Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1860–25K
14725–50K
10650–75K
5375–100K
57100–150K
26150K+
575 reports with mileage · 146 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 272 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
223 crash reports10 fire reports91 injury reports
What owners actually said
721 reports
3,300 miles · Jun 15, 2005
Seat BeltsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
I HAVE DRIVEN A TOYOTA CAMRY FOR 14 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT NOR A TRAFFIC CITATION. IN OCTOBER 2004 WE BOUGHT A NEW TOYOTA CAMRY. ON APRIL 25, 2005 I DROVE TO A MEETING AT A PRIVATE HOME ON A 27 ACRE FARM. I HAD TWO PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. WHEN BACKING UP VERY SLOWLY TO TURN THE CAR AROUND I HAD A SUDDEN UNEXPECT…
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I HAVE DRIVEN A TOYOTA CAMRY FOR 14 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT NOR A TRAFFIC CITATION. IN OCTOBER 2004 WE BOUGHT A NEW TOYOTA CAMRY. ON APRIL 25, 2005 I DROVE TO A MEETING AT A PRIVATE HOME ON A 27 ACRE FARM. I HAD TWO PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. WHEN BACKING UP VERY SLOWLY TO TURN THE CAR AROUND I HAD A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED SPEED SURGE. BRAKES DID NOT WORK. I GLANCED OFF ONE CAR DAMAGING THE BACK BUMPER AND PUTTING A CREASE IN THE SIDE, THEN HIT A PICKUP TRUCK SQUARE ON ITS BUMPER KNOCKING OFF THE LICENCE PLATE. SINCE THERE WERE PEOPLE, CARS AND BUILDINGS BEHIND ME, I MANAGED TO GET IT OUT OF REVERSE BUT THEN IT SURGED FORWARD (NO BRAKES) WENT ABOUT 150 FT AND I HAD TO TURN OFF THE KEY IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THIS WAS ON A LONG GRAVEL DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. IT COASTED ABOUT 90 FT, WENT THROUGH A WIRE FENCE, HIT A FENCE POST, A ROOF SUPPORT, AND HIT A 800 LB BALER WHICH MOVED 5 FT INTO A LARGE FARM SPRAYER. THREE PEOPLE WITNESSED WHAT HAPPENED AND HEARD THE CAR WHEN IT SURGED BACKWARD. THE REAR SEAT BELT SNAPPED OPEN ON IMPACT. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS WAS INJURED, ONE HAD BRUISES.
NHTSA ODI #10125384
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2005
Exterior Lighting
2005 TOYOTA CAMRY LE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN SIGNALS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR WHEN MAKING GENTLE TURNS, THE SIGNAL OFTEN DID NOT DISENGAGE. *SC THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ALSO SILENT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10124753
300 miles · Jun 3, 2005
Power Train
DT: ON 5/27/05 WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER STOPPING THE ACCELERATOR WOULD HESITATE, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK INTO GEAR. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. CANNOT MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN OR RIGHT HAND TURN BECUASE THE CAR HESITATES SO MUCH IT WONT GO. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, AND DELAER REPORTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL. DEALER REPORT…
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DT: ON 5/27/05 WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER STOPPING THE ACCELERATOR WOULD HESITATE, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK INTO GEAR. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. CANNOT MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN OR RIGHT HAND TURN BECUASE THE CAR HESITATES SO MUCH IT WONT GO. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, AND DELAER REPORTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL. DEALER REPORTED NOTHING COULD BE DONE. TOYOTA REPORTED THEY WERE LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM AND WILL REPORT ANY DEVELOPMENTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10124084
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2005
Structure
CONSUMER WANTS TO FILE A CLAIM REGARDING THE NON CONFORMITY OF THE WINDSCREEN FOR THE 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. *MR THERE WAS A NOISE CREATED BY THE WINDSCREEN WHICH WAS ABNORMAL AND LOUD. THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION NOISE COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. TOYOTA'S RESOLUTION WAS TO REFUND MONEY. TOYOTA ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE NOISE WAS…
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CONSUMER WANTS TO FILE A CLAIM REGARDING THE NON CONFORMITY OF THE WINDSCREEN FOR THE 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. *MR THERE WAS A NOISE CREATED BY THE WINDSCREEN WHICH WAS ABNORMAL AND LOUD. THERE WAS ALSO A VIBRATION NOISE COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. TOYOTA'S RESOLUTION WAS TO REFUND MONEY. TOYOTA ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10124738
300 miles · Jun 1, 2005
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
DT: ABOUT 300 MILES WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE, AND CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. AT 537 MILES, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THEN A LEFT TURN, AS DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND. STEERING WHEEL HAD NO CONTROL. THE WEATHER WAS DRY, A FLAT ROAD. THE SPEED WAS ABO…
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DT: ABOUT 300 MILES WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE, AND CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. AT 537 MILES, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THEN A LEFT TURN, AS DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND. STEERING WHEEL HAD NO CONTROL. THE WEATHER WAS DRY, A FLAT ROAD. THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 65 PMH. VEHICLE CRAHED INTO A WALL. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN BACK, AND ARM. DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN ANKLE AND BRUISES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10123738
125 miles · May 19, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control
2005 CAMRY XLE V6. CAR HESITATES OR LAGS UPON ACCELERATION. FROM DEAD STOP ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS A LAG BEFORE CAR WILL ACCELERATE. WHILE MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY, CAR WILL HESITATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE. DROVE ANOTHER 2005 CAMRY V6 AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING.
NHTSA ODI #10121647
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2005
Power Train
CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN FRUITLESS AS FAR AS RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF COMPLAINTS, BUT TRY THE COMPANY LINE THAT IT WAS ENGINEERED TO PERFORM THIS WAY. BASICALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GEAR DOWN SATISFACTORILY, UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. A SLOW TURN AND THEN ACCELERATION WIL…
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CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN FRUITLESS AS FAR AS RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF COMPLAINTS, BUT TRY THE COMPANY LINE THAT IT WAS ENGINEERED TO PERFORM THIS WAY. BASICALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GEAR DOWN SATISFACTORILY, UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. A SLOW TURN AND THEN ACCELERATION WILL 'ALWAYS' RESULT IN 'LAGGING' OF GEAR CHANGES, THEN IT WILL FINALLY GEAR DOWN AND LURCH INTO THE LOWER GEAR. IT'S AGGRAVATING AND CAN BE DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS IN TIGHT CROWDED FREEWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS WHERE IT'S NOT UNUSUAL TO HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN SPEED UP WITHOUT GETTING REAR-ENDED.
NHTSA ODI #10119537
50 miles · Apr 28, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE INCREASES IN RPM'S WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE RPM'S WILL INCREASE FROM 750 TO 900 RPM'S. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS THE CURRENT DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK TH…
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THE VEHICLE INCREASES IN RPM'S WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE RPM'S WILL INCREASE FROM 750 TO 900 RPM'S. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS THE CURRENT DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THERE WAS POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF TWO OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10105573
100 miles · Apr 27, 2005
Power TrainService Brakes, Air
1. WE PURCHASED A NEW 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE FROM BEAVERTON TOYOTA (BEAVERTON, OREGON) 2. HERE ARE THE THREE PROBLEMS: A. WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL, ON DRY PAVEMENT, WITH THE BRAKES BEING "FEATHERED", WITH NO ADDITIONAL FOOT PEDAL PRESSURE, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHES BACK ON THE DRIVERS FOOT. B. …
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1. WE PURCHASED A NEW 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE FROM BEAVERTON TOYOTA (BEAVERTON, OREGON) 2. HERE ARE THE THREE PROBLEMS: A. WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL, ON DRY PAVEMENT, WITH THE BRAKES BEING "FEATHERED", WITH NO ADDITIONAL FOOT PEDAL PRESSURE, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHES BACK ON THE DRIVERS FOOT. B. AFTER BRAKING AND THEN ACCELERATING, THE BRAKES DO NOT RELEASE AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED. THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO HESITATE UNTIL THE BRAKES RELEASE. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. C. WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE HESITATES WHICH CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWNSHIFT MULTIPLE TIMES RUNNING THE RPMS UP TO THE REDLINE. 3. I HAVE REPORTED THESE PROBLEMS TO BEAVERTON TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE HILLSBORO (OREGON) TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT ONE TIME. THEY ADMIT THERE ARE PROBLEMS, BUT SINCE TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A "SERVICE BULLETIN" THEY CAN DO NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I HAVE DRIVEN ANOTHER 2004 CAMRY AT THE HILLSBORO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND NONE OF THE PROBLEMS LISTED ABOVE OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #10118553
50 miles · Apr 25, 2005
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING FIRST 100 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING ERATICALLY, UPSHIFT AND DOWNSHIFTS NOT CHANGING SMOOTHLY. *AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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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