NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
953 reports48,000 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
AFTER PICKING UP HER MAIL AT HER CONDO MAILBOX AREA, MY MOTHER (93 YEARS OLD BUT IN GOOD HEALTH) STARTED UP HER CAR, HEARD A LOUD ROARING NOISE, THOUGHT IT WAS AN AIRPLANE FLYING LOW OVERHEAD (IT WAS HER CAR ENGINE), AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO EXIT HER PARKING SPACE. WITH THE THROTTLE JAMMED FOR SOME REASON, THE CAR TOOK OFF…
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AFTER PICKING UP HER MAIL AT HER CONDO MAILBOX AREA, MY MOTHER (93 YEARS OLD BUT IN GOOD HEALTH) STARTED UP HER CAR, HEARD A LOUD ROARING NOISE, THOUGHT IT WAS AN AIRPLANE FLYING LOW OVERHEAD (IT WAS HER CAR ENGINE), AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO EXIT HER PARKING SPACE. WITH THE THROTTLE JAMMED FOR SOME REASON, THE CAR TOOK OFF VERY FAST IN REVERSE IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANNER, CIRCLED AROUND SEVERAL TIMES OVER CURBS, GRASSY AREAS, SIDE SWIPED A SIGN POLE, AND CAME TO A STOP FINALLY AFTER BACKING (CRASHING) INTO ANTHER CONDO UNIT ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE SHE LIVES. OBVIOUSLY SHE WAS VERY SCARED AFTER THIS VERY FAST UNCONTROLLED BACKWARD RIDE, BUT HAPPY TO FIND THAT SHE HAD NOT BEEN INJURED, OR THAT SHE HAD NOT HIT ANOTHER CAR OR PERSON. THE CAR (2002 CAMRY) WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS (BODY AND MECHANICAL SUSPENSION PARTS) AND CHECKED OVER. NO OBVIOUS REASON WAS FOUND FOR THE THROTTLE JAM WAS FOUND. SHE DID HAVE AN EXTRA FLOOR MAT ON TOP OF OEM MAT TO BETTER PROTECT FROM WEAR AND WET WEATHER. SHE SAID SHE DID LOOK LATER TO SEE IF THE FLOOR MAT HAD GOTTEN OUT OF PLACE TO HAVE CAUSED THE INCIDENT, BUT IT DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE MOVED OUT OF PLACE ENOUGH TO HAVE CAUSED THE INCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, THE THROTTLE JAM HAS NOT OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310598
90,117 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
AS I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY FRONT BRAKES ENGAGED AND LOCKED UP MY FRONT TIRES COMPLETELY AND SUDDENLY AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. II HAD NOT PUSHED ON MY BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HAD TO HAVE MY VEHCILE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE TIRE WELL DUE TO THE HEAT …
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AS I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY FRONT BRAKES ENGAGED AND LOCKED UP MY FRONT TIRES COMPLETELY AND SUDDENLY AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. II HAD NOT PUSHED ON MY BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HAD TO HAVE MY VEHCILE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE TIRE WELL DUE TO THE HEAT ON THE BRAKES. THE REPAIR FACILITY STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE WELDED TO THE ROTARS FROM THE AMOUNT OF HEAT GENERATED. THE REPAIR FACILITY STATED THEY HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER. AS I DROVE MY VEHICLE HOME, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED AGAIN AND I WAS VERY CLOSE TO BEING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MY FRONT TIRES ONCE AGAIN SUDDENLY LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN DUE TO THE FRONT BRAKES ENGAGING AND THEN WOULD NOT DISNEGAGE. I WAS NOT PUSHING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS OCCURED. THE MECHAINC AT THE GARAGE STATED THAT HE WATCHED THE BRAKES ENGAGE THEMSELVES WHEN HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ONCE AGAIN AND DRIVE 2 BLOCKS AND THE BRAKES BEGAN LOCKING UP ONCE AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE REPAIR FACILITY WHO THEN HAD TO TAKE IT TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310581
35,000 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE ABS HAS ALWAYS LET GO WHEN I BRAKE ON A ROAD WITH A SERIES OF ROUGH POT HOLE TYPE PAVEMENT. ALSO WHEN BRAKING ON RAIL ROAD TRACKS. IT CATCHES AGAIN WHEN I AM OVER THE ROUGH SPOTS. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED TECH AND THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG. SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PRIUS PROBLEMS TO ME.…
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2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE ABS HAS ALWAYS LET GO WHEN I BRAKE ON A ROAD WITH A SERIES OF ROUGH POT HOLE TYPE PAVEMENT. ALSO WHEN BRAKING ON RAIL ROAD TRACKS. IT CATCHES AGAIN WHEN I AM OVER THE ROUGH SPOTS. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED TECH AND THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG. SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PRIUS PROBLEMS TO ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310572
500 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES HAVE NEVER REALLY ENGAGED PROPERLY WHEN BRAKING EVEN MODERATELY ON ANY UNEVEN SURFACE, SUCH AS RIPPLED PAVEMENT, RAILROAD TRACKS OR SMALLER PAVEMENT IRREGULARITIES. THE PEDAL FEEL IS VERY LIGHT AND YOU NEED TO REALLY BRAKE QUITE HARD TO GET THE BRAKES…
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I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES HAVE NEVER REALLY ENGAGED PROPERLY WHEN BRAKING EVEN MODERATELY ON ANY UNEVEN SURFACE, SUCH AS RIPPLED PAVEMENT, RAILROAD TRACKS OR SMALLER PAVEMENT IRREGULARITIES. THE PEDAL FEEL IS VERY LIGHT AND YOU NEED TO REALLY BRAKE QUITE HARD TO GET THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE. THIS SITUATION CASES A VERY LONG STOPPING DISTANCE AND WITH A VERY WEAK AND DANGEROUS BRAKING EFFECT. IT IS ALMOST AS IF THERE IS VERY LITTLE BRAKING ACTION WHEN TRYING TO STOP ON THE UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE BRAKING EFFECT IS BETTER, BUT NOT AS STRONG AS IT SHOULD BE ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THE CAR TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED LEVEL AND HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS BRAKING ISSUE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER HAS SAID THAT THE BRAKES PERFORM PROPERLY. I THINK THIS MAY BE A COMPUTER RELATED SYSTEM ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A SINGLE INSTANCE OCCURRENCE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 OR 6 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN JUNE 2002. IT IS A VERY DISCONCERTING FEELING WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE AND THE CAR JUST DOESN'T RESPOND AS IT SHOULD. WE HAVE 4 OTHER CARS IN OUR FAMILY, TWO HONDAS (ACCORD AND ODYSSEY), A TOYOTA COROLLA AND A NISSAN ALTIMA. NONE OF THOSE CARS HAVE ANY SUCH BRAKING ISSUES. I CAN GET YOU THE VIN ,BUT DO NOT HAVE IT AS I AM FILLING OUT THIS FORM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310550
28,000 miles · Feb 15, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMERS WIFE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THEN SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE FAILED AND CONSEQUENTLY, SHE CRASHED INTO TWO UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NO …
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TL*THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMERS WIFE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THEN SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE FAILED AND CONSEQUENTLY, SHE CRASHED INTO TWO UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGES. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS CONCERN REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/10/10. *LJ UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10310457
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN AUGUST 2002 AND HAVE SINCE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOMEHOW SOFTER THAN OTHER CARS. IT TAKES MORE TIME TO FULLY APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS MIGHT HAVE LED TO A REAR COLLISION IN OCTOBER 2008, AT A TIME FEW WERE AWARE OF TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEMS. AS TOYOTA RECALLS GOT MORE MEDIA EXPOSURE, I …
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I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN AUGUST 2002 AND HAVE SINCE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOMEHOW SOFTER THAN OTHER CARS. IT TAKES MORE TIME TO FULLY APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS MIGHT HAVE LED TO A REAR COLLISION IN OCTOBER 2008, AT A TIME FEW WERE AWARE OF TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEMS. AS TOYOTA RECALLS GOT MORE MEDIA EXPOSURE, I BECAME MORE CONCERNED ABOUT MY 2002 CAMRY AND STARTED DRIVING MORE CAREFULLY AND STOPPING MY CAR EARLY AND STAYING IN MORE DISTANCE FROM OTHER CARS. HOWEVER, MY CAUTION DID NOT OVERCOME THE BRAKE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN MY GARAGE ON FEBRUARY 13, 2008. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSED DOWN SLOWLY WHEN THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE. THE TIME I FELT I PRESSED THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY DOWN, THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND HIT THE GARAGE WALL. I HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT. THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT TRIGGERED. NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I WERE EXPLICITLY INJURED. THE FRONT BUMPER FELL APART. I AM WAITING FOR MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO EXAM THE DAMAGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310279
50,000 miles · Feb 12, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AS HE PROCEEDED TO A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AS HE PROCEEDED TO A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10310035
60,000 miles · Feb 11, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
ON 12/8/09, ON MY WAY TO THE CLINIC MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAID ON. LEAVING THE CLINIC MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON AND THE GAS PEDAL BECAME RIGID. IT WAS HARD TO DEPRESS AND DID NOT WANT TO MOVE FREELY. THE CAR MOVED AT A COUPLE MPH. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL TO MAKE THE CAR GO FASTER THE WHEELS…
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ON 12/8/09, ON MY WAY TO THE CLINIC MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAID ON. LEAVING THE CLINIC MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON AND THE GAS PEDAL BECAME RIGID. IT WAS HARD TO DEPRESS AND DID NOT WANT TO MOVE FREELY. THE CAR MOVED AT A COUPLE MPH. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL TO MAKE THE CAR GO FASTER THE WHEELS WOULD SPIN. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY LE WITH ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE GAS PEDAL WITH A SENSOR ON THE REVERSE END. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT SOUNDS AS IF IT WAS ACTING LIKE THE RECALLED VEHICLES. *TR UPDATED 03/19/10 UPDATED 03/24/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10308797
48,000 miles · Feb 10, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
2002 CAMRY. POWERED DOOR LOCKS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. REMOTE KEYLESS OR KEYED ENTRY WILL NOT UNLOCK AFFECTED DOORS. POWER LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE VEHICLE WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK THE AFFECTED DOOR. DOORS HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE 1) AFFECTED DOORS DO NOT LOCK WH…
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2002 CAMRY. POWERED DOOR LOCKS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. REMOTE KEYLESS OR KEYED ENTRY WILL NOT UNLOCK AFFECTED DOORS. POWER LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE VEHICLE WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK THE AFFECTED DOOR. DOORS HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE 1) AFFECTED DOORS DO NOT LOCK WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE. AND 2) THE DOOR MAY NOT UNLOCK IF AIRBAGS ARE DEPLOYED. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET TOYOTA CAMRY 2002-THROUGH 2007 AND HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308523
84,000 miles · Feb 10, 2010
Fuel System, OtherCrash
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. UPON PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS NORMALLY DONE WHEN PARKING. AT THIS TIME THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD, THE ENGINE RACED, THE CAR HOPPED THE CURB AND HIT A BUILDING. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE TIED TO THE CURRENT GAS PEDAL RECALL. I HAVE A WITNESSES THAT WILL ATTEST …
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I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. UPON PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AS NORMALLY DONE WHEN PARKING. AT THIS TIME THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD, THE ENGINE RACED, THE CAR HOPPED THE CURB AND HIT A BUILDING. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE TIED TO THE CURRENT GAS PEDAL RECALL. I HAVE A WITNESSES THAT WILL ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT DURING THIS WHOLE SCENERIO MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE WHOLE TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308468
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.