NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
71 reportsClear category filter46,000 miles · Sep 30, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLUNCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLUNCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #10428048
67,717 miles · Sep 27, 2011
Steering
THERE IS A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THERE IS A TSB ISSUED ABOUT THIS AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO FIX IT,SAID THE WARRANTY IS OFF. THE INTRODUCTION, WARRANTY INFORMATION, PARTS INFORMATION, AND REPAIR PROCEDURE SECTIONS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT REMOVAL, LUBRICATION, AND REINST…
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THERE IS A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THERE IS A TSB ISSUED ABOUT THIS AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO FIX IT,SAID THE WARRANTY IS OFF. THE INTRODUCTION, WARRANTY INFORMATION, PARTS INFORMATION, AND REPAIR PROCEDURE SECTIONS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT REMOVAL, LUBRICATION, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT INSTEAD OF REPLACEMENT. APPLICABLE WARRANTY ' THIS REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY IS IN EFFECT FOR 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE VEHICLE''S IN-SERVICE DATE. ' WARRANTY APPLICATION *TT
NHTSA ODI #10427647
38,000 miles · Dec 21, 2010
Steering
THE STEERING COLUMN GENERATES A SOUND SIMILAR TO ICE AND ROCKS SLOSHING AROUND WHENEVER THE VEHICLE CHANGES POSITION--FROM STOP TO START, OR ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HEAR THIS SOUND. NOTHING DONE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE, BUT SOUND PERSISTS. THE CAR HAS 48,000 MILES …
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THE STEERING COLUMN GENERATES A SOUND SIMILAR TO ICE AND ROCKS SLOSHING AROUND WHENEVER THE VEHICLE CHANGES POSITION--FROM STOP TO START, OR ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HEAR THIS SOUND. NOTHING DONE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE, BUT SOUND PERSISTS. THE CAR HAS 48,000 MILES ON IT NOW--SOUNDS BEGAN AROUND 35,000 MILES. SUBSEQUENT EMAIL TO TOYOTA.COM TO REPORT PROBLEM. WAS REFERRED BACK TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10371886
25,200 miles · Oct 15, 2010
Steering
2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SE (25,000 MILES) HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT RECOVER WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO BIND/LOCK AND DRIVER HAS TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE THE CARE GO STRAIGHT. PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY WHEN MAKING A LEFT ONTO A SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC, NOT…
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2005 TOYOTA CAMRY SE (25,000 MILES) HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT RECOVER WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO BIND/LOCK AND DRIVER HAS TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE THE CARE GO STRAIGHT. PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN PRIMARILY WHEN MAKING A LEFT ONTO A SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC, NOT SO MUCH WITH SHARP TURNS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT STEERING IS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. I DID REPORT ANOTHER ISSUE WHERE A KNOCKING/BANGING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN GOING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT RELATIVELY SLOW SPEEDS BUT DEALER SAID THIS COULD MOST LIKELY BE RESOLVED BY GREASING THE ASSEMBLY, AN ITEM THAT WAS COVERED BY A PREVIOUS TSB BUT SINCE THE CAR WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD, WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IF NOT REPAIRED THE, SOUND WOULD GET WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360695
11,000 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE WHENEVER HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT COULD HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE WHENEVER HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. AFTER AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA ODI #10356961
100,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
SteeringVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH AND TURNING IN ANY DIRECTION THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH AND TURNING IN ANY DIRECTION THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE TO TURN IN THAT SAME DIRECTION ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 12/30/10.*LJ UPDATED 01/04/11
NHTSA ODI #10356014
37,257 miles · Jul 21, 2010
SteeringStructure
KNOCKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, LOUD NOISE. OCCURRED EVERY TIME TURNING STEERING WHEEL. TOOK TO DEALER AND HAD TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, PART #45220-33270. DEALERS INVOICE WAS FOR $503.51 AND AFTER STATING MY CASE THEY CHARGE ME $233.18 "GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT" THE OLD PART HAS BEEN DISCARDED. TH…
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KNOCKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, LOUD NOISE. OCCURRED EVERY TIME TURNING STEERING WHEEL. TOOK TO DEALER AND HAD TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, PART #45220-33270. DEALERS INVOICE WAS FOR $503.51 AND AFTER STATING MY CASE THEY CHARGE ME $233.18 "GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT" THE OLD PART HAS BEEN DISCARDED. THE CAMRY HAD ONLY 37,257 MILES ON IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344455
38,000 miles · Jul 7, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FEEL TIGHT BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING COLUMN, STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OW…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT FAILED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FEEL TIGHT BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING COLUMN, STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 38,000. UPDATED 8/25/10 *CN UPDATED 08/27/10 UPDATED 08/30/10
NHTSA ODI #10341824
48,000 miles · Jun 17, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 48,000. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/04/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10336784
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury
I WAS GETTING ON THE FREEWAY AND I WAS MERGING TO ANOTHER FREEWAY I WAS ON THE 5 MERGING TO THE 118 AND THAT IS WHERE I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED AND I COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. I THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TRYING TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE CAR AND GO WITH THE CURVE AND IT …
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I WAS GETTING ON THE FREEWAY AND I WAS MERGING TO ANOTHER FREEWAY I WAS ON THE 5 MERGING TO THE 118 AND THAT IS WHERE I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL ACCELERATED AND I COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. I THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TRYING TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE CAR AND GO WITH THE CURVE AND IT WOULDN'T, I THEN HIT HE WALL 3 TIMES AND FLIPPED MY CAR. I DID NOTICE THIS A MONTH PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. BUT THOUGHT IT WAS A GROVE IN THE FREEWAY. THIS TIME I COULD NOT STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. I GET ON THE SAME FREEWAY EVERYDAY IT WAS 5:30 IN THE MORNING ON THE 7TH OF MARCH, I WAS GOING ABOUT 45 MILES WHEN I STARTED TO EXCEL THE PEDAL TO CONTINUE ON TO THE OTHER FREEWAY OVERPASS. I HAVE BEEN GOING ON THIS FREEWAY TO WORK FOR 7 YEARS NOW AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN INCIDENT EXCEPT FOR THE MONTH BEFORE. AGAIN I THOUGHT IT WAS A GROOVE IN THE HIGHWAY. I DID HEAR ON THE NEWS WHEN I GOT HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE 2005 TOYOTA CARS AND THE STEERING COLUMN SNAPS AND LOSES CONTROL. WHICH WAS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED, I DID CONTACT TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE GAS PEDAL THAT IT WAS THE 2006 THAT WAS BEING RECALLED FOR THE GAS PEDAL. THEY SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THE FLOOR MAT THAT GOT STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD NO RECALL ON THE FLOOR MATS. I FEEL IT WAS VERY WRONG FOR THEM TO KIND OF CUT ME SHORT. I DID SUFFER INJURIES, CUTS AND BRUISES NOT TO MENTION TOTALING MY CAR. INSURANCE DID PAY OFF MY CAR, BUT SUCH A HUGE ORDEAL TRYING TO GET MONEY TOGETHER TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE MYSELF A RICH WOMEN I JUST WANT TOYOTA TO KNOW THAT IT WAS A HORRIBLE THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME AND THANK GOD NO ONE ELSE WAS INVOLVED. ATTORNEYS DO NOT WANT TO HELP ME FOR SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION OF THE ORDEAL I WENT THROUGH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. I AM DOING ALOT BETTER NOW, BUT THEY DID STOP THE DOCTOR VISITS AND THERAPY DUE TO THE FACT THAT I MAY GET NOTHING OUT OF THIS AND HAVE TO PAY THE BILLS MYSELF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336444
Official recalls
5Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 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.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
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..
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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