NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
721 reportsMileage unknown · Dec 20, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE DUE TO THE INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT AND THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE …
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TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE DUE TO THE INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT AND THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10371839
35,790 miles · Dec 20, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
3 CASES: ALL AT LOW SPEED (4-5MPH) FOLLOWING 90-DEGREE TURN, APPLICATION OF BRAKE CAUSES CAR TO ACCELERATE, OVER SPACE OF C. 1 YEAR, 2 COLLISIONS. DEALER "SCANNED SYSTEM AND PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK." REPORTED "ALL SYSTEMS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE SECURE AND IN CORRECT POSITION." *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371803
30,000 miles · Nov 24, 2010
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEATER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WAS ON BUT ONLY BLEW HOT AIR AT THE BOTTOM; THE DEFROSTER BLEW OUTSIDE AIR. WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME COLD TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEATER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WAS ON BUT ONLY BLEW HOT AIR AT THE BOTTOM; THE DEFROSTER BLEW OUTSIDE AIR. WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME COLD TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT ALL HEATERS OPERATED THAT WAY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO LATER STATED THAT THE MIXTURE VALUE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10367796
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
70,000 miles · Nov 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN; SHE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LEFT CALIPER LOCKED UP; IT WAS REPLACED AT THAT …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN; SHE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LEFT CALIPER LOCKED UP; IT WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10363834
48,857 miles · Nov 1, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING INTO HER GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE GARAGE WALL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A STOCK OF WOODS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOOK H…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING INTO HER GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE GARAGE WALL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A STOCK OF WOODS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOOK HER COMPLAINT AND STATED THAT AN ENGINEER WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH HER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 48,857.
NHTSA ODI #10363486
35,000 miles · Oct 20, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY RESET A CODE WITHIN THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM UNDER ADVISEMENT OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE REOCCURED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY RESET A CODE WITHIN THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM UNDER ADVISEMENT OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE REOCCURED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 0187-09, ISSUED THAT PERTAINED TO THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10361361
50,000 miles · Oct 19, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN HOT WEATHER THE POWER DOOR LOCK BUTTON INSIDE WOULD ONLY OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. WHEN HE UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE MANUALLY IT WOULD ONLY OPEN ONE DOOR. THE BUTTON INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PULLED SO THAT THE THREE OTHER DOORS WOUL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN HOT WEATHER THE POWER DOOR LOCK BUTTON INSIDE WOULD ONLY OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. WHEN HE UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE MANUALLY IT WOULD ONLY OPEN ONE DOOR. THE BUTTON INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PULLED SO THAT THE THREE OTHER DOORS WOULD UNLOCK. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53000.
NHTSA ODI #10361184
25,200 miles · Oct 15, 2010
Steering
2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SE (25,000 MILES) HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT RECOVER WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO BIND/LOCK AND DRIVER HAS TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE THE CARE GO STRAIGHT. PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY WHEN MAKING A LEFT ONTO A SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC, NOT…
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2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SE (25,000 MILES) HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT RECOVER WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO BIND/LOCK AND DRIVER HAS TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE THE CARE GO STRAIGHT. PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY WHEN MAKING A LEFT ONTO A SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC, NOT SO MUCH WITH SHARP TURNS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT STEERING IS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. I DID REPORT ANOTHER ISSUE WHERE A KNOCKING/BANGING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN GOING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT RELATIVELY SLOW SPEEDS BUT DEALER SAID THIS COULD MOST LIKELY BE RESOLVED BY GREASING THE ASSEMBLY, AN ITEM THAT WAS COVERED BY A PREVIOUS TSB BUT SINCE THE CAR WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD, WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IF NOT REPAIRED THE, SOUND WOULD GET WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360695
68,571 miles · Oct 12, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LARGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SWERVED INTO THE CONTACTS LANE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOP ABRUPTLY DUE TO TRAFFIC, BUT BY THE TIME THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, IT WAS TOO LATE AND SHE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ALTHOUGH, SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT, HER HEAD S…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A LARGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SWERVED INTO THE CONTACTS LANE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOP ABRUPTLY DUE TO TRAFFIC, BUT BY THE TIME THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, IT WAS TOO LATE AND SHE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ALTHOUGH, SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT, HER HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, RIBS AND RIGHT FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,571. UPDATED 01/26/11*LJ UPDATED 03/23/11
NHTSA ODI #10360170
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