NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports88,000 miles · Oct 25, 2014
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
.......JUST NEED TO ASK A QUESTION, IN LIGHT OF THE STORIES ON AIR BAG,THE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SAYS..."PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF"......I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY ASKED IF I WERE NEARBY AND COULD I COME IN WHEN I CALLED (ABOUT 4 PM).... I SAID I WAS NEARBY AND DROVE DIRECTLY THERE (67TH WESTERN, CHICAGO. ONE OF THE TECH'S LOOKED AT…
Read full complaint
.......JUST NEED TO ASK A QUESTION, IN LIGHT OF THE STORIES ON AIR BAG,THE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SAYS..."PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF"......I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY ASKED IF I WERE NEARBY AND COULD I COME IN WHEN I CALLED (ABOUT 4 PM).... I SAID I WAS NEARBY AND DROVE DIRECTLY THERE (67TH WESTERN, CHICAGO. ONE OF THE TECH'S LOOKED AT THE LIGHT AND SAID "OH THAT LIGHT WILL GO OFF WHEN SOME ONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ( KNEW IT WOULDN'T)....HE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE, SAT DOWN AND THE LIGHT DIDN'T GO OFF.....THEN HE SAID OH, UR AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON (BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL) . HE THEN SAID SINCE UR CAR IS NOT ON THE RE-CALL LIST, WE HAVE TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION..ABOUT $110 DOLLARS, AND THEN IF WE FIND SOMETHING, THE $110 WILL BE APPLIED TO THE CHARGES. I SAID LIKE WHAT, HE SAID IT MIGHT BE A SENSOR, IT MIGHT BE SOMETHING ELSE WE DON'T KNOW UNTIL WE INSPECT IT............................SO, MY QUESTION TO YOU IS HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT 2004 CAMRY'S ARE NOT INCLUDED, AND WHETHER OR NOT,TOYOTA JUST WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE COVERED.... SECONDLY, 2 ITEMS ON YOUR RECALL LIST, I DON'T BELIEVE WERE DONE A) NHTSA #11V539000, NOV. 9, 2011..........................AND B)NHTSA#04V346000, JULY 13, 2004.......................THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649969
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY, THOUGH A SECURITY GATE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A STONE POST IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE. THE IMPACT SEVERELY DAMAGED THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CHIPPED OUT SEVERAL PI…
Read full complaint
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY, THOUGH A SECURITY GATE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A STONE POST IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE. THE IMPACT SEVERELY DAMAGED THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO CHIPPED OUT SEVERAL PIECES OF THE STONE FROM THE POST. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10621658
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2014
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
FOR SOME REASON CAR WOULD NOT START AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621265
257,755 miles · Aug 9, 2014
EnginePower TrainStructure
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE EQUIPPED WITH THE 2AZ FE I4. AT FIRST I STARTED HEARING WATER SLOSHING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD EVERY TIME I STOPPED. ON 1/30/2014 WHILE STOPPING FOR A FEW MINUTES IN A PARKING LOT THE CARS TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED TO RISE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND OPENED UP THE HOOD TO FIND COOLANT…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE EQUIPPED WITH THE 2AZ FE I4. AT FIRST I STARTED HEARING WATER SLOSHING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD EVERY TIME I STOPPED. ON 1/30/2014 WHILE STOPPING FOR A FEW MINUTES IN A PARKING LOT THE CARS TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED TO RISE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND OPENED UP THE HOOD TO FIND COOLANT HAD BEEN PUSHED OUT THE OVERFLOW CONTAINER, THEN I SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE MECHANIC GOT BACK TO ME, TELLING ME THE HEAD BOLTS HAD STRIPPED AND THE ENGINE WAS UNREPAIRABLE. I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IF IT GAVE AWAY WHEN GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE THAT IS NOW BECOMING A VERY BIG PROBLEM. TOYOTA DID RELEASE A TSB FOR DEALERS ABOUT THIS BUT IT SAYS TO USE TIMESERTS OR REPLACE THE BLOCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621094
36,000 miles · Aug 7, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED RIB ON THE RIGHT SIDE, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED RIB ON THE RIGHT SIDE, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #10619570
85,000 miles · Aug 1, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10618206
62,000 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKING BARRIER AND THROUGH A CONCRETE WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPEND…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKING BARRIER AND THROUGH A CONCRETE WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10617231
45,000 miles · Jul 17, 2014
Air BagsWheelsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN REVERSED AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHCLE A SECOND TIME FROM THE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND ONE INJURY WAS REPORTED. ON …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN REVERSED AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHCLE A SECOND TIME FROM THE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND ONE INJURY WAS REPORTED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL FELT ABNORMAL AND AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS AGAIN DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT INJURED HER BACK AND LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10611280
84,000 miles · Jul 7, 2014
Air Bags
ON JULY 6TH I NOTICE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 MODEL IS CRACK ABOUT 6 INCHES AND LOOK LIKE IT GOING TO EXPLORE I'M EXTREMELY CONCERN ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAN BE AVOID. I CONTACT TOYOTA THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR AN EVALUATION. I'M FEARFUL BECAU…
Read full complaint
ON JULY 6TH I NOTICE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 MODEL IS CRACK ABOUT 6 INCHES AND LOOK LIKE IT GOING TO EXPLORE I'M EXTREMELY CONCERN ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAN BE AVOID. I CONTACT TOYOTA THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR AN EVALUATION. I'M FEARFUL BECAUSE SOME TIME MY DAUGHTER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THIS CAR AND DO NOT WANT HER TO GET HURT. TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR IS OLD AND THEY MIGHT NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX...I AM A CONFUSE BY THEIR RESPOND BECAUSE THIS IS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM NOT THE CUSTOMER. I CAN SEND PICTURE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN DO THAT. MY HUSBAND WILL TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON JULY 8TH PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH THE PROCESS TO REPAIR. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 2/6/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608760
90,000 miles · Jun 15, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control
ON 6/2/2014 I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. AS I PULLED OUT MY DIRT ROAD ONTO THE MAIN HIGHWAY, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. MIND YOU MY CAR WAS STILL ROLLING, BUT I MANAGE TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I TRY TO STEP ON GAS PEDDLE BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. SO I WAITED A FE…
Read full complaint
ON 6/2/2014 I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. AS I PULLED OUT MY DIRT ROAD ONTO THE MAIN HIGHWAY, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. MIND YOU MY CAR WAS STILL ROLLING, BUT I MANAGE TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I TRY TO STEP ON GAS PEDDLE BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. SO I WAITED A FEW MINTUES ON SIDE OF ROAD BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RE-START MY CAR. ONCE I GOT IT CRANKED, I DROVE 10 TO 15 MILES TO GET MY CAR BACK IN MY YARD. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, I CANT DRIVE IT UNTIL IT GETS FIX. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10598349
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
Illustration