NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
71 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 18, 2008
Power TrainSteering
PURCHASED NEW 2005 CAMRY SE. IMMEDIATELY REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH SEVERE PULLING TO THE LEFT (ACROSS LANES IF NOT HOLDING STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY.) ALSO, COMPLAINED OF INTERMITTENT HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH. AS IF SOMEONE HAD HIT THE CAR FROM REAR. THIS CAUSES A BROAD PERIOD OF UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AS THE DOWNSHIFT O…
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PURCHASED NEW 2005 CAMRY SE. IMMEDIATELY REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH SEVERE PULLING TO THE LEFT (ACROSS LANES IF NOT HOLDING STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY.) ALSO, COMPLAINED OF INTERMITTENT HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH. AS IF SOMEONE HAD HIT THE CAR FROM REAR. THIS CAUSES A BROAD PERIOD OF UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AS THE DOWNSHIFT OCCURS AND THE REVS INCREASE. THE TIRES ALSO WORE OUT AFTER 8,000 DUE TO PULL. TOOK TO NUMEROUS REPAIR FACILITIES AND THEY ALL SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS FINE. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED ABOUT TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETINS. CAR NOW HAS 40,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS OUT OF WARRANTY AND TSBS ARE ONLY GOOD FOR ONE YEAR. APPLICABLE TSBS ARE: ST005R-01, TC003-05, AND ST002R-04. OTHERWISE LOVE CAR. HAVE HAD OVER 12 TOYOTAS AND THIS IS FIRST WITH A PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242824
47,000 miles · Sep 6, 2008
Steering
THE STEERING OF THE CAR WAS SLIGHTLY BUMPY, WAS NOT EVIDENT IN THE BEGINNING. AFTER FEW MONTHS OR SO OR CLOSE TO 42K MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKE SOME BUMPY NOISES. WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY . WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY DEALER EVEN DURING MY VISITS TO THEM WH…
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THE STEERING OF THE CAR WAS SLIGHTLY BUMPY, WAS NOT EVIDENT IN THE BEGINNING. AFTER FEW MONTHS OR SO OR CLOSE TO 42K MILES THE STEERING BEGAN TO MAKE SOME BUMPY NOISES. WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY . WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY DEALER EVEN DURING MY VISITS TO THEM WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT I WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FOR $500+. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241180
34,000 miles · Aug 25, 2008
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT THE WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION. SHE JIGGLED THE KEY AND STEERING WHEEL UNTIL THE STEERING COLUMN UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER S…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT THE WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION. SHE JIGGLED THE KEY AND STEERING WHEEL UNTIL THE STEERING COLUMN UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE SHOULD CONTINUE TO JIGGLE OR "PLAY" WITH THE STEERING AND THE KEY UNTIL SHE IS ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION TO START. THE WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN, BUT SHE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN AND CHARGED THE CONTACT $75. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DIAGNOSED FOR $65 AND STATED THAT THERE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10239611
15,000 miles · Jun 11, 2008
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND. HE ALSO FEELS A SLIGHT BUMP ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND. HE ALSO FEELS A SLIGHT BUMP ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT IS STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,147 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA ODI #10230590
47,000 miles · Jun 1, 2008
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
HEARD A THUMPING NOISE IN THE DRIVE SHAFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WOULD NOT GO AWAY, TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO LOOK AT. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY A TOYOTA DEALER THERE IS A PART IN THE DRIVE SHAFT THAT LINKS TO THE CONTROL ARM OF THE WHEELS, THIS PART HAS FAILED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL …
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HEARD A THUMPING NOISE IN THE DRIVE SHAFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WOULD NOT GO AWAY, TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO LOOK AT. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY A TOYOTA DEALER THERE IS A PART IN THE DRIVE SHAFT THAT LINKS TO THE CONTROL ARM OF THE WHEELS, THIS PART HAS FAILED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND DISABLED MY ABILITY TO TURN MY WHEELS, AND CAUSE A DEADLY ACCIDENT, TOYOTA MOTOR CORP, HAS FAILED TO NOTIFY THERE CUSTOMERS OF THIS TSB BULLETIN, AND THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL ITEM. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE HAD OVER 100 AND 1000'S OF 2005 CAMRY'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE KILLED OR TOYOTA SUED TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. THE PART IN THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED, THERE IS A TSB ON THIS, BUT TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX THIS DUE TO THAT MY CAR HAS OVER 36K MILES ON IT, AND UNDER 50K, NOT ONE PERSON AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WOULD FIX THIS FOR ME, WITHOUT CHARGING ME, YET THIS PART HAS BEEN PUT ON A TSB BULLETIN. THE DEALERSHIP NOR TOYOTA DID NOT INFORM ME OF THIS SITUATION. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICE AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, YET THE LACK OF TOYOTA TO DUE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, IS IRRESPONSIBLE. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO PRIORITY TOYOTA, BECAUSE THE SERVICE BEING PROVIDED BY THE OTHER TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA WAS SUBARU. I DO NOT BLAME PRIORITY TOYOTA FOR NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM, IN FACT THEY WERE THE VERY FIRST DEALERSHIP TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH I TOOK MY CAR TO THESE OTHER DEALERSHIPS FOR SERVICE. FIRST TEAM TOYOTA WAS THE MAIN DEALER THAT SERVICED MY CAR WHEN THERE WAS LESS THAN 36K MILES ON IT. I USE TO BRING IT TO THEM AND HAVE THEM CHECK EVERYTHING, AND THE ONLY TSB THEY TOLD ME ABOUT WAS THE BELT PULLEY, TSB, WHEN I ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY OTHERS, THEY SAID THAT WAS IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10229424
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2008
Steering
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL "CLICKS" WHEN CHANGING DIRECTION. THERE IS ALSO AN INCESSANT AND RANDOM VIBRATION THAT FEELS ALMOST LIKE "DRIVING OVER BUMPS" ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS ALSO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER DID NOT COVER THIS UNDER THE TSB, BUT INSTEAD CHARGED ~$500 FOR …
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WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL "CLICKS" WHEN CHANGING DIRECTION. THERE IS ALSO AN INCESSANT AND RANDOM VIBRATION THAT FEELS ALMOST LIKE "DRIVING OVER BUMPS" ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE IS ALSO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER DID NOT COVER THIS UNDER THE TSB, BUT INSTEAD CHARGED ~$500 FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT. CAR IS 2005, WITH 44K MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226096
6,000 miles · Apr 29, 2007
Steering
THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO ODI NO. 10172668 ON THE STEERING PUMP REPLACEMENT. WHEN THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THE DEALER COULDN'T DIAGNOSE IT, I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA CORP. THE DEALER REVISITED THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE STEERING RACK (UNDER WARRANTY). THE CAR DRIVES GREAT AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10189220
55,000 miles · Nov 30, 2006
Steering
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD AND EXCESSIVE PLAY OCCURRED IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10174777
6,000 miles · Nov 5, 2006
Steering
WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY SIX MONTHS OLD, THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO MAKE NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART. SO, I HAD TO MAKE ANOTHER TRIP TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE WORK DONE (UNDER WARRANTY). AFTER THE REPAIR THE NOISE STOPP…
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WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY SIX MONTHS OLD, THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO MAKE NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED, BUT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART. SO, I HAD TO MAKE ANOTHER TRIP TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE WORK DONE (UNDER WARRANTY). AFTER THE REPAIR THE NOISE STOPPED, BUT THE STEERING STILL DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT TO ME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DROVE THE CAR AND INSPECTED THE STEERING SYSTEM AND TOLD ME EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. NONETHELESS, I AM QUITE SURE THE STEERING IS DIFFERENT THAN WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR. SOMETIMES THE STEERING SEEMS TO CATCH AND I FEEL LIKE I DON'T HAVE GOOD CONTROL, PARTICULARLY DURING A WIDE LEFT TURN THROUGH A LARGE INTERSECTION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10172668
10,000 miles · Feb 28, 2006
SteeringSuspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES, AND BOUNCES WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS. ADDITIONALY, THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE, AND A GRINDING SOUND IS COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND N…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES, AND BOUNCES WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS. ADDITIONALY, THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE, AND A GRINDING SOUND IS COMING FROM THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA ODI #10151406
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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