NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
14 reportsClear category filter78,000 miles · May 9, 2022
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that there was also a grinding sound while applying the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak and AB…
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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that there was also a grinding sound while applying the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak and ABS sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the tank was rusted and was also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #11463944
325,000 miles · Aug 8, 2020
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury
WHILE DRIVING LOCALLY AT A NON-SPEEDING LEVEL,DRY WEATHER, WHEEL LOCKED UP PREVENTING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, LEADDING TO VEHICLE HITTING A CURB THEN AIRBORNE AND TURNOVER RESULTING TO SALVAGE DAMAGES.
NHTSA ODI #11344032
156,421 miles · Dec 21, 2018
Air BagsService BrakesStructureCrashInjury
GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE.
NHTSA ODI #11162889
130,150 miles · Jul 27, 2018
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT BOUNCED BACK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OAK LAWN TOYOTA (4320 85TH …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT BOUNCED BACK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OAK LAWN TOYOTA (4320 85TH STREET, OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS 60453), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,150.
NHTSA ODI #11114096
104,000 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Service Brakes
THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET IS DANGEROUS. IT OVERHANGS THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN WEARING A SHOE SIZE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 OR ABOVE, THE TOE OF THE SHOE HITS THE BRACKET ABOVE THE PEDAL INHIBITING THE ABILITY TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY SCARY. I NOTICED WHEN I CHANGE TO A LARGER SHOE SIZE BECAUSE OF BUNION …
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THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET IS DANGEROUS. IT OVERHANGS THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN WEARING A SHOE SIZE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 OR ABOVE, THE TOE OF THE SHOE HITS THE BRACKET ABOVE THE PEDAL INHIBITING THE ABILITY TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY SCARY. I NOTICED WHEN I CHANGE TO A LARGER SHOE SIZE BECAUSE OF BUNION PAIN AND EXPERIENCED THE FEAR OF APPLYING THE BRAKES BUT NOT MAKING IMMEDIATE CONTACT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON 4 LANE ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. HAD TO CHANGE BACK INTO 9.5 MEN'S SIZE SHOE TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. CHECKED OTHER MODEL CARS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS BEND IN THE BRACKET. ALL ARE BENT BEHIND THE PEDAL NOT OVER THE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11022951
104,000 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Service Brakes
I HAVE BUNION PAIN THAT REQUIRED ME TO GET LARGER SHOES. WHEN I STARTING WEARING THESE SHOES I NOTICED THAT THE TOE OF THE SHOE WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE BRAKE PEDAL, INTERFERING WITH ME APPLYING IMMEDIATE PRESSURE TO THE BREAK PEDAL. THE BRACKET IS DESIGNED WITH A BEND THAT OVERHANGS THE TOP OF…
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I HAVE BUNION PAIN THAT REQUIRED ME TO GET LARGER SHOES. WHEN I STARTING WEARING THESE SHOES I NOTICED THAT THE TOE OF THE SHOE WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE BRAKE PEDAL, INTERFERING WITH ME APPLYING IMMEDIATE PRESSURE TO THE BREAK PEDAL. THE BRACKET IS DESIGNED WITH A BEND THAT OVERHANGS THE TOP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I SIZE SHOE GREATER THAN A MEN'S SIZE 10 INTERFERES WITH BREAKING. IT ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. I WAS IN MOTION AND THE TOE OF MY SHOE WOULD BEND BACK ON THIS BRACKET BEFORE MY FOREFOOT WOULD COME PUSH FAR ENOUGH DOWN ON THE PEDAL TO BRAKE. I EXAMINED SEVERAL OTHER CAR MODELS AND NONE OF THEM HAS A BRACKET WITH THIS BEND OVER HANGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11022950
148,000 miles · Dec 27, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING LANE, STARTED TO TURN LEFT TOWARDS A PARKING SPOT WHEN MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND PRESSING ON THE BRAKE DID LITTLE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. AS A RESULT, TWO OTHER CARS WERE DAMAGED AND THE MY CAMRY WAS TOTALED. THE CAR HAD APPROX…
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I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING LANE, STARTED TO TURN LEFT TOWARDS A PARKING SPOT WHEN MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND PRESSING ON THE BRAKE DID LITTLE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. AS A RESULT, TWO OTHER CARS WERE DAMAGED AND THE MY CAMRY WAS TOTALED. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 148000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAD BEEN ROUTINELY MAINTAINED. THE CAR HAD PREVIOUS ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING USING THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE PROBLEM HAD NEVER BEEN TRACED DOWN AS TO WHAT CAUSED THIS ISSUE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RPM NEEDLE JUMPED FROM LOW RPM TO HIGH RPM. IN ADDITION, WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH HAD COME ON UN-EXPECTEDLY. THESE ISSUES WERE NEVER REPRODUCED WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC AND THE PROBLEMS NEVER RESOLVED.
NHTSA ODI #10937777
137,000 miles · Aug 10, 2015
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED. THERE WAS A RED LIGHT SO I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL. BUT BY DOING THAT I THE CAR HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE POWER IS SUPER WEAK. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DRIV…
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I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED. THERE WAS A RED LIGHT SO I TRIED TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL. BUT BY DOING THAT I THE CAR HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE POWER IS SUPER WEAK. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SO NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DRIVE MY CAR TO A LOCAL BRAKE SHOP, THEY INSPECTED THE WHOLE SYSTEM AND TELL ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG THERE. IT WAS REALLY SCARY TO FEEL THAT YOUR CAR IS NOT CONTROLLED BY YOURSELF.
NHTSA ODI #10747441
87,489 miles · Mar 7, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WENT TO A LOCAL STORE TO SHOP. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN THE STORE LOT, SAW A SPACE CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE. I SLOWED DOWN TO START TURNING (MAYBE 5-10 MPH) INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I TRIED TO BRAKE, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR STARTED SPEEDING UP. IT KEPT GOING LIKE SOMEONE ELSE H…
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I WENT TO A LOCAL STORE TO SHOP. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN THE STORE LOT, SAW A SPACE CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE. I SLOWED DOWN TO START TURNING (MAYBE 5-10 MPH) INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I TRIED TO BRAKE, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR STARTED SPEEDING UP. IT KEPT GOING LIKE SOMEONE ELSE HAD CONTROL OF THE CAR! I COULDN'T STOP IT AND IT RAN INTO A CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE SPACE. IT PUSHED THE OTHER CAR COMPLETELY OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND RAMMED HER CAR IN THE FRONT AREA. WE BOTH SUFFERED VEHICLE DAMAGE AND I WAS CHARGED. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER MY CAR AND AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP MY RUNAWAY CAR, MY FOOT SLIPPED ONTO THE ACCELERATOR. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY BRAKES HAD GIVEN OUT BUT THE OFFICER SAID THE BRAKES WERE NOT BAD. THERE WERE SKID MARKS SHOWING I TRIED TO STOP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME, VERY SLOWLY. I WAS SO SCARED!! I REMEMBER SEEING A SEGMENT ON TV ABOUT TOYOTA HAVING PROBLEMS REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN SOME OF THEIR CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10692681
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2014
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10667668
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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