NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
638 reports2,000 miles · Mar 21, 2008
Steering
MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A STEERING WELL/UNDER THE HOOD POPING NOISE SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT KNOWS WHERE IT IS COMING FROM, THE STEERING WHEEL AND POSSIBLY TENSION BELT, BUT HAS TOLD ME TO HOLD OFF UNTIL A RECALL. MY MOTHER IN ANOTHER STATE, AS WELL AS MY COUSIN HAS THE SAME ISSUE. IF T…
Read full complaint
MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A STEERING WELL/UNDER THE HOOD POPING NOISE SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT KNOWS WHERE IT IS COMING FROM, THE STEERING WHEEL AND POSSIBLY TENSION BELT, BUT HAS TOLD ME TO HOLD OFF UNTIL A RECALL. MY MOTHER IN ANOTHER STATE, AS WELL AS MY COUSIN HAS THE SAME ISSUE. IF TOYOTA HAS A LEAD ON THE MARKET, WHY CAN'T THEY HONESTLY HONOR THEIR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221921
58,000 miles · Mar 12, 2008
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST $1,321. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,087 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 04-02-0…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST $1,321. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,087 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 04-02-08 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10220914
94,000 miles · Mar 3, 2008
Power Train
JUST HAD TO COMPLETELY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION IN MY TOYOTA CAMRY 04. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY OTHERS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE SINCE THE 2002 CAMRY. HAVING TO PAY $3000 FOR A SUPPOSEDLY #1 CAR THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD FOR FOUR YEARS IS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL IF …
Read full complaint
JUST HAD TO COMPLETELY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION IN MY TOYOTA CAMRY 04. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY OTHERS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE SINCE THE 2002 CAMRY. HAVING TO PAY $3000 FOR A SUPPOSEDLY #1 CAR THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD FOR FOUR YEARS IS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL IF IT IS THAT COMMON AN OCCURRENCE! DANIEL J MULLIGAN *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219885
59,615 miles · Feb 5, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINE DIED 10/ 22/07 W/59,615 MILES ON IT. 13464 MILES @ PURCHASE-I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PROGRAM CAR W/EXTENDED WARRANTY=6 YRS/100K MILES. FOUND THE WINDOW STICKER WHEN I TRADED IT IN. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. COMING HOME FROM A TRIP, POWER STEERING LOST SOME FUNCTIONALITY; A SERVI…
Read full complaint
MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINE DIED 10/ 22/07 W/59,615 MILES ON IT. 13464 MILES @ PURCHASE-I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PROGRAM CAR W/EXTENDED WARRANTY=6 YRS/100K MILES. FOUND THE WINDOW STICKER WHEN I TRADED IT IN. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. COMING HOME FROM A TRIP, POWER STEERING LOST SOME FUNCTIONALITY; A SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON; MY HUSBAND PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN; WE HEADED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER. EN ROUTE WE LOST ALL POWER STEERING & ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE; CAR CUT OFF. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK 5-6 WEEKS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. DOUBT OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS INCORRECT PARTS WERE ORDERED/RECEIVED. PICKED THE VEHICLE UP~12/1/07; 59620 MILES ON IT. WHILE AWAITING REPAIRS DEALERSHIPS/CORPORATE OFFICES COULD ONLY ADVISE THE CAR MAY BE UNDER BASIC WARRANTY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. SMELLED SMOKE AND WANTED ASSURANCE A NEW ENGINE WAS PUT IN AS PROMISED & THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS. THEY MADE $900+ WORTH OF ADDED REPAIRS-REAR MAIN SEAL OIL LEAK; AXLE BOOT LEAK. IT HAD 59949 MILES ON IT. AT THAT POINT I DIDN'T WANT IT BACK. I WANTED TOYOTA TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELLING A LEMON. MY MAIN CONCERN: IS THERE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WITH 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY MODELS AS SEEN IN PREVIOUS YEARS (ENGINE OIL SLUDGE)? SECONDLY, DID SOMETHING ELSE CAUSE THIS INCIDENT? THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THIS CAMRY SHOULD HAVE RESPONDED TO MY DISSATISFACTION; THEY SHOULD HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED/OFFERED SOME INCENTIVES FOR SELLING ME A LEMON. THEIR ONLY CONCERN, MAKE ANOTHER SALE. REQUESTED A CALL FROM/AUDIENCE WITH THE OWNER. HASN'T HAPPENED. I NEEDED A CAR AND BELIEVED THIS WAS ABERRATION WITH RESPECT TO CAMRY MODELS' PERFORMANCE. NOT SURE THAT THEY'LL KEEP ME AS A CUSTOMER. I THANK GOD WE HAD NO ACCIDENT, NO KNOWN INJURIES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE'S LITIGATION RE: THIS MAKE/MODEL; I'D LIKE TO JOIN THE LITIGANTS. I CAN GIVE YOU MY VIN NUMBER AT YOUR REQUEST. THANKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10216952
45,000 miles · Jan 14, 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN AN ATTEMPT TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK A POST. THE CONTACT PLACED HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AND RELEASED THE BRAKE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, SIDESWIPED A VEHICLE, JUMPED A CURVE, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE COMING TO …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. IN AN ATTEMPT TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SURGED FORWARD AND STRUCK A POST. THE CONTACT PLACED HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AND RELEASED THE BRAKE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, SIDESWIPED A VEHICLE, JUMPED A CURVE, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED APPROXIMATELY $9,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10214759
25,000 miles · Jan 14, 2008
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY AROUND, IT SEEMED TO MALFUNCTION AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MALFUNCTIONED AND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN AVAILAB…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY AROUND, IT SEEMED TO MALFUNCTION AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MALFUNCTIONED AND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN AVAILABLE, BUT NO RECALL. THE PURCHASE DATE AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,828 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214718
26,000 miles · Jan 12, 2008
Steering
THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN OF MY 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY WHILE TURNING JUST BEFORE MOVING OFF. CAR HAS 27,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214571
12,000 miles · Jan 9, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND WEAK BRAKES. I HAVE NORMAL DRIVING HABITS AND HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THE BRAKES ARE OK FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE GOING BAD AGAIN. THE BRAKING DISTANCE IS VERY BAD AND BRAKE RESPONSE IS DANGEROUSLY SLOW. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214257
Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT, I HIT THE BRAKE BUT IT CAUGHT THE GAS PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. ONLY THE BALCONY WALL OF THE PARKING STOPPED THE CAR. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE SPRAIN OF MY NECK AND A $3000 DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212637
43,215 miles · Dec 16, 2007
Seat BeltsStructure
FRONT SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE MOVES WHEN DRIVING (STOP FOR TRAFFIC OR START AFTER STOPPING) WAS ADVISED THEIR IS NO PROBLEM. ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS HAVE CHANGED COLOR FROM THE ORIGINAL COLOR. I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS OTHER BLUE CAMRYS WITH THE SAME DISCOLORATION OF FRONT AND REAR BUMEPERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212025
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
Illustration