NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
79 reportsClear category filter47,217 miles · Feb 7, 2011
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE SENSORS COULD BE REPROGRAMMED BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIANS STATED IF THE REPROGRAM DID NOT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE SENSORS COULD BE REPROGRAMMED BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIANS STATED IF THE REPROGRAM DID NOT WORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,217.
NHTSA ODI #10380938
66,000 miles · Aug 2, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON RT 684 GOING SOUTH TOWARDS WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER COUNTY NY, AROUND 6:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65 MILE SPEED, THEN I WAS CHANGING FROM MIDDLE LANE TO THE LEFT LANE, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WENT TO IN APPROPRIATE AND UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AND DRIFTED TO THE MIDDLE ISLAND, THE …
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I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON RT 684 GOING SOUTH TOWARDS WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER COUNTY NY, AROUND 6:00 PM, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT 65 MILE SPEED, THEN I WAS CHANGING FROM MIDDLE LANE TO THE LEFT LANE, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WENT TO IN APPROPRIATE AND UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AND DRIFTED TO THE MIDDLE ISLAND, THE CAR WAS FORCED TO STOP BY THE SHRUBS AND SMALL TREES. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR , CALLED 911 , WENT BACK TO MY SEAT AND THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE CAME AND TOOK ME TO NORTHERWESTCHESTER HOSPITAL IN MT KISCO NY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10346945
65,000 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Air BagsSeats
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW REAR CRASH SENSOR AS WELL AS A NEW PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,0…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW REAR CRASH SENSOR AS WELL AS A NEW PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #10344571
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2010
Air Bags
WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY, PURCHASED IN OR, REGISTERED IN WA SINCE 2005. WE HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR RESET AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, BOTH IN OR AND WA. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE REPAIRS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA IN BELLEVUE HAS STATED THAT THEY "REPLACED" THE SENSOR LAST TIME IT FAILED BUT IT ONC…
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WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY, PURCHASED IN OR, REGISTERED IN WA SINCE 2005. WE HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR RESET AT LEAST 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, BOTH IN OR AND WA. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE REPAIRS DONE UNDER WARRANTY. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA IN BELLEVUE HAS STATED THAT THEY "REPLACED" THE SENSOR LAST TIME IT FAILED BUT IT ONCE AGAIN HAS FAILED; WHICH MEANS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. MICHAEL'S TOYOTA'S SERVICE MANAGER HAS STATED THAT THE LAST REPAIR WAS THE LAST ONE THEY WOULD ABSORB. I BELIEVE THIS AIRBAG SENSOR WAS NOT REPLACED AND REMAINS FAULTY; EITHER BY DESIGN OR IN THIS PARTICULAR ONE. I AM BRINGING IT IN FOR ANOTHER REPAIR TOMORROW BUT EXPECT A BATTLE OVER THE COST OF REPAIR BEING ABSORBED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS FAILED AIRBAG SENSOR MEANS DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR ANYONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE WA STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THIS MAY BE A KNOWN PROBLEM ALREADY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10341905
72,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
THE FRONT LEFT OF THE CAR WAS MAKING NOISE. WHEN I DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VIBRATING WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING. AS THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK, I TRIED TO STOPPED THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKES, BUT THAT DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE FRONT OF MY CAR H…
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THE FRONT LEFT OF THE CAR WAS MAKING NOISE. WHEN I DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VIBRATING WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING. AS THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK, I TRIED TO STOPPED THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKES, BUT THAT DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE FRONT OF MY CAR HIT INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER ON THE FREEWAY AND THEN THE BACK OF MY CAR ALSO HIT THE DIVIDER. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED I WAS BLOCKING 3 LANES ON A 5 LANE FREEWAY FACING TRAFFIC. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE FRONT BUMPER COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE CAR. I SUFFERED WHIPLASH INCLUDING NECK AND SHOULDER PAINS. I JUST HAD MY CAR MAINTAINED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10316431
63,000 miles · Feb 16, 2010
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: WITHOUT HEARING THE NEWS RELATED TO TOYOTA VEHICLE RECALL, I HAVE FELT REALLY STUPID HOW I COULD HAVE HAD THE ACCIDENT. RECALLING THE PROCESS OF THE ACCIDENT, I MIGHT HAVE TO SAY IT WAS WEIRD. BEFORE THE CRASH, I CLEARLY NOTICED THE RED LIGHT AND A STOPPED CAR JUST IN FRONT OF ME ON N PERKINS RD, CL…
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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: WITHOUT HEARING THE NEWS RELATED TO TOYOTA VEHICLE RECALL, I HAVE FELT REALLY STUPID HOW I COULD HAVE HAD THE ACCIDENT. RECALLING THE PROCESS OF THE ACCIDENT, I MIGHT HAVE TO SAY IT WAS WEIRD. BEFORE THE CRASH, I CLEARLY NOTICED THE RED LIGHT AND A STOPPED CAR JUST IN FRONT OF ME ON N PERKINS RD, CLOSE TO MCELROY RD IN STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA, AND THE DISTANCE WAS MORE THAN 20 METERS APART AT THAT MOMENT. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS USUAL, BUT MY CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL HIT THE CAR BEFORE MINE, AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT POP OUT. MY FACE WAS KNOCKED ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND ONE OF MY GLASSES SMASHED, FORTUNATELY NOT MAKING ME BLIND, AND TWO TEETH IN MOUTH WERE BLEEDING ALONG WITH SOME SCRATCHES ON MY FACE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AT THE SPEED OF LESS 40 MI/H. PEOPLE LOVE TOYOTA VEHICLES FOR THE REASON OF SAVING GAS AT THE SACRIFICE OF SAFETY. SHORTLY, THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE ARRIVED. I DECLINED ANY MEDICAL ARRANGEMENT AFTER BEING TESTED THAT MY MIND WAS UNDER CONTROL AND COULD MAKE DECISION CLEARLY BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE WHETHER MY INSURANCE COVERS THE COST OR NOT. AND NOW, AS THE PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES WAS DISCLOSED, I FEEL MY ACCIDENT MIGHT ALSO BE DUE TO THE SAME GAS PEDAL DEFECT. (IN STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA, CALL: 405-372-4171 TO REQUEST A REPORT). INSURANCE COMPANY SAFECO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310721
122,000 miles · Feb 4, 2010
Air Bags
SINCE TOYOTA IS HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS I WANT TO BRING UP A PROBLEM WITH MY TOYOTA CAMRY THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT HAS NOT CAUSED A PROBLEM YET. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. ABOUT A TWO MONTHS AGO I GOT AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHT ON THE CONSOLE THAT TELLS YOU WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE F…
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SINCE TOYOTA IS HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS I WANT TO BRING UP A PROBLEM WITH MY TOYOTA CAMRY THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT HAS NOT CAUSED A PROBLEM YET. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. ABOUT A TWO MONTHS AGO I GOT AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LIGHT ON THE CONSOLE THAT TELLS YOU WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS MALFUNCTIONING TOO. SO WITH SOMEONE IN THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT, THE INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE SYSTEM THINKS THERE IS NO ONE THERE SO THE AIRBAG IS OFF. I SAID SOMETHING TO THE DEALER BUT HE DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL. THERE IS 122K MILES ON THE CAR. MAYBE THIS IS JUST SOME SENSOR THAT WORE OUT BUT I WANTED TO MENTION IT WITH ALL THE OTHER SAFETY ISSUES GOING ON WITH TOYOTA. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10306072
Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2009
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
CAR WAS RAMMED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME BACK. I WAS THROWN FORWARD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND SERIOUSLY INJURED, THOUGH NOT PERMANENTLY. BOTH CARS WERE TOTALED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290073
122,000 miles · Apr 13, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury
THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK DURING THE AUTO CRASH. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265149
40,000 miles · Feb 11, 2009
Air Bags
SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER : 00905 1. NO SPECIFIC LEAD TO THIS FAILURE. DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF OCCURRENCES ACROSS THE INTERNET, I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT RELATING TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. 2. PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURE, PLACES PASSENGER AT RISK DUE TO FAILING AIRBAG ECU. 3. PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED IN T…
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SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER : 00905 1. NO SPECIFIC LEAD TO THIS FAILURE. DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF OCCURRENCES ACROSS THE INTERNET, I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT RELATING TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. 2. PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURE, PLACES PASSENGER AT RISK DUE TO FAILING AIRBAG ECU. 3. PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED IN THE AMOUNT OF $700-1000. NHTSA ITEM NUMBER : 10019153 SUMMARY: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: DTC B1785. THE SRS AND PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258391
Official recalls
3Nov 9, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Dec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (SSC 40M) BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..
Jul 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.
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
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
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