2000 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 530 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 120 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 94 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlJan 16, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING COULD BE DEFORMED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR-TO-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 01V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 5, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, THE REAR AXLE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH IN SOME AREAS.
AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS COULD FAIL OR BREAK.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE HUB ASSEMBLIES.
Campaign 00V154000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
64 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jul 10, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 1997 N/A Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while an acquaintance was driving approximately 45 MPH, the acquaintance crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained neck pain and received medical assistance later. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the information available. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was not available.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, May 2, 2021, crash
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THIS GUY IN A BLUE HYUNDAI WOULD STAY IN HIS LANE, SO I SPED UP TO GET AROUND HIM, IN TURN HE STARTED RACING ME, SO I WENT A BIT FASTER TO GET AROUND HIM, WAS ABOUT TO ROUND THE CORNER SO I WENT TO SLOW DOWN AND MY REAR END FISHTAIL, I HIT THE GUARDRAIL AND SPUN OUT. BOTH MY CRUMPLE ZONES ON THE BACK AND FRONT WERE AFFECTED BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THANKFULLY I'M JUST REALLY SORE AND NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED!
Air bags, Jun 23, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. *TR
Air bags, Jun 15, 2018, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY EARLY IN THE MORNING WITH MY MOM, AND DAUGHTER WHO WAS IN AN INFANT CARSEAT. MY HUSBAND WAS FOLLOWING ME IN THE UHAUL WHEN I HIT A DEER GOING 55MPH. I NEVER SAW THE DEER JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF ME, AND MY HUSBAND SAID I WOULDNT HAVE HAD TIME TO STOP REGARDLESS. BUT MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT. AT THE TIME WE LIVED IN KANSAS BUT WERE GETTING READY TO MOVE TO TEXAS.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2017, crash
THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2017, crash
FEBRUARY 22, 2017 7:15PM : I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK MY 3 CHILDREN UP AT MY PARENTS. I WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT 50MPH WITH MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. A DEER JUMPED ONTO THE ROAD AND I SWERVED THE VEHICLE TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER. I SWERVED 3 TIMES BEFORE HITTING A CULVERT. UPON HITTING THE CULVERT, MY VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ALSO ROLLED INTO THE DITCH. ALTHOUGH I WALKED AWAY WITH A FEW SCRATCHES AND A BRUISE ON MY LEG, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. TWO DAYS LATER, I WENT TO THE IMPOUND TO GET MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS OUT OF MY VEHICLE. I REALIZED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS TO SUPPORT MY COMPLAINT.
Air bags, Dec 1, 2016, crash
2000 TOYOTA SOLARA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. *JB
Air bags, Feb 3, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE AND LACERATION TO THE MOUTH, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT STORAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 234,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 16, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY VERY FAITHFUL TOYOTA CAMRY ON A BUSY 2 LANE ROAD WHEN A HONDA PILOT STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY REACTED AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T HAVE ALLOW ADEQUATE STOPPING DISTANCE, SO I CRASHED INTO THE HONDA PILOT. THE PILOT WASN'T DAMAGED MUCH AT ALL, BUT MY CAMRY TOOK A HUGE LICK TO THE FRONT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, NOR DID MY SEATBELT LOCK. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE, BUT WENT TO THE URGENT CARE FOR TREATMENT. I HAVE A PAINFUL CHEST CONTUSION (SPRAINED STERNUM) AND A STIFF NECK (CERVICAL STRAIN, OR WHIPLASH). *TR
Air bags, Nov 3, 2014, crash
I REAREND A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY 4DR TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH. I HAD SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR AND EXPECT MY CAR TO BE TOTALED. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR I HIT THE CAE IN FRONT OF THEM WHICH WAS A CHEVY TAHAO. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (TOYOTA) DID NOT HAVE HERE AIRBAGS DEPLOY EITHER. THIS IS A GRAVE CONCERN. I DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR MY 2000 TOYOTA. PLEASE RESPOND TO [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Jul 18, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK STRAIN INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Air bags, Nov 28, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO MERGE INTO THE RIGHT LANE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BOUNCE FROM OFF THE GROUND AND SPIN. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED TWICE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2010, crash
IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CAR DEMOLISHED 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY LIMITED EDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES ON HER LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SPINNING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY AND AS SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. WHILE IN THE DITCH, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO IDLE AND THE TIRES BURROWED INTO THE DITCH AS IT ATTEMPTED TO PROGRESS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD, SHOULDERS, UPPER BACK, HANDS, FINGERS, KNEES AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS OVER 100,000.
Air bags, Jun 14, 2009, crash
ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON 4/17/09 WHEN I TRIED TO PUT MY 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CAR TOOK OFF HITTING TWO WALLS, ONE CAR, ONE SUV AND THEN CRASH IN A WALL. AT NO TIME DURING THE IMPACT DID THE AIR BAG DEPLOY. THE CRASH RESULTED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IMPACTING MY CHEST CAUSING CHEST TRAUMA AND PAIN. THIS RESULTED IN A HOSPITAL STAY OF 5 DAYS AND A HOSPITAL BILL OF $25,000. MY VEHICLE WAS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS WITH THE IMPACT OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE DAMAGE CREATED THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY TO PROTECT ME FROM MAJOR INJURY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 29, 2008, crash
MY SON WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON I-75 NEAR BRUCE B. DOWNS BLVD IN TAMPA FL AT APPROX 2:30 AM ON 9/26/2008. ANOTHER DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ENTER HIS LANE AND HE SWERVED INTO THE FAR RIGHT LANE TO AVOID BEING STRUCK LOSING CONTROL WENT OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD AT APPROX 70 MPH, WENT AIRBORNE, LANDED STRAIGHT DOWN THEN DID AN END TO END FLIP APPROX 20 YDS OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE WOODS, COMING TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. HE WAS DRIVING A 2000 TOYOTA SOLARA SE, VINE #. HE WAS WEARING HIS SEATBELT; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT NOTHING REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. NEITHER THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, DRIVER FOR THE WRECKING COMPANY NOR INSURANCE ADJUSTER COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES, PLEASE NOTIFY ME VIA EMAIL. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Jun 23, 2008, crash
ACCIDENT WAS A HEAD-ON COLLISION INTO A PARKED CAR AT 35-40 MILES PER HOUR. CAR WAS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. ONLY ONE PERSON WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG FAILURE RESULTED IN A BACK INJURY (LIKELY A PULLED LIGAMENT) TO THE DRIVER. THIS TOYOTA CAMRY HAD ONLY ONE OWNER; I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000. THE AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER PREVIOUSLY BEEN DEPLOYED. THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WAS A TOYOTA COROLLA S. THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF IT; THE AIR BAGS IN THE COROLLA DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. ONLY ONE PERSON WAS IN THIS CAR; THE DRIVER OF THE COROLLA HAD WHIPLASH FROM THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 26, 2008, crash, fire
05-23-2008 AT 5:35PM MY CAR WAS SEVERE DAMAGED B/C OF SA AT NEAR COMPLETED STOP IN THE PARKING SPACE-PARKING LOT OF PO 90027 DURING DAYLIGHT&NORMAL WEATHER COND.I AM AN ORIGINAL OWNER- 24,000MILES. AAA REPLACED BATTERY 04-17-08-CIRCUIT/AMPER RECORDED;ALL PARTS ARE ORIGINAL TOYOTA. THE PARKING LOT PO90027 IS NARROW U-TURN,WAS PARKING AT THE ENTRANCE. HALFWAY IN THE PARKING SPACE=2' BEFORE THE PARKING CONCRETE GUARD=HEARD A POP SOUND,CAR FLEW OVER THE PARKING GUARD&SIDEWALK CURB INTO THE BRICK WALL OF PO,RICOCHETED&STOPPED 1'AWAY. HEAVY WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE HOOD AT THE WINDSHIELD, DEPLOYED AIRBAGS W/TERRIBLE HEAT,WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE AIRBAGS HEAT/TOUCH POINTS-A BURN SKIN ON MY LEFT ARM THROUGH 2THICK CLOTHING,ENGINE WAS RUNNING! PULL OUT KEY,GOT OUT FROM CAR B/C EXPECTED EXPOSION/FIRE.INSTANTLY 2POSTAL EMPL.CAME OUT TO HELP,CHECKED PO BRICK WALL,ASKED MY NAME-HANDLED THEM MY PARCEL W/PREPAID POSTAGE-NAME/ADDRESS.KILLING ATTEMPT WAS TOTAL 5-6'-NOT ENOUGH FOR THE FATAL FORCE,MY FOOT WAS PRESSING PARKING PEDAL,ALREADY W/UNBUCKLED SEATBELT-MY RIGHT KNEE HAS ONLY A BUMP-NOT FRACTURED. 20'LATER MY CAR HALF SITTING ON THE SIDEWALK-SMOKE IS GONE, SML LEAK UNDER HOOD/RADIATOR? STARTED CAR,W/WITHNESS SLOWLY REVERSED IT FRM SIDEWALK/GUARD-CAR WAS CONROLLED FINE DESPITE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAGS-PUSHED WIPERS/WASHER,DROVE BACK HOME/UNDERGROUND GARAGE-1 MILE W/2-3 STOPS. RECALLED THAT A WEEK AGO HAD SA W/OUT PRESSING PEDAL,HAPPENED ON SUNSET BLVD,GOT SURPRISED W/HIGH SPEED SO SLOW DOWN. BOTH TIMES THE DISTANCE BEFORE SA WAS 1MILE FRM THE START,TIME~5MIN.THIS IS ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION.05-24-08 AT 4 PM WENT TO HOLLYWOOD TOYOTA-ASKED FOR SERVICE PERSON IN CHARGE-REFERRED TO PATRICK.EARLIER RCVD TOYOTA GEL NOTICE W/MY VN,WAS TOLD BY PATRICK TO HAVE THE BODY FIXED FIRST.AFTER THE BODYJOB BRING MY CAR FOR THE ENGINE CHECK $99/HOURLY PLS HELP TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THIS ACCIDENT-LIVE IN LA W/HEAVY TRAFFIC.THANKS GOD DID NOT KILL ANYBODY.THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. *TR
Air bags, Mar 4, 2008, crash
2000 TOYOTA CAMRY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER MOTHER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. SHE STATES THAT THE DOCTOR INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE IN THE CONDITION IF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *KB
Air bags, Feb 14, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF
Air bags, Jan 15, 2008, crash
ON DEC. 27, 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY, WHEN MY CAR WAS HIT IN THE REAR, CAUSING ME TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD, HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, RESULTING IN A FRACTURED STERNUM AND 2 CRACKED RIBS. *TR
Air bags, Dec 6, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. SHE AWAKENED ONCE SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NOSE AND HEAD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT HAVE A CLEAR MEMORY OF THE CRASH DUE TO BEING MEDICATED. THE POWERTRAIN, VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 14, 2007, crash
I WAS RIDING IN A 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 3/4 TONE TRUCK CARRYING A TRAILER WITH LAWN MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT. I EXPERIENCED BACK INJURIES AS DID THE DRIVER. THE COMPLAINT THOUGH, IS THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WHERE I WAS SITTING WITH MY SEAT BELT IN USE, DID NOT WITHSTAND THE COLLISION. THE UPRIGHT PORTION OF THE SEAT WAS LAYING ON TOP OF THE BACK SEAT AFTER THE IMPACT. THIS CONTRIBUTED TO THE BACK AND SHOULDER INJURIES I RECEIVED. THE TOYOTA WAS NOT HIT FROM THE SIDE SO THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT WAS NOT THE RESULT OF A DIRECT IMPACT. THE SEAT SIMPLY CAME LOOSE AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS I WAS THROWN FORWARD AND THEN BACK. AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND DURING THE REPAIR PROCESS, THE BODY SHOP CHECKED THE SEAT AND STATED THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS WORKING PROPERLY HOWEVER, THE SEAT HAS NOT BEEN "RIGHT" SINCE THE ACCIDENT. IT IS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED. THE IMPACT WAS FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL (UP TO $5000 IN DAMAGE - TRUNK WAS CRUMPLED AND OTHER DAMAGE) AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. JUST AFTER THE MOMENT OF IMPACT, I LOOKED OVER AT MY MOTHER WHO WAS DRIVING AND WATCHED IN HORROR AS SHE SNAPPED OVER THE STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW IF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT REQUIRES A "HEAD-ON" BEFORE THE BAGS WILL DEPLOY BUT THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE (INITIALLY I WAS AFRAID MY MOTHER'S NECK HAD FRACTURED) AND HAD MY MOTHER GONE ANY FURTHER FORWARD, THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS IF NOT FATAL INJURY. *NM
Air bags, Feb 24, 2006
WE WERE DRIVING UP HIGHWAY 1 AND WITHOUT CAUSE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAGS SHATTERED MY FRONT WINDSHIELD. *NM