NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports45,000 miles · Jan 26, 2011
Power Train
MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE REAR PART OF THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE TWO HALVES OF THE HOUSING ARE BOLTED TOGETHER. TWO MECHANICS, INCLUDING ONE WHOSE EXPERTISE IS IN TRANSMISSION REPAIR, INSPECTED THE TRANSMISSION AND SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION'S SEAL APPARENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS 45,000 M…
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MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE REAR PART OF THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE TWO HALVES OF THE HOUSING ARE BOLTED TOGETHER. TWO MECHANICS, INCLUDING ONE WHOSE EXPERTISE IS IN TRANSMISSION REPAIR, INSPECTED THE TRANSMISSION AND SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION'S SEAL APPARENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT, AND STAYS INDOORS EXCEPT FOR A 12-MILE ROUND-TRIP COMMUTE BETWEEN MY HOME AND THE LOCAL INDOOR PUBLIC PARKING GARAGE. BOTH ESTIMATES FOR REPAIR WERE AT LEAST $1,500 BECAUSE THE DESIGN OF THE CAMRY DOES NOT ALLOW EASY ACCESS TO THE TRANSMISSION, REQUIRING THE MECHANIC TO DROP THE ENTIRE FRAME TO ACCESS THE TRANSMISSION. THE FLUID LEAK IS SMALL, LIKELY NO MORE THAN A HALF MILLILITER EVERY 10 DAYS, SO THE REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN DONE. BOTH MECHANICS STATED THAT IT IS VERY UNUSUAL FOR A VEHICLE LIKE THIS TO BEGIN LEAKING FROM BETWEEN THE HALVES OF THE HOUSING AND, BASED ON THERE BEING NO OTHER PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR WEAR TO THE AREA, IT WAS THEIR OPINIONS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COLOR IS STILL TINGED WITH PINK AND DIFFUSES WELL ON BLOTTER PAPER, AND THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378843
90,854 miles · Jan 25, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WENT TO CAR WASH TO GET THE ROAD SALT OFF CAR. PUSHED IN THE CODE NUMBERS FOR THE AUTOMATED WASH. I HAD TO OPEN WINDOW STILL COULD NOT REACH SO OPENED DOOR ALSO. PUNCHED THE CODE CLOSED DOOR AND WINDOW. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN SO I TOOK CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE TO INCH FORWARD. AS SOON AS I LET OFF TH…
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WENT TO CAR WASH TO GET THE ROAD SALT OFF CAR. PUSHED IN THE CODE NUMBERS FOR THE AUTOMATED WASH. I HAD TO OPEN WINDOW STILL COULD NOT REACH SO OPENED DOOR ALSO. PUNCHED THE CODE CLOSED DOOR AND WINDOW. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE DOOR BEGAN TO OPEN SO I TOOK CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE TO INCH FORWARD. AS SOON AS I LET OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD HITTING THE DOOR BEFORE IT COULD FULLY OPEN. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO SAIL RIGHT THROUGH THE WHOLE CAR WASH BUT MANAGED TO GET THE CAR STOPPED BY STANDING ON THE BRAKE BEFORE HITTING THE EXIT DOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378648
48,000 miles · Jan 22, 2011
Steering
AT AROUND 48,000 MILES, I STARTED TO FEEL AND HEAR A CLICKING IN THE STEERING. IT OCCURS ANY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED,(PARKED OR DRIVING). I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SLIDE SHAFT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. AS I SEARCHED THROUGH YOUR COMPLAINT LIST, I SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AGA…
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AT AROUND 48,000 MILES, I STARTED TO FEEL AND HEAR A CLICKING IN THE STEERING. IT OCCURS ANY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED,(PARKED OR DRIVING). I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SLIDE SHAFT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. AS I SEARCHED THROUGH YOUR COMPLAINT LIST, I SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MODEL AND YEAR. IT SEEMS TOYOTA DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE OTHER MANUFACTURERS THAT HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS AND HAVE MADE REPAIRS TO THEIR VEHICLES. ALSO THERE ARE THIRD PARTY REPLACEMENT PARTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (AT THE OWNERS' EXPENSE). HOW MANY FAILURES, CRASHES OR POSSIBLY DEATHS WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE TOYOTA ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS? TOYOTA CLAIMS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, YET THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF LETTERS STATING THAT THEIR SAFETY WAS AT RISK. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO HEAR AND FEEL THAT NOISE EVERY TIME MY WIFE OR I ARE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378264
20,000 miles · Jan 13, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE THAT WAS UNKNOWN, WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. PREVIOUSLY THE DEALER HAD MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE THAT WAS UNKNOWN, WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. PREVIOUSLY THE DEALER HAD MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE A FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. UPDATED 04/25/11
NHTSA ODI #10376544
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEALING FOR YEARS. HE STATES THAT THE DEALER HAS WORKED ON THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING HAS HELPED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE SQUEALING IS EXTREMELY LOUD AND CONSTANT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10375605
146,986 miles · Dec 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF THE GARAGE WHILE THE GEAR IN REVERSE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY AFTER THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN INSPECTION WAS DONE BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE M…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF THE GARAGE WHILE THE GEAR IN REVERSE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY AFTER THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN INSPECTION WAS DONE BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CLAIM#1012231306 WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,986. UPDATED 2/28/11 *CN UPDATED 05/05/11
NHTSA ODI #10372274
43,000 miles · Dec 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 95 MPH WITHIN SECONDS. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 95 MPH WITHIN SECONDS. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FLOOR MAT. THE CONTACT DISAGREED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE FRONT WHEELS WERE SPINNING AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROW OF STONES. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGES. THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME AND AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,500. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10372048
80,000 miles · Nov 24, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PULLING INTO A CARPORT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE STOPPER IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 8…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PULLING INTO A CARPORT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE STOPPER IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10367784
54,564 miles · Nov 24, 2010
Power TrainSuspension
POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION-I HAVE OWNED THIS TOYOTA CAMRY FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. OCCASIONALLY IT SLIPS INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THE WORSE PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED WAS FIVE WEEKS AGO WHEN I PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WANTED TO GO FORWARD. I NEARLY HIT THE …
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POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION-I HAVE OWNED THIS TOYOTA CAMRY FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. OCCASIONALLY IT SLIPS INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THE WORSE PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED WAS FIVE WEEKS AGO WHEN I PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WANTED TO GO FORWARD. I NEARLY HIT THE CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF ME. I AM GLAD NOBODY WAS WALKING IN FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN I PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND IF I COULD I WOULD RETURN IT BACK TO THE DEALER. SUSPENSION-WHEN IS RAINING THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER ABOVE 50MPH. THE REAR OF THE CAR WANT TO GO RIGHT MAKING THE FRONT OF THE CAR GO LEFT. THE SAME THING HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR HITS BUMPS ON THE ROAD. AGAIN, THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10367782
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Electric
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE I HV FRONT END SHAKING WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES. I HAVE CHAVEZ FRONT ROTORS, PAD(BOTH ORGANIC N SEMI METALLIC) REBUILT CALIPERS, NEW SET OF 4 TIRES AND I STILL HAVE VIBRATION IT'S 100 PERCENT COMING FROM FRONT. END SOME ONE PLZ HELP [XXX] THANKS. ONE MORE THING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD …
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2004 TOYOTA CAMRY LE I HV FRONT END SHAKING WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES. I HAVE CHAVEZ FRONT ROTORS, PAD(BOTH ORGANIC N SEMI METALLIC) REBUILT CALIPERS, NEW SET OF 4 TIRES AND I STILL HAVE VIBRATION IT'S 100 PERCENT COMING FROM FRONT. END SOME ONE PLZ HELP [XXX] THANKS. ONE MORE THING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON THE BULLETIN BOARD NOT RECALL I HAVE HAD THAT DONE ALSO.I HATE TOYOTA I ONLY GOT 40,000 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT N LOOKS LIKE BRAND NEW BUT DRIVE LIKES TOYOTA (LIKE CRAP). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10365845
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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