SOLARA, DASH IS CRACKED AND STICKY RIGHT WHERE AIRBAG IS. I CALLED TOYOTA AND ASK BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE FIXING THIS DEFAULT. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THESE FIXES. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP OR ANSWER WHY I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THESE FIXES. THEY ARE REFUSING ANY HELP. I PURCHAS…
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I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA SOLARA, DASH IS CRACKED AND STICKY RIGHT WHERE AIRBAG IS. I CALLED TOYOTA AND ASK BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE FIXING THIS DEFAULT. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THESE FIXES. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP OR ANSWER WHY I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THESE FIXES. THEY ARE REFUSING ANY HELP. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND IT HAS LESS THEN A 100,000 MILE. REP VERY RUDE AND REFUSED TO GIVE ME HER NAME AND REFUSED TO GIVE ME HER MANAGER. PLEASE HELP I AM DISABLE AND NEED MY CAR. THEY NEVER SENT ME ANY NOTICE OF FIXING THESE PROBLEMS. CRACK IS SO CLOSE TO WERE AIRBAG IS AND SHE SAID NOT HER PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA ODI #11012049
45,000 miles · Jun 29, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE CERTIFIED MECHANICS, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET HAD BLOWN AND THE RADIATOR FAILED. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNFIT TO DRIVE AND THE CONTACT'S BEST OPTION WAS TO OBTAIN A NEW VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE CERTIFIED MECHANICS, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET HAD BLOWN AND THE RADIATOR FAILED. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNFIT TO DRIVE AND THE CONTACT'S BEST OPTION WAS TO OBTAIN A NEW VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #11002350
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2017
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INJURED HER BACK AND UPPER NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTIO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INJURED HER BACK AND UPPER NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S NECK INJURY WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN UPPER SPRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11000891
77,000 miles · May 4, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED RAPIDLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED RAPIDLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY $800 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 06/21/17*LJ *AS
NHTSA ODI #10983561
113,000 miles · May 1, 2017
EngineStructure
BOUGHT CAR WITH 113,000 MILES, IMMEDIATELY NOTICED IT USED OIL BEYOND NORMAL BUT DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT WHAT NORMAL FOR THAT CAR. CONSUMPTION HAS GROWN TO 1.5 QT PER 1400 MILES. ALSO PAINT FROM ROOF, TRUNK AND HOOD STARTED PEELING AROUND 120000 MILES. CAR HAS 195,000 MILES CURENTLY
NHTSA ODI #10981652
100,100 miles · Apr 3, 2017
Steering
WAS INFORMED THAT MY POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS LEAKING AND THE STEERING DEVICES COULD LOSE ITS RESTRAINTS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THIS COULD LEAD TO CAR LOSING COMPLETE STEERING CAUSING A SEVERE CRASH AND POTENTIALLY DEATH TO ITS OCCUPANTS. WITH THE RECENT RECALL FOR NISSAN VEHICLES REGARDING POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS, THERE IS A …
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WAS INFORMED THAT MY POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS LEAKING AND THE STEERING DEVICES COULD LOSE ITS RESTRAINTS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THIS COULD LEAD TO CAR LOSING COMPLETE STEERING CAUSING A SEVERE CRASH AND POTENTIALLY DEATH TO ITS OCCUPANTS. WITH THE RECENT RECALL FOR NISSAN VEHICLES REGARDING POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS, THERE IS A CONCERN THAT THE LEAKS MAY CAUSE FIRE TO MY VEHICLE. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE TECHNICIAN, HE STATED THAT OVER TIME THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY "RUST" AND NEED REPAIRS. I ASKED ABOUT HOW OFTEN DOES THIS OR HAS THIS ISSUED OCCURRED FOR TOYOTA BRAND CARS OR TRUCKS? NO DATA WAS PROVIDED. I WENT ON TO PRESS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, BUT THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN DID NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. SINCE GETTING THE NEWS ABOUT MY CAR, I HAVE NOTICED WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS MY CAR QUICKLY SHIFTS STEERING TOWARD THE RIGHT AT VAROUS SPEEDS INTO THE NEXT LANE. I TRY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL BY STAYING IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS TO AVOID CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS.
NHTSA ODI #10970128
247,000 miles · Mar 12, 2017
Engine
COOLANT LEAK ON REAR OF ENGINE BETWEEN THE CYLINDER HEAD & ENGINE BLOCK SEEMS LIKE HEAD BOLTS STRIPPED FROM ENGINE BLOCK CAUSING MAYOR COOLANT LOSS THERE ARE CASES REPORTED TSB 01507, NHTSA #10021542
NHTSA ODI #10960168
104,000 miles · Mar 3, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
TOP OF DASHBOARD AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS SPLITTING OPEN. OTHER TOYOTA;S FROM THE SAME YEAR HAVE A DASHBOARD FIX THRU TOYOTA. NOT CAMRY'S. CONCERNED THAT AIRBAG MAY NOT WORK CORRECTLY. OR COME OUT OF DASHBOARD.
NHTSA ODI #10958411
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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