NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
43 reportsClear category filter15,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
SteeringUnknown Or Other
I EXPERIENCED A TREMENDOUS FRUSTRATION -- WHILE DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, DC, MY CAR LOST ITS POWER STEERING. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, I SAW THAT THE RESERVOIR FOR POWER STEERING FLUID WAS INDEED FULL. NOT WANTING TO BE STRANDED 40 MILES FROM HOME, I DROVE TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WAS ADVISED T…
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I EXPERIENCED A TREMENDOUS FRUSTRATION -- WHILE DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, DC, MY CAR LOST ITS POWER STEERING. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, I SAW THAT THE RESERVOIR FOR POWER STEERING FLUID WAS INDEED FULL. NOT WANTING TO BE STRANDED 40 MILES FROM HOME, I DROVE TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT COULD BE SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE MY CAR WAS EVALUATED AND/OR REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I RETURNED IT FOR 2 COMPLAINTS: (1) THE DRIVER SEAT JARS FORWARD AND BACK UPON STOPPING AND ACCELERATING, APPROXIMATELY 80-90% OF THE TIME; (2) STOPPING/SLOWING THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40MPH (SUCH AS WHEN SLOWING FOR AN EXIT) CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE. I WAS ADVISED, BY THE SERVICES MANAGER THAT THE SEAT MOVING "HAPPENS IN THIS KIND OF CAR", AND THAT THE ALIGNMENT OF THE CAR WAS "OK" AND THAT "PULLING AND SHAKING HAPPENS IN THIS KIND OF CAR". AND, I'VE TOLERATED IT. NOW, I'M WONDERING IF THE SHUT DOWN OF THE STEERING ALSO 'HAPPENS IN THIS KIND OF CAR'. IF SO, I DON'T WANT "THIS KIND OF CAR" AND PERHAPS MY NEEDS WOULD BEST BE SERVED BY SOME OTHER 'KIND OF CAR'
NHTSA ODI #10070502
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2003
Steering
FROM THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR IT PULLS TO THE LEFT AND AFTER 6 MONTHS OF COMPLAINING I FILED FOR THE LEMON LAW. NOW A YEAR AND A HALF LATER IT STILL ISN'T RESOLVED.
NHTSA ODI #10051439
20,750 miles · Nov 19, 2003
Power TrainSteering
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A STEERING COLUMN PROBLEM. ALSO, VEHICLE HAD A TOUGH TIME ENGAGING INTO GEAR. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10048356
10 miles · Oct 9, 2003
Steering
I TOOK DELIVERY OF A 2002 CAMRY XLE ON 3/12/03. FROM THE DRIVE HOME TO THIS DATE THE CAR HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT PULL TOWARD THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING. THIS PULL IS SUCH THAT EVEN RELATIVELY MINOR CHANGES IN ROAD SURFACE RESULT IN A WORSENED PULL THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION BY STEERING TOWARD THE RIGHT. APPROXIMATELY EIGHT (8)AT…
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I TOOK DELIVERY OF A 2002 CAMRY XLE ON 3/12/03. FROM THE DRIVE HOME TO THIS DATE THE CAR HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT PULL TOWARD THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING. THIS PULL IS SUCH THAT EVEN RELATIVELY MINOR CHANGES IN ROAD SURFACE RESULT IN A WORSENED PULL THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION BY STEERING TOWARD THE RIGHT. APPROXIMATELY EIGHT (8)ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED OR CORRECTED THROUGH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS HAVE PROVEN FUTILE. I HAVE MADE REPEATED CALLS TO THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER IN TORRENCE,CALIFORNIA. EFFORTS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM HAVE INCLUDED:NEW TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATIONS(5-6 TIMES), ALIGNMENTS(5-6 TIMES), AND CAMBER BOLTS REPLACED(TWICE). AFTER THE LAST CAMBER BOLT REPLACEMENT THERE WAS IMPROVEMENT FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BUT THE STEERING PROBLEM QUICKLY RETURNED. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN AN EFFORT TO TRY AND RESOLVE THE STEERING PROBLEM. THE FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT REVEALED THAT THE CASTER WAS NOT WITHIN THE FACTORY SPECIFIED RANGE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CASTER AND THERE WAS A WARNING ON THE PRINTED ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATION SHEET STATING,"THIS VALUE IS NOT WITHIN SPECIFICATION. TIRE WEAR,HANDLING AND SAFETY PROBLEMS MAY RESULT". THIS WAS AND STILL IS OF GRAVE CONCERN TO ME. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS AND WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE PURCHASING DEALERSHIP.IN THE COURSE OF THESE REPEATED SERVICE VISITS I WAS GIVEN A 2002 CAMRY LE TO DRIVE AS A LOANER CAR ON TWO OCCASIONS AND ONE OF THE LOANER CARS HAD THE SAME STEERING PROBLEM AS MINE. I FEEL UNSAFE WITH THEY'RE UNRESOLVED STEERING PROBLEMS AND FEEL THAT THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND MY FAMILY AND PERHAPS OTHER 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY OWNERS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041567
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2003
SteeringSuspension
CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041218
1,000 miles · Sep 12, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringUnknown Or Other
MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. FIND EVERY TIME I GO TO STOP BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT STOP AND PERFORM PROPERLY. FIND CAR DOES NOT PERFORM PROPERLY IN RAIN AND SNOW AND SKIDS OUT IN THIS TYPE OF WEATHER. NOTE HAVE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH MANUFACTURER TO NOTIFY THEM OF MY COMPLAINT W…
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MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY HAS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. FIND EVERY TIME I GO TO STOP BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT STOP AND PERFORM PROPERLY. FIND CAR DOES NOT PERFORM PROPERLY IN RAIN AND SNOW AND SKIDS OUT IN THIS TYPE OF WEATHER. NOTE HAVE CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH MANUFACTURER TO NOTIFY THEM OF MY COMPLAINT WITH NO AVAIL. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10038794
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARSHLY INTO DRIVE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD BUT WHEN WARMED UP THE VEHICLE DROVE SMOOTHLY. THE STEERING WHEEL HUMMED WHEN TURNED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A BUSHING FOR THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. THE UPPER AND LOWER B…
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THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARSHLY INTO DRIVE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD BUT WHEN WARMED UP THE VEHICLE DROVE SMOOTHLY. THE STEERING WHEEL HUMMED WHEN TURNED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A BUSHING FOR THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. THE UPPER AND LOWER BELT MOLDING AROUND THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAME OFF. A FAULTY CHARCOAL CANISTER CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *AK *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10033733
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2003
SteeringTires
REGARDING 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. STARTED EXPERIENCING PULLING AND BUMPING SENSATIONS FROM FRONT SOON AFTER 5000 MILES. HAD TIRES REBALANCED AND ROTATED, PROBLEM CONTINUED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO SAID ALIGNMENT WAS OFF AND SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED. NO CHANGE, IN FACT, STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. TOOK CAR BACK TO DE…
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REGARDING 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. STARTED EXPERIENCING PULLING AND BUMPING SENSATIONS FROM FRONT SOON AFTER 5000 MILES. HAD TIRES REBALANCED AND ROTATED, PROBLEM CONTINUED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO SAID ALIGNMENT WAS OFF AND SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED. NO CHANGE, IN FACT, STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER WHO SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT DID ANOTHER ALIGNMENT, THIS TIME STRAIGHTENING OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. WE ARE NOW AT 19000 MILES HAVING JUST ROTATED THE TIRES AGAIN IN HOPES IT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS NOT. ADDITIONALLY, WE HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED POOR BRAKING TRACTION EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS IN WET CONDITIONS AND A SPINNING OUT OF A WHEEL GOING AROUND CORNERS AT SLOW SPEED. WE ARE FRUSTATED BY THE INABILITY OF TOYOTA NORTH OF MT. KISCO, NY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10005649
19,000 miles · Jan 17, 2003
SteeringCrash
I BOUGHT MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY AS A USED CERTIFIED VEHICLE FROM A TOYOTA DEALER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IT ON THE HIGHWAY. TS
NHTSA ODI #10002826
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2002
SteeringCrash
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL AND RESULTING IN A ACCIDENT. TS
NHTSA ODI #8024084
Official recalls
4Jul 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CSA MAY NOT DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CSAS AND REPLACE THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Dec 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Oct 1, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE TIRES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPEED RATING FOR THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING (112 MPH), POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Sep 25, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
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
4DP06003 · 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
PE04021 · Throttle Control System
Opened Mar 3, 2004 · Closed Jul 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
THE LEXUS MODELS WERE THE SUBJECT OF DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-003.TWELVE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE TO TOYOTA REPORTS, INCLUDING THE TWO MINOR CRASHES.THE V6 EQUIPPED SOLARA MODELS HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN THE SUBJECT THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM.TOYOTA INTRODUCED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BEGINNING IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002.ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE IF THE SYSTEM COULD BE THE CAUSE OF COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED, OR FAILED TO DECREASE, (FOR A SHORT DURATION) WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED (THE ALLEGED DEFECT).DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION, ODI ANALYZED AGENCY DATA AND REVIEWED VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) REPORTS, CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS INVOLVING 113 VOQ AND 36 TOYOTA REPORTS, INSPECTED TWO COMPLAINANT VEHICLES, REVIEWED RELEVANT TOYOTA SERVICE AND NEW CAR FEATURE DOCUMENTATION, REVIEWED AND ANALYZED TOYOTA?S RESPONSES TO ODI?S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, CONDUCTED A LIMITED CONTROL PEDAL ASSESSMENT, AND ATTENDED A TOYOTA TECHNICAL PRESENTATION THAT INCLUDED THE ASSESSMENT OF TWO DEMONSTRATION VEHICLES.THROUGH INTERVIEWS, ODI IDENTIFIED 14 VOQ AND 6 TOYOTA REPORTS (20 UNIQUE VEHICLES) WHERE COMPLAINANTS REPORT MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.IN SOME CASES THE CONDITION WAS EXPERIENCED BY DIFFERENT VEHICLE OPERATORS OR WAS WITNESSED BY OTHER OCCUPANTS.ODI WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF 9 TOYOTA AND AN ADDITIONAL 37 VOQ REPORTS (WHICH DESCRIBE 28 UNIQUE INCIDENTS) DUE TO INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION.THE REMAINING COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED (62 VOQ, 21 TOYOTA) DESCRIBED CONDITIONS NOT CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND WERE THUS CONSIDERED UNRELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION.NONE OF THE COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED REPORTED A COMPONENT FAILURE (OR OTHER INDICATOR OF A SYSTEM FAILURE) AS THE POTENTIAL CAUSE OF INCIDENTS RELEVANT TO THIS INVESTIGATION.IN MANY CASES, THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY INSPECTED BY DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES WHO ALSO FAILED TO IDENTIFY A FAULT WITHIN THE VEHICLE.TOYOTA IDENTIFIED 43 RELATED WARRANTY CLAIMS, 24 OF WHICH WERE FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES ONLY (NO REPAIRS PERFORMED).ODI FOUND NOTHING ABNORMAL IN THE CONTROL PEDAL CONFIGURATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE THE ATTACHED SUMMARY FOR FURTHER DETAIL.
PE02079 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 18, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ODI'S DATA ANALYSIS FOUND THE FIRES RATES TO BE CONSISTENTLY LOW AND EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONG SIX MODEL YEARS AND SIX DIFFERENT ENGINE CONFIGURATIONS.ODI EXAMINED A VARIETY OF ROOT CAUSES, THOSE BEING DETONATION (RESULTING IN OIL PAN PUNCTURE FROM CONNECTING ROD), STARTER FIRES, VARIOUS FUEL RELATED FIRES, LEAKING OIL FILTERS, WIRING ISSUES, IMPROPER REPAIRS AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKS.NONE OF THE ISSUES EXAMINED HAD REPORTS THAT INDICATED A TREND WHEN NORMALIZED FOR POPULATON AND EXPOSURE.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR FULL DETAILS.
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