NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports31,400 miles · Apr 25, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
AT A STOP SIGN, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FROM THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS UNDER CA. 40 MPH SURGED FASTER THEN SLOWER IN A JERKY SORT OF FASHION. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 IT SEEMED TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOT…
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AT A STOP SIGN, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FROM THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS UNDER CA. 40 MPH SURGED FASTER THEN SLOWER IN A JERKY SORT OF FASHION. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 IT SEEMED TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOTA HAS REPEATEDLY REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10585017
10,000 miles · Apr 18, 2014
Service Brakes
AFTER DRIVING 1 YEAR ( ABOUT 10000MILES) THE BRAKE FLUID KEPT LOOSING FROM MAX TO MIN LEVEL WITHIN 100 TO 200 MILES DRIVING.TOYOTA HAD RECALLED 2004 TO 2006 AVALON, HIGHLANDER, LEXUS GS 300, & LEXUS IS 250 NO CAMRY.I REPORTED TO NHTSA & TOYOTA AND NO ANSWER. FOR SAFETY CONCERN PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO HELP CONSUMERS TO AVOID THE A…
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AFTER DRIVING 1 YEAR ( ABOUT 10000MILES) THE BRAKE FLUID KEPT LOOSING FROM MAX TO MIN LEVEL WITHIN 100 TO 200 MILES DRIVING.TOYOTA HAD RECALLED 2004 TO 2006 AVALON, HIGHLANDER, LEXUS GS 300, & LEXUS IS 250 NO CAMRY.I REPORTED TO NHTSA & TOYOTA AND NO ANSWER. FOR SAFETY CONCERN PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO HELP CONSUMERS TO AVOID THE ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR. THANKS *TR
NHTSA ODI #10583481
50,000 miles · Apr 4, 2014
Air BagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10577407
90,000 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Engine
WE FIRST NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ON OUR GARAGE FLOOR AFTER OUR 20YR MECHANIC AND TRUSTED FRIEND REPLACED OUR WATER PUMP. WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND HE TOLD US WE HAD A "PULLED" HEAD GASKET. HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO THAT TYPE OF WORK AND REFERRED US TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO PRESSURE TESTED AND RAN OTHE…
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WE FIRST NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ON OUR GARAGE FLOOR AFTER OUR 20YR MECHANIC AND TRUSTED FRIEND REPLACED OUR WATER PUMP. WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND HE TOLD US WE HAD A "PULLED" HEAD GASKET. HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO THAT TYPE OF WORK AND REFERRED US TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO PRESSURE TESTED AND RAN OTHER DIAGNOSTICS BEFORE HOISTING THE CAR ON THE RACKS. UPON INSPECTION HE SAW COOLANT DRIPPING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND PROCEEDED TO REMOVE AND INSPECT THAT PART OF THE ENGINE. EVENTUALLY, THE HEAD AND OTHER PARTS TO REVEAL THE LOOSE BOLTS WITH STRIPPED THREADS. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND FEEL SOME COMPENSATION AND RESTITUTION MUST BE LEVIED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH FROM DIFFERENT FORUMS WE HAVE DOCUMENTED PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM ACROSS THE NATION. PLEASE MAKE OUR CONCERNS HEARD. WE CURRENTLY HAVE NO CAR TO DRIVE AND $ 0 MONEY TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10574314
75,000 miles · Mar 11, 2014
Electrical System
IGNITION KEY CAN EASILY BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION WHILE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. EXTREMELY LOOSE FIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568582
45,453 miles · Feb 25, 2014
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingSteering
WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR FROM PARKING LOT TO GO HOME, I HEARD LOUD NOISE FROM FRONT OF MY CAR AND FELT STIFFNESS OF CONTROL OF MY CAR. I TRIED TO DRIVE BACK TO PARKING TO TAKE A LOOK, BUT THE CAR LOST OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALER FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING PULLEY HAD BROKEN OFF AND …
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WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR FROM PARKING LOT TO GO HOME, I HEARD LOUD NOISE FROM FRONT OF MY CAR AND FELT STIFFNESS OF CONTROL OF MY CAR. I TRIED TO DRIVE BACK TO PARKING TO TAKE A LOOK, BUT THE CAR LOST OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALER FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING PULLEY HAD BROKEN OFF AND THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF. I WAS LUCKY IT HAPPENED IN PARKING LOT, OR I MAY GET TO A CAR ACCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY SAID IT WAS NOT IN RECALL OF FAILED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BECAUSE THE VIN NUMBER DOES NOT IN THE RANGE OF RECALL. BUT MY CAR HAS EXACTLY SAME ISSUE THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V539000 HAS. THE CAR IS 2004 CAMRY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565798
64,070 miles · Jan 8, 2014
Steering
I STARTED UP MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WHILE PARKED AT CURB. WHEN I PUT CAR IN "DRIVE," THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP (FROZE IN PLACE). I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. RESTARTED CAR AND STEERING WAS NORMAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559026
63,700 miles · Dec 25, 2013
EnginePower Train
ON MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE, AT THE EXACT MOMENT I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT IDLE SPEED, THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD AND HIGH REVOLUTION RACING SOUND. THIS CONDITION WAS EXTREME. I CHANGED GEAR SELECTOR FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK" AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN RACING SOUND OR NOISE LEVEL. HOWEVER, CAR DID NOT SURGE FORWARD AND NO ADDITIO…
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ON MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE, AT THE EXACT MOMENT I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT IDLE SPEED, THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD AND HIGH REVOLUTION RACING SOUND. THIS CONDITION WAS EXTREME. I CHANGED GEAR SELECTOR FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK" AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN RACING SOUND OR NOISE LEVEL. HOWEVER, CAR DID NOT SURGE FORWARD AND NO ADDITIONAL BRAKE PRESSURE WAS REQUIRED. I TURNED ENGINE OFF AND CAR RESTARTED NORMALLY. A MECHANIC CHECKED OUT MY CAR AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. A SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS EARLIER WHILE BACKING UP AT IDLE SPEED. NOT SURE IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ENGINE TO DISENGAGE FROM TRANSMISSION, WHICH MIGHT EXPLAIN WHY CAR DID NOT SURGE FORWARD (AND BACKWARD RESPECTIVELY). THIS SAME CAR IN MARCH OF 2010 EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (PARKED UNDER A CELL TOWER) WHICH WAS MUCH WORSE THAN DESCRIBED ABOVE-I FILED A COMPLAINT IN 2010 FOR THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557226
206,000 miles · Oct 23, 2013
Steering
I HAVE STEERING NOISE ISSUE FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2004. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SO MANY TIMES TO REPORT THIS TO THE DEALER AND GET IT FIXED BUT DEALER HAS NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE IS OVER WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THIS AGAIN DEALER WANTS TO…
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I HAVE STEERING NOISE ISSUE FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2004. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SO MANY TIMES TO REPORT THIS TO THE DEALER AND GET IT FIXED BUT DEALER HAS NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE. AFTER THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE IS OVER WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THIS AGAIN DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE PARTS WITH THE COST OF 2000 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS WEBSITE BEFORE OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE SUBMITTED MY COMPLAINT EARLIER BUT STILL WANT TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA TO RECORD THIS FOR FUTURE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND FOUND OUT APPARENTLY ALL THE 2003-2004 TOYOTAS HAS THIS SAME ISSUE BUT THE COMPANY AND THE DEALERS TRIES TO DENY THAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549055
135,000 miles · Oct 21, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY MOTOR WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. ...UPDATED 11-18-13 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10548780
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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