NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
238 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES RAPID ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE SLOWLY TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD, SENDING THE VEHICLE OVER A YELLOW CONCRETE BARRIER AND INTO A SMALL RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT THE RETAINING …
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2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES RAPID ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE SLOWLY TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD, SENDING THE VEHICLE OVER A YELLOW CONCRETE BARRIER AND INTO A SMALL RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT THE RETAINING WALL. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. AS THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARDS AND STARTED TO GO IN A SMALL SPIN. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE THIRD INCIDENT HAPPENED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS PROCEEDING UP A DRIVEWAY TO A HOSPITAL. AS SHE WAS SITTING WAITING TO PROCEED WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LURCHED FORWARD. SHE IMMEDIATELY BRAKED HARDER AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER GOING ABOUT 3 OR 4 FEET FORWARD. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10319810
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES THROTTLE BODY AND GAS PEDAL MALFUNCTIONING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO LEAVE HIS DRIVEWAY, NOTHING HAPPENED. MEANING, THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK, BUT RATHER HE SIMPLY COASTED. HE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT, BUT R…
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2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES THROTTLE BODY AND GAS PEDAL MALFUNCTIONING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN HE PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO LEAVE HIS DRIVEWAY, NOTHING HAPPENED. MEANING, THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK, BUT RATHER HE SIMPLY COASTED. HE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT, BUT RECEIVED THE SAME RESULTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IT STAYED ON FOR SOME TIME AFTER THE SECOND EFFORT. LATER THAT DAY, THE VEHICLE DROVE FINE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE CIRCUIT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10319798
67,944 miles · Mar 18, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
ON JULY 5 2008, I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 67,000 MILES ON IT ON I95 IN BREVARD CO. FL. AS I ACCELERATED A LITTLE TO PASS INTO THE LEFT LANE, MY CAR TOOK OFF AND PROCEEDED TO GO FASTER EVEN THOUGH I HAD TAKEN MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS, MY ENGINE DIED. I MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE…
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ON JULY 5 2008, I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 67,000 MILES ON IT ON I95 IN BREVARD CO. FL. AS I ACCELERATED A LITTLE TO PASS INTO THE LEFT LANE, MY CAR TOOK OFF AND PROCEEDED TO GO FASTER EVEN THOUGH I HAD TAKEN MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS, MY ENGINE DIED. I MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE SHOULDER. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, I FINALLY GOT THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LUCKILY THERE WAS AN EXIT CLOSE BY AND I SLOWLY DROVE MY CAR OFF I95 AND STRAIGHT TO MIKE ERDMAN TOYOTA IN MERRITT ISLAND. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE BODY. THEY TOLD ME I WAS "LUCKY" THAT MY CAR CHOSE TO SHUT OFF AS A LADY IN MERRITT ISLAND HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO HER BUT HER CAR DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT RAN INTO A BANK! MY TOTAL BILL, PARTS AND LABOR WERE $1048.26 PLUS ANOTHER $99.64 FOR THE RENTAL CAR FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $1147.90. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I WENT ONTO THE TOYOTA WEBSITE AND FILED A COMPLAINT AS I DON'T THINK A CAR WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE SHOULD HAVE THIS HAPPEN TO IT. (NEVER HEARD FROM TOYOTA) I ALSO DID SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT 100'S OF OTHER PEOPLE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEIR TOYOTA'S, MOSTLY CAMRY'S MODELS FROM 2003 - 2006. CHECK OUT THE THROTTLE BODY TOPIC ON TOPIX.COM....LOTS OF ANGRY CAMRY OWNERS WITH THROTTLE BODY ISSUES! THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED....WE WANT OUR REPAIR MONEY BACK!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10320746
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE WAS KI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE WAS KILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *9/15/2011*CW
NHTSA ODI #10320524
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
LTR OF THANKS FOR THE FEBRUARY 24TH TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, WHICH DETAILED NHTSA'S SUPERVISION OF SEVERAL TOYOTA VEHICLE RECALLS; IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THIS ISSUE BE THOROUGHLY ASSESSED TO DETERMINE THE SAFETY OF ALL TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TGW WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED …
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LTR OF THANKS FOR THE FEBRUARY 24TH TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, WHICH DETAILED NHTSA'S SUPERVISION OF SEVERAL TOYOTA VEHICLE RECALLS; IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THIS ISSUE BE THOROUGHLY ASSESSED TO DETERMINE THE SAFETY OF ALL TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TGW WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER AVOIDED A COLLISION, BY MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS BACK UNDER HER CONTROL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REMOVED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT AND PLACED IT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T EXPERIENCE ANOTHER PROBLEM UNTIL JANUARY 15, 2010 SHE WAS LEAVING THE SERVICE STATION, TURNED RIGHT ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TWICE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER CHECKED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, BUT TO NO AVAIL. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10319820
49,000 miles · Mar 12, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO NAVIGATE INTO A PARK SPACE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49000.
NHTSA ODI #10319230
25,000 miles · Mar 10, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
TOYOTA CAMRY 2004. I PURCHASE TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 NEW AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE ACCELERATION OF CAR FOR TWO OCCASIONS. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AROUND MARCH 2005 IN THE MORNING AND GAS PADDLE WENT DOWN BY ITSELF FOR A 30 SEC OR SO. I DID NOT HAD THE CONTROL OF THE GAS PADDLE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AROUND 2005. THIS HAPPENED FOR FEW S…
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TOYOTA CAMRY 2004. I PURCHASE TOYOTA CAMRY 2004 NEW AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE ACCELERATION OF CAR FOR TWO OCCASIONS. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AROUND MARCH 2005 IN THE MORNING AND GAS PADDLE WENT DOWN BY ITSELF FOR A 30 SEC OR SO. I DID NOT HAD THE CONTROL OF THE GAS PADDLE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AROUND 2005. THIS HAPPENED FOR FEW SECONDS ONLY (30-45 SEC). I EXPERIENCE LITTLE INCREASE IN THE SPEED FOR THAT BRIEF PERIOD. I HAVEN'T SHOWN THE PROBLEM TO DEALER. THIS HAPPENED FOR A BRIEF PERIOD SO I THOUGHT SOMETHING IS MY FAULT BUT NOW IT SEEMS LIKE SOME OTHER ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318581
33,038 miles · Mar 10, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY AND ACTIVATED THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER. THE DOOR HAD OPENED ABOUT 2/3 WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE GARAGE DOOR WAS KNOCKED OFF THE TRACK AND THE VEHICLE HIT A WORKBENCH. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY AND ACTIVATED THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER. THE DOOR HAD OPENED ABOUT 2/3 WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE GARAGE DOOR WAS KNOCKED OFF THE TRACK AND THE VEHICLE HIT A WORKBENCH. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED, BUT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE. UPDATED 4/30/10 *CN UPDATED 06/25/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10318403
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES REPEATED GAS PEDAL SURGE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON THREE OCCASIONS. HIS WIFE WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, WHILE HE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10316504
86,000 miles · Mar 9, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING, THE CAR WENT TO IDLE AND WOULD NOT INCREASE RPM. NO CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE I WAS IN ISOLATED RURAL AREA. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, IT WORKED AS NORMAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318131
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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