NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
281 reportsClear category filter35,000 miles · Apr 8, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AT 2 MPH ON THE GRASS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAD NOT RESURFACED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000. UPD…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AT 2 MPH ON THE GRASS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAD NOT RESURFACED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10324441
13,229 miles · Mar 31, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004 ON, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE BOTH INJURED. THE SPEED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED WAS 30 MPH. THE POLICE RESPONDED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AN AMBULA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004 ON, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE BOTH INJURED. THE SPEED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED WAS 30 MPH. THE POLICE RESPONDED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AN AMBULANCE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. UPDATED 05/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/12/10
NHTSA ODI #10322987
92,000 miles · Mar 30, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
VEH# 1 WAS EXITING BURBANK AVE TURNING LEFT ONTO COLONEL JOHN GARDNER WHEN THE FLOOR MAT BECAME STUCK' UNDER THE GAS PEDAL,CA;USING THE VEHICLE TO RACE FORWARD.MCC TURNED THE WHEEL BUT DROVE ACROSS THE FRONT LAWN AT 140 CJG . VEHICLE THEN WENT ACROSS THE STREET INTO THE CIRCULIAR DRIVEWAY AT CJG STRIKING SEVERAL LANDSCAPING OIER…
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VEH# 1 WAS EXITING BURBANK AVE TURNING LEFT ONTO COLONEL JOHN GARDNER WHEN THE FLOOR MAT BECAME STUCK' UNDER THE GAS PEDAL,CA;USING THE VEHICLE TO RACE FORWARD.MCC TURNED THE WHEEL BUT DROVE ACROSS THE FRONT LAWN AT 140 CJG . VEHICLE THEN WENT ACROSS THE STREET INTO THE CIRCULIAR DRIVEWAY AT CJG STRIKING SEVERAL LANDSCAPING OIERS , KNOCKING STHEM ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE THEN WENT THRU AN 8! FOOT SECTION OF SPLIT RAIL FENCE AND RAN OVER A AIL BOX POST WITH 3 MAILBOXES ON THE PROPERTY ON THE PROPERTY OF133 CJG. VEHICLE THEN CROSSED STHE STREET AND STRUCK A TREE CAUSING EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI #10322801
49,000 miles · Mar 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN SHE RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO APPLY HER FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN SHE RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO APPLY HER FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE 2 PEOPLE IN THE FAMILY THAT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND 2 PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 49,000.
NHTSA ODI #10321040
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD AND WOULD NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID GOING INTO A MAJOR INTERSECTION, THE CONSUMER STEERED TOWARD A DITCH. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCC…
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2002 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD AND WOULD NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID GOING INTO A MAJOR INTERSECTION, THE CONSUMER STEERED TOWARD A DITCH. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS APPROACHING A LIGHT, ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE STARTING ACCELERATING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TOWARD A VACANT FIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR A SECOND TIME, BUT, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10318658
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A GARAGE. THE TURN INTO THE GARAGE WAS TIGHT, SO IT REQUIRED HER TO BACK UP AND THEN PULL FORWARD IN ORDER TO EXECUTE THE TURN. SHE BACKED UP AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM REV…
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2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A GARAGE. THE TURN INTO THE GARAGE WAS TIGHT, SO IT REQUIRED HER TO BACK UP AND THEN PULL FORWARD IN ORDER TO EXECUTE THE TURN. SHE BACKED UP AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE, DOING SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE AND THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED. FORTUNATELY, THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN SHE SHIFTED, SO THE VEHICLE ONLY SHOT FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP IT. *JB UPDATED 03/30/10 SECOND DOCUMENT WAS SENT IN AS A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER.*JB UPDATED 06/02/10 *JB
NHTSA ODI #10320893
50,000 miles · Mar 17, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY INJURIES OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY INJURIES OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10320515
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED TOYOTA RECALL FOR INCREASED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2002 TOYOTA MODEL CARS. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT I BELIEVE TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. LET ME EXPLAIN: MY MOTHER PURCHASED A NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN 20…
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THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED TOYOTA RECALL FOR INCREASED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2002 TOYOTA MODEL CARS. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT I BELIEVE TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. LET ME EXPLAIN: MY MOTHER PURCHASED A NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN 2001, AND WITHIN 3-6 MONTHS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHE EXPERIENCED THE UNINTENDED INCREASED ACCELERATION WITH COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE PROBLEM MORE THAN ONCE. I WAS A PASSENGER ON ONE INCIDENT, SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN FROM 25MPH TO 45 MPH, HAND BRAKE, PEDAL BRAKE ALL FAILED WHEN APPLIED. CAR KEPT MOVING. IF I HAD NOT REACHED ACROSS FROM THE BACK SEAT AND JAMMED THE CAR GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO THE PARK POSITION, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR WORSE. MY MOM REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER THIS INCIDENT ON MAY 21,2002. SHE TRIED TO TRADE IT IN AND GET HER MONEY BACK FROM THE DEALER IN DALLAS/FT.WORTH AREA, BUT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSED. SHE HAD TO GO THRU AN OFFICIAL ARBITRATION BOARD HEARING WITH THE EXECUTIVES AT TOYOTA BECAUSE SHE DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WANTED TO RETURN IT. THE TOYOTA BOARD HEARING OUTCOME WAS NOT IN HER FAVOR. GO FIGURE. BUT ON THE WAY OUT OF THE HEARING THE LEAD TOYOTA MECHANIC TOOK HER ASIDE AND TOLD HER "OFF" THE RECORD "THAT THIS ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS GOING TO BE A BIG PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE" AND THAT HE WAS SORRY. THAT SAME WEEK MY MOM TRADED HER NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN FOR A NEW HONDA AT THE HONDA DEALER. MY MOM SINCE HAS PASSED AWAY. ANYWAY, I JUST THOUGHT THAT DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE I WOULD SHARE OUR STORY WITH YOU. IN ADDITION MY SISTERS ACCOMPANIED MY MOM TO HER ARBITRATION HEARING AT TOYOTA IN DALLAS FT WORTH AREA ALONG WITH MY BROTHER IN LAW WHO IS A FORD MECHANIC , AND I AM SURE THEY CAN PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE HEARING EVENTS IF NEEDED. WE THINK FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY BE WARRANTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10320306
41,238 miles · Mar 14, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FOURTH OCCURRENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319567
80,000 miles · Mar 14, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS ON A 150 MILE TRIP. WAS GOING DOWN A HILL IN THE COUNTRY AND LOST SPEED CONTROL OF MY CAR. THE CAR WAS GOING FASTER AND FASTER AND THE BRAKES WERE DOING NOTHING. WE FLEW OVER A RAILROAD CROSSING AND THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. I BROUGHT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319543
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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