NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports82,000 miles · Nov 5, 2015
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
ON 9/20/15 WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE SOUTH WINDSOR PUBLIC LIBRARY, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR LIGHTLY AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARDS INTO VERY TIGHT CIRCLES. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AFTER ALMOST 2 ROTATIONS THE CAR HIT ONE CURB AND THEN ANO…
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ON 9/20/15 WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE SOUTH WINDSOR PUBLIC LIBRARY, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR LIGHTLY AND THE CAR SURGED BACKWARDS INTO VERY TIGHT CIRCLES. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AFTER ALMOST 2 ROTATIONS THE CAR HIT ONE CURB AND THEN ANOTHER AND AFTER THAT I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, ALL THE WHILE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY REVIEWED MY CLAIM AND HAS ISSUED ME A CHECK TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FRONT END AND UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGES REPAIRED. I HAVE ASKED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY REFERRED ME TO TOYOTA NATIONAL. TOYOTA SENT OUT AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR WHO EVALUATED THE VEHICLE AND THEN SENT ME A FLASH DRIVE WITH THE EVENT DATA RECORDER RESULTS. HOWEVER NO SUMMARY REPORT OR NARRATIVE WAS PROVIDED, SO I DO NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I CALLED TOYOTA BACK AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT IS UP TO ME TO FIND SOMEONE TO INTERPRET THE RESULTS.
NHTSA ODI #10788552
130,000 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT THE 2004 CAMRY AT THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT AREA AT ABOUT 45 MPH! WITH THIS HIGH IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVERS SEATBELT SHOULDER STRAP DID NOT CATCH! DRIVERS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM! BOTH RE…
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VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT THE 2004 CAMRY AT THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT AREA AT ABOUT 45 MPH! WITH THIS HIGH IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVERS SEATBELT SHOULDER STRAP DID NOT CATCH! DRIVERS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM! BOTH RECEIVED NECK AND BACK SPRAINS! CAMRY IS A ONE OWNER CAR WITH 130,000 MILES! CAR WAS TOWED AND DAMAGES ARE BEING ACCESSED!
NHTSA ODI #10788151
225,000 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER WAS CRACKED. IN ADDITION, A WHITE AND YELLOW SUBSTANCE PROTRUDED FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000.
NHTSA ODI #10766313
100,000 miles · Sep 11, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM, NECK AND BACK PAIN. THE PASSENG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM, NECK AND BACK PAIN. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED A LEFT LEG INJURY AND SEVERE SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE TO THE UPPER TORSO. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED FOR BOTH OCCUPANTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10763052
12,632 miles · Aug 12, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,632.
NHTSA ODI #10748193
137,000 miles · Aug 10, 2015
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED. THERE WAS A RED LIGHT SO I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL. BUT BY DOING THAT I THE CAR HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE POWER IS SUPER WEAK. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DRIV…
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I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED. THERE WAS A RED LIGHT SO I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL. BUT BY DOING THAT I THE CAR HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE POWER IS SUPER WEAK. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DRIVE MY CAR TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, THEY INSPECTED THE WHOLE SYSTEM AND TELL ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG THERE. IT WAS REALLY SCARY TO FEEL THAT YOUR CAR IS NOT CONTROLLED BY YOURSELF.
NHTSA ODI #10747441
157,000 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY HOME WHEN MY CAR STOPPED WORKING. IT DIED ON ME. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES AN HOUR (WHEN THE CAR ENGINE STO…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY HOME WHEN MY CAR STOPPED WORKING. IT DIED ON ME. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES AN HOUR (WHEN THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED WORKING). I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR, THE CAR STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #10730352
250,000 miles · Jun 23, 2015
Unknown Or Other
IGNITION SWITCH NOT WORKING PROPERLY. KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING AND IN MOTION, AND THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO RUN.
NHTSA ODI #10726870
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2015
Air BagsStructure
THERE IS NO HORN AFTER THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON SO I CALLED CONICELLI TOYOTA IN SPRINGFIELD PA, BUT THEY SAID ONLY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS WERE A PROBLEM SO I WOULD HAVE A 115.00 DOLLAR CHARGE PLUS LABOR & PARTS SO I CAN NOT PAY THAT NOW SO HE SAID JUST CALL BACK WHEN YOU CAN? & HUNG UP WELL THE AIRBAG DIDN'T JUST LIGHT UP FO…
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THERE IS NO HORN AFTER THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON SO I CALLED CONICELLI TOYOTA IN SPRINGFIELD PA, BUT THEY SAID ONLY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS WERE A PROBLEM SO I WOULD HAVE A 115.00 DOLLAR CHARGE PLUS LABOR & PARTS SO I CAN NOT PAY THAT NOW SO HE SAID JUST CALL BACK WHEN YOU CAN? & HUNG UP WELL THE AIRBAG DIDN'T JUST LIGHT UP FOR NO REASON? I AM THE ONLY DRIVER & THE ONLY PASSENGERS EVER ARE MY GRANDCHILDREN!! I ONLY GET SSDISABILTY SO I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT THE WAY IT IS?
NHTSA ODI #10724961
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON AND OFF. WHEN THE MECHANIC CHECKS IT HE CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AS DIAGNOSTIC COMES BACK CLEAR. IT IS AGITATING BC IF THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I WON'T KNOW IF IT IS SERIOUS OR NOT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713787
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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