NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports107,000 miles · Dec 4, 2007
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE COLLAPSE. AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE COLLAPSE. AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2007 AND SHE FELT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 03-04- 08 *BF UPDATED 03/04/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10210768
65,000 miles · Nov 8, 2007
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE CONTACT WAS STILL ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE CONTACT WAS STILL ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,520.
NHTSA ODI #10208236
51,705 miles · Oct 23, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE BRAKE DIFFICULTIES WITH MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES BY THE HOUSTON DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT REPAIRING IT WAS THE BEST THEY COULD DO, AND NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. WHENEVER I STOP, MY BRAKES WILL ONLY COMPLETEL…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE BRAKE DIFFICULTIES WITH MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES BY THE HOUSTON DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT REPAIRING IT WAS THE BEST THEY COULD DO, AND NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. WHENEVER I STOP, MY BRAKES WILL ONLY COMPLETELY STOP AT ALMOST 1.5 INCHES FROM THE CAR FLOOR. I NEED SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, AND I NEVER WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAKES FAILING TO STOP OR ONLY STOPPING ONCE IT HITS THE FLOOR. I AM 85 YEARS OLD, MAKE WEEKLY DOCTOR VISITS ON HEAVILY CONGESTED HOUSTON FREEWAYS. I NEED MY CAR TO WORK PROPERLY EVERY TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10206631
39,394 miles · Oct 15, 2007
EquipmentPower Train
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN A/C BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND ALL WINDOWS FOGGED UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3-31-07, THEY PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACED A/C MAGNETIC CLUTCH RELAY. NEXT HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 14, 2007, THE AC/BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND ALL WINDOWS FOGGED UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND TH…
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WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN A/C BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND ALL WINDOWS FOGGED UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3-31-07, THEY PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACED A/C MAGNETIC CLUTCH RELAY. NEXT HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 14, 2007, THE AC/BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND ALL WINDOWS FOGGED UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY SHORTING WHEN WET. REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. IN AUGUST, DURING A HEAVY RAIN, THE A/C BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND ALL WINDOWS FOGGED UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE A/C BELT WAS NOT TIGHT. THEY TIGHTEN THE A/C BELT AND SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THE BELT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. TODAY, OCTOBER 15, 2007, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10205699
23,000 miles · Sep 11, 2007
Air BagsTiresCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE SWITCHING LANES AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE TIRES SLID WITHOUT RESISTANCE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE SWITCHING LANES AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE TIRES SLID WITHOUT RESISTANCE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERAL MINOR INJURIES. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
NHTSA ODI #10202544
38,110 miles · Sep 5, 2007
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW OF A BUSINESS AND THROUGH THE BUILDING . THE TIRES WERE STILL SPINNING AFTER THE CRASH. AN INSURANCE CLAIM WAS F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW OF A BUSINESS AND THROUGH THE BUILDING . THE TIRES WERE STILL SPINNING AFTER THE CRASH. AN INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 38,110. UPDATED 10/03/04 *TR THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. UPDATED 06/15/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10201935
47,000 miles · Sep 4, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF INCHES BEFORE THE BRAKES MADE HARD CONTACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES, OR LEAKING FLUID PRESENT. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE REAR BRAKES, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY 3-6 MONTHS LATER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF INCHES BEFORE THE BRAKES MADE HARD CONTACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES, OR LEAKING FLUID PRESENT. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE REAR BRAKES, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY 3-6 MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000. UPDATED 01/02/08.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS BEFORE IT STARTS SLOWING DOWN. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED IF THE BACK BRAKES ARE TIGHTLY ADJUSTED THEN THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM THE DEFECT IS CALLED SOFT BRAKES. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201821
60,000 miles · Aug 29, 2007
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
CRASH ON 8/4/07. NEITHER OF OUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED OR SHOULDER STRAPS ON THE SEAT BELT WORKED. WE WERE STOPPED FOR A VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A HIGHWAY. THERE WAS A PICK-UP WAITING IN FRONT OF US. A DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AND REAR-ENDED US. MY HUSBAND'S HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. WE BOTH SUFFERED INJURIES, THAT WE ARE …
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CRASH ON 8/4/07. NEITHER OF OUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED OR SHOULDER STRAPS ON THE SEAT BELT WORKED. WE WERE STOPPED FOR A VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A HIGHWAY. THERE WAS A PICK-UP WAITING IN FRONT OF US. A DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AND REAR-ENDED US. MY HUSBAND'S HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. WE BOTH SUFFERED INJURIES, THAT WE ARE STILL BEING TREATED FOR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10201154
7,346 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE LEAVING FROM A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE SURGED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT B…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE LEAVING FROM A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE SURGED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT BUMPER HAD TO BE REPLACED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED A LIGHT BODY SIZE MOLDING. THE POWERTRAIN, SPEED, VALID VIN, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,980 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,346.
NHTSA ODI #10200194
20,016 miles · Aug 16, 2007
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SIDE AND FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE DEALER WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE V…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SIDE AND FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE DEALER WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,016.
NHTSA ODI #10199826
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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