NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
13 reportsClear category filter85,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, ElectricVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SEV6 SPORT- VEHICLE HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING AT "PARKING LOT SPEEDS" OR IN "STOP & GO TRAFFIC" , OR BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP - ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING AND WHEN BRAKES (ANTI-LOCK YET) ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RESISTANCE. VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP!! ENGINE SURGES. FLOOR M…
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2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SEV6 SPORT- VEHICLE HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN TRAVELING AT "PARKING LOT SPEEDS" OR IN "STOP & GO TRAFFIC" , OR BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP - ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING AND WHEN BRAKES (ANTI-LOCK YET) ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RESISTANCE. VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP!! ENGINE SURGES. FLOOR MATS NO ISSUE. FIRST INCIDENT 2008 OR 09, I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. VEHICLE SURGED, JUMPED A CURB & INTO A RAVINE. ENGINE WAS STILL SURGING (WHILE DOWN IN THE RAVINE!) UNTIL IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. 2 WEEKS AGO, DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, (OVERCAST BUT DRY CONDITIONS APPROXIMATELY 1:00PM) I WAS THROWN BACK IN MY SEAT SUDDENLY. I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN REAR-ENDED INITIALLY DUE TO THE THRUST BACK, BUT NO ONE HAD IMPACTED THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. REALIZING THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN, I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. AGAIN, NO RESISTANCE, THEY WENT FLAT. MY VEHICLE REAR ENDED AND DROVE UNDER THE BACK END OF AN SUV. UPON IMPACT, MY KNEE SLAMMED INTO THE DASHBOARD, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BRUISED UP MY THIGH. SWELLING IN SHOULDER DUE TO BELT. NO INJURY TO PERSON IN OTHER VEHICLE. NO SKID MARKS ON ROADWAY. FILED CLAIM W/TOYOTA HOME OFFICE. THEY ARE INSPECTING THE CAR THIS WEEK @ DEALERSHIP. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN WALKING IN FRONT OF THIS CAR WHEN THESE INCIDENCES HAPPENED? THEY WOULD BE DEAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS & POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. I WILL NEVER GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THAT CAR EVER AGAIN. NOT FOR A MILLION DOLLARS! LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS TO ME. AS A FORMERINVESTIGATOR/AGENT MYSELF, I IMPLORE YOU TO PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ASAP BEFORE THIS VEHICLE (OR OTHERS OF THE SAME) KILL SOMEONE. THIS CAR (2004 TOYOTA SOLARA {2 - DOOR CAMRY}) IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR. I HAVE BEEN SPARED FROM BROKEN BONES, BUT I MAY NEED KNEE SURGERY. WAITING ON THE RESULTS OF AN MRI. PLEASE TAKE THESE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. SO THANKFUL MY CHILD WASN'T DRIVING OR IN THE CAR WITH ME. FILED A POLICE REPORT WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332716
42,500 miles · Oct 11, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 9,2008 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON I-95 WHEN MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE IN SPEED, AS I WAS ABLE TO CAUTIOUSLY GET OVER IN THE MEDIAN LANE WHEN IT THEN SHUT OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM BUT AS SOON AS I ACCELERATED IT SLOWED DOWN AND I THEN TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A FEW …
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ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 9,2008 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON I-95 WHEN MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE IN SPEED, AS I WAS ABLE TO CAUTIOUSLY GET OVER IN THE MEDIAN LANE WHEN IT THEN SHUT OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM BUT AS SOON AS I ACCELERATED IT SLOWED DOWN AND I THEN TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AN TURNED IT BACK ON WITH NO PROBLEM. SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO MY EXIT AND LIPTON TOYOTAS DEALERSHIP WAS RIGHT THERE I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET CHECKED OUT, WELL MUCH TO MY SURPRISE I AM IN NEED OF A THROTTLE BODY A $931.17 PART AND $13.?? GASKET ALONG WITH $85.00 PER HOUR SERVICE FEE. NOW EVEN THOUGH MY FACTORY WARRANTY ENDED ON THE 4 OF THIS MONTH, THIS VIABLE COMPONENT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE ABOUT 42,500 MILES ON MY CAR AND I DON'T DRIVE IT EVERYDAY. I AM VERY ANGRY THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE A PART THAT IS SO COSTLY IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, TOYOTA IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST CARS ON THE ROAD BUT AT THIS POINT I FEEL LIKE I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST ONE IT IS MY 3RD ONE PURCHASED BRAND NEW, AND MY CONCERN IS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER HAVING A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. SO I WANT TO ASK YOU TO PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS AS A DEFECTIVE PART ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED TOYOTAS CORPORATE OFFICE I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE WHO SEEMED AS IF SHE HAD AN ATTITUDE LIKE I HAVE SOME NERVE TO CALL AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR TOP NOTCH VEHICLES. I WAS READING SOME BLOGS ABOUT "04 CAMRY THROTTLE BODY FAILURE" ON WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/TOYOTA-CAMRY/TM6GC5T4DHVFS52CS I THINK THAT YOU WILL SEE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE, PLEASE CHECK THE SITE. I DON'T THINK ANYONE KNOWS MUCH ABOUT YOUR SITE AND THAT THEY SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU AND ATLEAST GET THE MATTER AT HAND LOOKED IN TO. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY AND JUST NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO EXCEPT PAY FOR IT, IF THE CAN AFFORD IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245130
47,500 miles · Jan 5, 2007
Power TrainCrash
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WAS IN REVERSE ON THE MORNING OF 12/22/06 AT 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO IN REVERSE AND WOULDN'T STOP. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING IN REVERSE THERE WAS A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HIT A CURB AND TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE IT WAS STILL GOING IN REVERSE TO ST…
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TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WAS IN REVERSE ON THE MORNING OF 12/22/06 AT 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO IN REVERSE AND WOULDN'T STOP. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING IN REVERSE THERE WAS A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HIT A CURB AND TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE IT WAS STILL GOING IN REVERSE TO STOP IT. THERE WERE WITNESSES, AND THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A SOUND THAT THE GEARS WERE STUCK. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS PUSHED UNDER THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT COULDN'T BE TRUE BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME IT WAS GOING IN REVERSE AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10177856
14,000 miles · Oct 30, 2006
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
2004 TOYOTA SOLARA THIS CAR IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT 100%. I HAVE REPLACED 2 SETS OF BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS BOTH RIGHT SIDE. ALSO BOTH INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND RIGHT CV SHAFT, WHEEL BEARINGS. A NEW BATTERY THE INTERIOR IS FALLING APART AND THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE …
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2004 TOYOTA SOLARA THIS CAR IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT 100%. I HAVE REPLACED 2 SETS OF BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS BOTH RIGHT SIDE. ALSO BOTH INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND RIGHT CV SHAFT, WHEEL BEARINGS. A NEW BATTERY THE INTERIOR IS FALLING APART AND THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE PARTS AS THEY SAY NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW WARRANTY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10172186
8,000 miles · Oct 11, 2006
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE LAG AT LOW SPEED AND FROM STOP IS INCONSISTANT AND HAS BEEN THE CAUSE FOR SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED; DEALER INVESTIGATED; STATES THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE, THAT LAG IS "ACCEPTABLE". SOME INSTANCES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACTUAL THROTTLE RESPONSE. DRIVE…
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THROTTLE LAG AT LOW SPEED AND FROM STOP IS INCONSISTANT AND HAS BEEN THE CAUSE FOR SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED; DEALER INVESTIGATED; STATES THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE, THAT LAG IS "ACCEPTABLE". SOME INSTANCES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACTUAL THROTTLE RESPONSE. DRIVER HAS TO USE HARDER ACCELERATION TO COMPENSATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF BUT DECLINES TO ADMIT IT IS A PROBLEM. DRIVER IS VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS ISSUE WILL BE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170539
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2006
Power Train
THROTTLE LAG AT LOW SPEED AND FROM STOP IS INCONSISTENT AND HAS BEEN THE CAUSE FOR SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED; DEALER INVESTIGATED; RELOADED SOFTWARE AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TOYOTA STATES THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE." SOME INSTANCES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACT…
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THROTTLE LAG AT LOW SPEED AND FROM STOP IS INCONSISTENT AND HAS BEEN THE CAUSE FOR SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED; DEALER INVESTIGATED; RELOADED SOFTWARE AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TOYOTA STATES THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE." SOME INSTANCES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACTUAL THROTTLE RESPONSE. DRIVER HAS TO USE HARDER ACCELERATION TO COMPENSATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF BUT DECLINES TO ADMIT IT IS A PROBLEM. DRIVER IS VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS ISSUE WILL BE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. EVERY TIME CAR IS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP PROBLEM IS RE-ADDRESSES BUT NO FIX HAS BEEN MADE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170346
200 miles · Oct 3, 2006
Power Train
I HAVE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE WAY MY CAR CONSISTENTLY LAGS BEFORE ACCELERATING. THIS HESITATION HAS BEEN CONSISTENT FROM DAY ONE OF MY OWNERSHIP (PURCHASED DEALER NEW). WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, OR AT A STOP, ANY TYPE OF IMMEDIATE PUSH OF THE GAS PEDAL WILL RESULT IN A DELAYED/SLOW RESPONSE TO PICK UP SPEED. TH…
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I HAVE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE WAY MY CAR CONSISTENTLY LAGS BEFORE ACCELERATING. THIS HESITATION HAS BEEN CONSISTENT FROM DAY ONE OF MY OWNERSHIP (PURCHASED DEALER NEW). WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, OR AT A STOP, ANY TYPE OF IMMEDIATE PUSH OF THE GAS PEDAL WILL RESULT IN A DELAYED/SLOW RESPONSE TO PICK UP SPEED. THIS DELAY HAS NEARLY CAUSED (2)TWO ACCIDENTS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS: (1)ACCELERATING TO GET ONTO FREEWAY. (2)ACCELERATING TO AVOID AN ERRANT LANE CHANGE FROM A NEARBY CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10169813
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2005
Power Train
I PURCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6 FROM SUPERSTITIONS SPRINGS TOYOTA IN ARIZONA JUST OVER 24 HOURS AGO. WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT YESTERDAY I ALMOST GOT IN A BAD ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SOMEONE STARTED TO PULL OVER ON ME. I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AND WENT NOWHERE FOR AT LEAST 1-2 SECONDS. THANK GOD THE GUY HEARD MY HORN…
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I PURCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6 FROM SUPERSTITIONS SPRINGS TOYOTA IN ARIZONA JUST OVER 24 HOURS AGO. WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT YESTERDAY I ALMOST GOT IN A BAD ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SOMEONE STARTED TO PULL OVER ON ME. I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AND WENT NOWHERE FOR AT LEAST 1-2 SECONDS. THANK GOD THE GUY HEARD MY HORN. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID 'THEY COULD FEEL IT TOO' BUT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAD READ A CUSTOMER COMMENT ABOUT THE PROBLEM JUST ONCE AND THERE WAS A REPLY THAT SAID THERE WAS SOME DOWNLOAD FOR IT. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED AND THERE WERE NO DOWNLOADS FOR IT. TOLD ME THAT IT WAS OPERATING AS IT SHOULD AND THERE WOULD BE SOME HESITATION, THEN STARTED IN ON SOME ENGINEERING EXPLANATION, AND SAID THEY HAVE SOME SPECIALIST COME IN ONCE A MONTH FROM TOYOTA AND HE WOULD ASK HIM ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I TRIED TO REITERATE THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED NOW, BUT GOT NO DIFFERENT REPLY. I HAD NOTED SOME SLIGHT HESITATION WHEN I WAS TEST DRIVING IT, BUT REALLY DIDN'T NOTICE ANY APPRECIABLE HESITATION WHEN I VERY BRIEFLY HAD IT ON EXPRESSWAY DRIVE (ONLY ALLOWED ABOUT A 1/2 MILE THEN TOLD TO TURN OFF). HOWEVER YESTERDAY WHEN I FINALLY DROVE IT, I STARTED TO FEEL LIKE I WAS GETTING WHIPLASH FROM THE HESITATION, LUNGING AND JERKING AROUND, AND THEN I ALMOST GOT IN A BAD ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING AND HAVE A HUGE LOAN HANGING OVER MY HEAD TO BOOT. I GUESS I WILL JUST DRIVE IT AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE SO I DON'T GET KILLED DUE TO AN 'ENGINEERING PROBLEM' AND THEN GET RID OF IT AS SOON AS I CAN. I WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN. BIG MISTAKE. PLEASE ALSO REFERENCE THIS WEB SITE WITH MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/ENTRY/1234000920023135 AND THIS WEB SITE WITH ONE ENTRY AND A REPLY STATING THERE IS A FIX: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_76023.HTML
NHTSA ODI #10125730
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2004 TOYOTA SOLARA EXPERIENCING STALLING OR LONG HESITATION WHEN THE VEHICLE'S SPEED IS BELOW 25 MPH AND THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE.*MR THIS OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN ENTERING FAST MOVING TRAFFIC FROM ENTRANCE RAMP ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AND…
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2004 TOYOTA SOLARA EXPERIENCING STALLING OR LONG HESITATION WHEN THE VEHICLE'S SPEED IS BELOW 25 MPH AND THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE.*MR THIS OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN ENTERING FAST MOVING TRAFFIC FROM ENTRANCE RAMP ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AND CANNOT BE CORRECTED. *BF *NM
NHTSA ODI #10121517
18 miles · Feb 11, 2005
Power Train
2004 TOYOTA SOLARA WITH V6 AND AUTO TRANS. HAVE OWNED CAR SINCE NEW AND HAVE A HESITATION PROBLEM THAT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. EXTRA CAUTION IS NEEDED TO ENTER HWYS SAFELY. I AM ALSO UNABLE TO ACCELERATE COMING OUT OF TURNS WITHOUT FEELING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. WHEN TAKEN…
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2004 TOYOTA SOLARA WITH V6 AND AUTO TRANS. HAVE OWNED CAR SINCE NEW AND HAVE A HESITATION PROBLEM THAT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. EXTRA CAUTION IS NEEDED TO ENTER HWYS SAFELY. I AM ALSO UNABLE TO ACCELERATE COMING OUT OF TURNS WITHOUT FEELING THE CAR LURCH FORWARD MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. WHEN TAKEN TO SERVICE AT TOYOTA THEY ACT LIKE NOTHING IS WRONG. I KNOW I AM NOT CRAZY BECAUSE ITS NOTICED BY ALL MY PASSENGERS. AND UPON MY PERSONAL INVESTIGATION HAVE UNCOVERED MANY COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE AND BY OWNERS OF LEXUS VEHICLES THAT USE SAME ENGINE AND TRANS. IN FACT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL CARS USING AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL FOR THE THROTTLE AS OPPOSED TO THE OLD LINKAGE SYSTEM. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF IT. I ALSO NOTICED QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE PERTAINING TO THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10110362
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