NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
71 reportsClear category filter73,371 miles · May 31, 2010
Steering
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT" ON A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO HOGAN AND SONS, A WELL RESPECTED LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (LEESBURG, VIRGINIA) WITH A COMPLAINT OF FRONT END NOISE. A TOYOTA TRAINED TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THIS PART NEEDED TO BE IMMEDIATELY REPLACE…
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THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT" ON A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO HOGAN AND SONS, A WELL RESPECTED LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (LEESBURG, VIRGINIA) WITH A COMPLAINT OF FRONT END NOISE. A TOYOTA TRAINED TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THIS PART NEEDED TO BE IMMEDIATELY REPLACED AS IT WAS FAILING AND WOULD ADVERSELY IMPACT STEERING AND SAFETY. THE CAR COULD NO LONGER BE ALIGNED WITH THIS FAILING PART. THE CAR HAS 73,371 MILES ON IT AND IS USED FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. A VISIT TO THE LOCAL LEESBURG TOYOTA DEALER REVEALED THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART ON MANY TOYOTAS, BUT THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE IT DURING THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. A CLAIM MADE TO TOYOTA AND AN ARBITRATION REQUEST WERE BOTH DENIED. THIS IS ADDRESSED IN TSB--ST001-06 AND TSB--0296-08. IT IS OUR CONTENTION THAT A PART LIKE THIS SHOULD BE WEARING OUT SO SOON--IN FACT, IT IS ONE OF THOSE PARTS THAT ANY WELL DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED CAR SHOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL AND SAFE UNTIL THE CAR IS JUNKED FOR OTHER REASONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10333938
10,000 miles · May 11, 2010
Steering
WHEN PARKING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS A CLUNKING NOISE,THE NOISE BECOMES MORE PRONOUNCED AS THE YEARS GO BY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329994
44,900 miles · Mar 28, 2010
Steering
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR IN WHICH A PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN?WORE OUT? UNTIL THIS PAST FEBRUARY. DURING FEBRUARY I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON MY 2005 CAMRY LE [XXX]; THIS CAR ONLY HAD 44,950 MILES ON IT WHEN I NOTICED T…
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR IN WHICH A PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN?WORE OUT? UNTIL THIS PAST FEBRUARY. DURING FEBRUARY I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON MY 2005 CAMRY LE [XXX]; THIS CAR ONLY HAD 44,950 MILES ON IT WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM (FEBRUARY 12, 2010). ON FEB, 25, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO LEXINGTON TOYOTA, (MA 781-861-7400) AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. I HAD TO GO IN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND PHYSICALLY SIT NEXT TO THE MECHANIC WHILE HE DROVE THE CAR BEFORE HE RECOGNIZED A PROBLEM WITH THE SHAFT. HOWEVER, IRONICALLY, WHEN I WENT BACK INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I WAS THEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THESE 'INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS WEAR OUT ALL THE TIME' IF THIS IS THE CASE WHY DIDN'T YOU ISSUE A RECALL??? I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $428.14 TO REPLACE THIS PART. (A FEW DAY LATER MY 1999 CAMRY DEVELOPED AN INTERMITTENT TIGHTNESS, OR VERY STIFF STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN 11' O'CLOCK AND THE 2-3 O'CLOCK POSITIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THE VIN NUMBER ON THIS CAR IS [XXX]; I'M STILL WAITING TO DECIDE HOW OR WHAT TO DO TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM THAT SERIOUSLY EFFECTS THE SAFE DRIVE ABILITY OF THE CAR.) LIKE I STATED, I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A STEERING COLUMN ON ANY OTHER CAR I'VE OWNED, AND I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS WITH OVER THREE EVEN FOUR TIMES THIS MILEAGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR WARRANTY ONLY LASTS 36,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS; I THINK THAT YOU EITHER DIDN'T ENGINEER THE PART PROPERLY OR DESIGNED IN TO FAIL IN ORDER TO GET THE REPLACEMENT BUSINESS; EITHER CASE IT RANGES FROM NEGLIGENT TO CRIMINALLY FRAUDULENT. I JUST GOOGLED CAMRY INTERMEDIATE SHAFT? COMPLAINTS AND GOT OVER 17,000 HITS. DO YOU THINK THAT'S TOO MANY? I DON'T THINK THAT TOYOTA NEEDS ANY MORE BAD PUBLICITY, BUT PERHAPS ANOTHER STORY OF TOYOTA'S IRRESPONSIBILITY IS JUSTIFIED. WHY WOULD THE SERVICE MANAGER, BRUCE, CLAIM THAT THEY REPLACE THESE ?INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS, ALL THE TIME"? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10322543
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2010
Steering
LTR FWD FM (WI) RE TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN RE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FM OWNER OF A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY, PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO CONSTITUENT & FWD RESPONSE TO DC OFC. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. AS A COST EFFECTIVE FIX, THE SHAFT WAS BEING GREASED AND NOT REPLA…
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LTR FWD FM (WI) RE TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN RE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FM OWNER OF A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY, PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO CONSTITUENT & FWD RESPONSE TO DC OFC. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. AS A COST EFFECTIVE FIX, THE SHAFT WAS BEING GREASED AND NOT REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10319818
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2010
Steering
MY 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SOMETIMES HAS ALL OF THE SUDDEN DIVERTED HARD TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED MANY TIMES AT LONGO TOYOTA IN LOS ANGELES BUT I WAS TOLD NOTHING FOUND. IN FACT, THE PROBLEM EXISTS FOR A FEW YEARS THAT MAKES ME DRIVE MY CAR ANXIOUSLY. RECENTLY, MANY PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FOUND ON TOYOTA VEHICLES AND I REQUEST …
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MY 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SOMETIMES HAS ALL OF THE SUDDEN DIVERTED HARD TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED MANY TIMES AT LONGO TOYOTA IN LOS ANGELES BUT I WAS TOLD NOTHING FOUND. IN FACT, THE PROBLEM EXISTS FOR A FEW YEARS THAT MAKES ME DRIVE MY CAR ANXIOUSLY. RECENTLY, MANY PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FOUND ON TOYOTA VEHICLES AND I REQUEST NHTSA SHOULD HAVE AN INVESTIGATION. VIN: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319358
55,000 miles · Mar 8, 2010
SteeringVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COMPLETE A TURN . THE DEALER WAS INFORMED AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THE VEHICLE BUT NEVER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF WHAT THE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COMPLETE A TURN . THE DEALER WAS INFORMED AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THE VEHICLE BUT NEVER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF WHAT THE FAILURE WAS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY OTHER FAILURES SINCE THEN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A STEERING PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST $500.00 TO REPAIR. UPDATED 03/22/10. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10317770
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2010
Steering
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) DURING THE YEARS 2006-2007-2008 I LEASED AND DROVE A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. SHORTLY AFTER I GOT THE CAR I NOTICED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND I FELT AS THOUGH I HAD NO CONTROL DURING SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR OVER. WHEN I REPORTED THIS…
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) DURING THE YEARS 2006-2007-2008 I LEASED AND DROVE A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. SHORTLY AFTER I GOT THE CAR I NOTICED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND I FELT AS THOUGH I HAD NO CONTROL DURING SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR OVER. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE SERVICE DEPT OF MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER DURING VISITS FOR OIL CHANGES, THEY TOOK THE CAR OUT, TEST DROVE IT AND TOLD ME THEY SAW NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I WAS CONVINCED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT NO ONE BELIEVED ME. I HAVE SINCE TURNED IN THE CAMRY AT THE END OF THE LEASE DATE AND WAS VERY HAPPY TO DO SO. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TOYOTA AND RELAYED THE ABOVE INFO RECENTLY. MY CONCERN IS THAT SOMETHING COULD BE WRONG WITH THE CAMRY AND THAT SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT BE DRIVING IT. I ASKED TOYOTA IF THEY COULD FIND OUT WHO OWNS THIS VEHICLE AND THEY SHOULD BE ALERTED. I NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT; I ONLY ALWAYS FELT SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON ANY MAJOR HIGHWAY THAT WOULD REQUIRE ME TO TRAVEL AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 50 MPH. HOPEFULLY SOMEONE COULD FIND OUT WHERE THIS CAR IS NOW. VIN# [XXX] . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315675
5,000 miles · Feb 23, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF BRAKING PROBLEMS AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF STEERING PROBLEMS AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. …
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NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF BRAKING PROBLEMS AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF STEERING PROBLEMS AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND WERE REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHO REPORTED COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO TOYOTA UNDER CA LEMON LAW IN 2006 OR 2007. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313350
40,000 miles · Feb 16, 2010
Steering
STEERING STARTED CLUCKING AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. SEEMS TO BE SLOWLY GETTING MORE PRONOUNCED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310762
32,000 miles · Feb 12, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. HE STATED THAT AT 32,000 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TIRE MALFUNCTIONED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. HE STATED THAT AT 32,000 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LEFT TIRE MALFUNCTIONED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 04/05/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT WHEEL WOULD WOBBLE ON SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/02/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10308936
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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