NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Equipment complaints
24 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 26, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineEquipment
2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE BEING DEFECTIVE. *SMD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED WATER WAS IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,858.33 THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE HEADS COULD NOT BE REMOVED, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINE DEFECT. THE SCREWS ON T…
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2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE BEING DEFECTIVE. *SMD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED WATER WAS IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,858.33 THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE HEADS COULD NOT BE REMOVED, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINE DEFECT. THE SCREWS ON THE MANIFOLD OR HEADS WERE COMING LOOSE AND THAT'S HOW WATER ENTERED THE ENGINE, AND THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED ABOUT A MONTH AGO, SHE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS INFORMED THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP, AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED. THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND HEATER SENSOR ELEMENT FAILED. *JB UPDATED 05/12/14. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10566142
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2012
Equipment
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 2009 TOYOTA TOWING HITCH KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS RAISED BY THE JACK IN ORDER TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE. THE JACK BENT ABNORMALLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL ABRUPTLY. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS THE FIRST TIME SHE USED THE JACK. THE DEALER WAS MADE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH A 2009 TOYOTA TOWING HITCH KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS RAISED BY THE JACK IN ORDER TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE. THE JACK BENT ABNORMALLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL ABRUPTLY. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS THE FIRST TIME SHE USED THE JACK. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE JACK MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE TECHNICIAN OFFERED TO REPLACE THE JACK WITH ANOTHER ONE OF THE EXACT MODEL. THE JACK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10464348
47,000 miles · Feb 26, 2011
EquipmentStructure
REAR SPEAKER COVERS ARE DAMAGED. THEY HAVE A DEGRADED MATERIAL WHICH IS DISINTEGRATED AND ITS BROKEN FROM EDGES OF COVER. I FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE TAKE A SERIOUS ACTION AGAINST IT. THEY COST $ 225 TO REPLACE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384569
50,000 miles · Nov 15, 2010
EquipmentStructure
REAR SPEAKER COVERS (2) CRACKED AND COLLAPSED INWARD WITH NO OUTSIDE FORCES BEING APPLIED. INQUIRED AT SOUTHBAY TOYOTA, GARDENA, CA AS TO WETHER THIS WAS A PARTS DEFECT, AS I HAD READ MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ONLY GIVEN A REPLACEMENT COST OF $65.00 PLUS TAX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10365785
85,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Equipment
REAR SPEAKER COVERS HAVE CRUMBLED AND FALLEN INTO THE SPEAKERS. A CALL TO THE DEALER REVEALED THAT THE COVERS CANNOT BE REPLACED. THE ENTIRE REAR COVER MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $350+. AN ONLINE RESEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM REVEALED MANY SUCH COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR, WITH NO TOYOTA SOLUTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT AND …
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REAR SPEAKER COVERS HAVE CRUMBLED AND FALLEN INTO THE SPEAKERS. A CALL TO THE DEALER REVEALED THAT THE COVERS CANNOT BE REPLACED. THE ENTIRE REAR COVER MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $350+. AN ONLINE RESEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM REVEALED MANY SUCH COMPLAINTS FOR THIS YEAR, WITH NO TOYOTA SOLUTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT AND DESIGN FLAW TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR COVER. WILL PURSUE SITUATION WITH TOYOTA CORP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349969
69,000 miles · Aug 12, 2010
Equipment
REAR SPEAKER COVERS ARE DEFECTIVE-I NOTICE THE HOLES WERE GETTING LARGER AND TOUCHED THE SPEAKER AND IT FELL/CAVED IN! THE PIECES JUST FELL APART LIKE DUST. THESE PIECES FELL INSIDE AND NOW MAKING A CRACKLING SPARK NOISE AND IF OVERHEATED CAUSE A FIRE. IT IS OVER 100 DEGREES HERE IN DALLAS TEXAS. CONTACT TOYOTA AND REFUSE TO FIX…
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REAR SPEAKER COVERS ARE DEFECTIVE-I NOTICE THE HOLES WERE GETTING LARGER AND TOUCHED THE SPEAKER AND IT FELL/CAVED IN! THE PIECES JUST FELL APART LIKE DUST. THESE PIECES FELL INSIDE AND NOW MAKING A CRACKLING SPARK NOISE AND IF OVERHEATED CAUSE A FIRE. IT IS OVER 100 DEGREES HERE IN DALLAS TEXAS. CONTACT TOYOTA AND REFUSE TO FIX THE $200.00 PROBLEM TO FIZ=X. TOYOTA HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE 2003. TOYOTA WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS AND CONTINUED TO MAKE THE EXACT SPEAKER COVERS FOR 5 YRS. THEY PLACE THE BLAME ON THE WARRANTY UP AND OR CONTACT THE DEALER AS THEY DENY ITS THEIR FAULT & CLAIMS ITS MINE. I HAVE NO CHILDREN NOR SIT IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I TOUCHED THE SPEAKER AND IT FELL IN. NOW CAUSING HEAT & SPARKS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. MAY BE HAZARDOUS & CATCH FIRE. TOYOTA DENIED TO FIX AND CARELESSLY CONTINUED TO MAKE THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART AFTER RECEIVING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349113
91,000 miles · Jul 27, 2010
Equipment
REAR SPEAKER COVERS HAVE CRUMBLED AND FALLEN INTO THE REAR SPEAKERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345654
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2010
Equipment
I OWN A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE SPEAKER GRILLS ARE PLASTIC AND NOW HAVE CRUMBLE INTO LITTLE PIECES. MY CONCERN IS THIS MAKES THE CAR LOOK TERRIBLE BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR.. FOR EX. I WAS RIDING WITH FRIENDS AND WERE GETTING IN THE CAR. MY FRIEND EXCLAIMED "WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR SPEAKERS?" SECONDLY, THE SPEAK…
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I OWN A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE SPEAKER GRILLS ARE PLASTIC AND NOW HAVE CRUMBLE INTO LITTLE PIECES. MY CONCERN IS THIS MAKES THE CAR LOOK TERRIBLE BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR.. FOR EX. I WAS RIDING WITH FRIENDS AND WERE GETTING IN THE CAR. MY FRIEND EXCLAIMED "WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR SPEAKERS?" SECONDLY, THE SPEAKERS SOUND LIKE THEY ARE BUSTED BECAUSE THE PIECES ARE FALLING INTO THE SPEAKER.LAST, THIS COULD POSE AND SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE PIECES ARE SMALL ENOUGH TO BE INGESTED BY A SMALL CHILD. SOME MAY SAY THIS IS FAR REACH .. BUT I HAVE SEEN STRANGER THINGS HAPPEN. HELP !!!PLEASE MAKE TOYOTA STAND BY THERE PRODUCTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10340261
57,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
EquipmentVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
I WAS STOPPED AT A SIGNAL LIGHT. THE TOYOTA CAMRY I WAS DRIVING OFF OF HOLT AVE. POMONA. CA. I ACCELERATED BY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR ABRUPTLY STARTED ACCELERATING AGGRESSIVELY ON ITS OWN AND LEAD ME DIRECTLY HEAD ON INTO A TREE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WAS "TAKEN OVER" BY SOMETHING. I SUFFERED SOME MINOR INJURIE…
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I WAS STOPPED AT A SIGNAL LIGHT. THE TOYOTA CAMRY I WAS DRIVING OFF OF HOLT AVE. POMONA. CA. I ACCELERATED BY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR ABRUPTLY STARTED ACCELERATING AGGRESSIVELY ON ITS OWN AND LEAD ME DIRECTLY HEAD ON INTO A TREE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WAS "TAKEN OVER" BY SOMETHING. I SUFFERED SOME MINOR INJURIES OF THE BACK, HEAD, AND SHOULDER. I ALMOST DIED. THE AIRBAG CAME OUT SO I SURVIVED. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR CHECK UP AND RELEASED THE SAME DAY. I WAS HOLDING A NEVADA LICENSE. I CALLED THE POMONA POLICE TODAY FOR A ACCIDENT REPORT NUMBER HOWEVER THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DENIED THERE WAS REPORT TAKEN. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE CAR WAS INSURED IN CALIFORNIA. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER A OTHER CAR IN OUR FAMILY OF 2, MYSTERIOUSLY ROLLED OVER ON ROAD OF THE 15 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WERE MY MOTHER ALMOST DIED. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS ALSO STILL UNKNOWN.THE ACCELERATION SPEED IS UNKNOWN I HAVE GUESSED THE SPEED IN THE FURTHER DOCUMENTATION..I AM NOT SURE OF THE EQUIPMENT TYPE IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314220
72,750 miles · Feb 16, 2010
EquipmentService Brakes, ElectricCrash
I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE 22ND OF JANUARY, 2010. WHEN I EXITED THE FREEWAY, I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. IT WENT FASTER AND HIT A TREE. MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. ANOTHER THING IS THAT I NOTICED THAT MY REAR SPEAKER COVERS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. A CLOSE LOOK SHOWS THAT THE COVER HAS DISINTEGRATED AND BECOME…
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I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE 22ND OF JANUARY, 2010. WHEN I EXITED THE FREEWAY, I TRIED TO USE THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. IT WENT FASTER AND HIT A TREE. MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. ANOTHER THING IS THAT I NOTICED THAT MY REAR SPEAKER COVERS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. A CLOSE LOOK SHOWS THAT THE COVER HAS DISINTEGRATED AND BECOME WEAK. WHEN YOU TOUCH IT, IT CRUMBLES INTO LITTLE PIECES. THIS IS A VERY UNUSUAL THING; I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS IN OTHER CARS BEFORE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM IS. I THINK THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. MY CAR IS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY LE MODEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311084
Official recalls
5Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 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.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
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..
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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