2002 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 1,039 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 275 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 146 people were injured and 13 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/windowJul 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 04V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalDec 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 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 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
Campaign 01V372000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresOct 1, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TOURING TIRES, P205-65R15 92S, INSTALLED AT THE PORTS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. THE INCORRECT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES THAT HAD DAMAGED TIRES. THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING A PORT UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM WHEELS.
THE TIRES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPEED RATING FOR THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING (112 MPH), POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FIVE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 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 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 01V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 25, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY. BOTH OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED. BOTH OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED.
Campaign 01V306000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: vehicle speed control
295 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE GEAR AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE UNLESS THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED MORE THAN 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED A COMPUTER CHIP WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2010
WE WERE RIDING ON A COBBLE STONE STREET GOING VERY SLOW IN A TOURIST AREA OF SAVANNAH, GA. OUR 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY, SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. WITH THE BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED WE SKIDDED DOWN THE STREET IN SHOCK. IT LASTED ABOUT 4 TO 5 SECONDS AND THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OR OTHER CARS IN THE WAY. I ESTIMATE WE WENT ABOUT 50 YARDS. IT STOPPED AS SUDDENLY AS IT STARTED. WE THEN CALLED THE POLICE TO REPORT WHAT HAPPENED AS WE WERE VERY SHOOK UP. WE REPORTED THIS TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. THEY HAD IT TOWED TO THEIR DEALERSHIP. THEN THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY WOULD CALL TOYOTA FOR FURTHER DIRECTION. I AM WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME BACK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2010, crash
STOPPED IN LINE AT FAST FOOD DRIVE-UP. PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK. PLACED VEHICLE IN DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATED. STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER SLAMMING INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. WILL BE GOING BY THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO REPORT WHAT HAPPENED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2010
ONE OF TWO ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSORS MALFUNCTIONED ON MY 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. I EXPERIENCED A SLUGGISH RESPONSE TO PEDAL ACTION (I.E. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL FARTHER THAN NORMAL TO GAIN ANY ACCELERATION - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED). I IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO MY MECHANIC'S SHOP FOR EVALUATION AND REPAIR. AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS, HE DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, FROM MY MECHANIC'S EXPLANATION, THE SENSOR DETERMINES THE POSITION OF THE ACCELERATOR AND SENDS A REQUEST FOR ACCELERATION AS A VOLTAGE RANGING FROM 0-5V, WHERE 0V IS NO ACCELERATION AND 5V IS FULL-THROTTLE. THROUGH FURTHER TESTING, HE DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR THAT HAD MALFUNCTIONED WAS READING 5V. I FIND IT VERY CONCERNING THAT IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE THE SENSOR DOES NOT "FAIL SAFE" (I.E. FAIL TO 0V, RATHER THAN 5V). THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SECOND SENSOR WAS THERE AS A SAFETY REDUNDANCY, BUT EITHER WAY, "FAIL SAFE" IS ONE OF THE MOST BASIC DESIGN CONCEPTS IN AN APPLICATION WHERE SAFETY IS CRITICAL AS IS THE CASE HERE. IN MY CONVERSATION WITH TOYOTA, THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THE PART (MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND IT WAS NOT ON RECALL), NOR COULD THEY GIVE ME ANY ASSURANCE THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAD BEEN REDESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT WOULD "FAIL SAFE." I AM A WIFE, MOTHER OF TWO SMALL CHILDREN, AND THE PRIMARY INCOME GENERATOR FOR OUR FAMILY. I DO NOT FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHAT I NOW KNOW ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY CAR AND DO NOT FEEL THAT TOYOTA TOOK MY CONCERNS TO HEART. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANYTHING YOU COULD DO TO HELP. I SUSPECT I MAY NOT BE THE ONLY ONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS SAFETY FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH UP HILL THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST IDENTIFIED THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2010
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MUCH DIFFICULTY WITH ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING MY 02 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE..I STEP ON THE GAS AND THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE..THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT GOES HARD..THIS IS NOW ON A DAILY BASIS WHENEVER I DRIVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 27, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA 2002 SOLARA INTO THE PARKING LOT ON 6-27-10 TO THE POST OFFICE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT ALONG SIDE OF THE POST OFFICE BUILDING, WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE ACCELERATION STARTED TO INCREASE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING STOP AND THEN THE SIDE WALK INTO THE WALL OF THE BUILDING. THE TWO AIR BAGS EXPLODED, THEN TRYING TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE BACK INTO THE PARKING LOT. THEN FINALLY THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF. I CALLED 911 AND THEN WENT THE HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS. THIS IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THESE CARS AND THE FLOORMAT DIDN'T GET STUCK ON THE GAS PEDAL. IS THIS A PROBLEMATIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH TOYOTA CARS? IS THERE A WAY TO FIND OUT WHAT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM? IS THERE ANY COMPUTER IN THE CAR THAT WILL STORE THIS INFORMATION WHAT HAPPEN? I'M AM SO SHOOK UP THAT I DON'T THINK I CAN EVER DRIVE ANOTHER VEHICLE AGAIN. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS AND WHO DO I CAN SUE WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 15, 2010, crash
WE WERE LEAVING A GAS STATION AND PROCEEDED TO GO AROUND THE BACK OF THE GAS STATION BUT DECIDED THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF AREA TO GO THROUGH BETWEEN THE GAS STATION AND AN IGA STORE.. THE WIFE PUT THE CAMRY IN REVERSE AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND BACKED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE ..IT THREW US FORWARD AND AGAIN BACKED INTO THE POLE.. MY WIFE AUTOMATICALLY PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE CAR SHOT THROUGH BETWEEN THE STORE AND THE GAS STATION.. IT BROKE BOTH SIDE MIRRORS AND SCRATCHED DOWN THE SIDES OF THE CAR.. WE PROCEEDED INTO THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC, HITTING A HONDA VAN IN THE PASSENGER DOOR.. THE CAR KEPT GOING ACROSS TWO MORE LANES OF TRAFFIC AND INTO THE GAS STATION ACROSS THE STREET BEFORE I FINALLY REACTED AND TOLD THE WIFE TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE...THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT TWO FEET FROM HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE..AND THE OTHER GAS STATION.. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED IN THE ACCIDENT.. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH MY WIFE RIDING THE BRAKE UNTIL WE HIT THE VAN.. WITNESSES SAID THEY HEARD THE BRAKES SQUEALING AS WE WERE COMING OUT OF THE GAS STATION AREA.. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. SHE STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE FOR A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/24/10 *BF UPDATED 07/06/10 UPDATED 8/9/10 *CN ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER, HER HUSBAND WAS KILLED AS WELL AS ANOTHER MOTORIST. THERE WERE ALSO TWO INJURIES. UPDATED 08/11/10
Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO THREE PARKED VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY AT THE SCENE. THE BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER; THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2010, crash
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS HIS WIFE ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE CONSUMERS OTHER VEHICLE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 27, 2010, crash
2002 TOYOTA ACCELERATION IN REVERSE. ON 30 APRIL 2009 THE CAMRY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED IN TO A PT CRUISER. THE CRASH WAS REPORTED TO TOYOTA IN APRIL 2010, AND CASE NUMBER 1004020679 WAS MADE. WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND STARTED THE ENGINE, IT HAD A VERY HIGH IDLE AFTER IT WAS STARTED. SHE PLACED THE TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. UPDATED IVOQ 05/25/10 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DID NOT REVEAL ANY TYPE OF MANUFACTURING DESIGN OR DEFECTS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT. UPDATED IVOQ. 10/18/10*JB.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010, crash
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AT 2 MPH ON THE GRASS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAD NOT RESURFACED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004 ON, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE BOTH INJURED. THE SPEED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED WAS 30 MPH. THE POLICE RESPONDED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AN AMBULANCE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. UPDATED 05/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/12/10
Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2010, crash
VEH# 1 WAS EXITING BURBANK AVE TURNING LEFT ONTO COLONEL JOHN GARDNER WHEN THE FLOOR MAT BECAME STUCK' UNDER THE GAS PEDAL,CA;USING THE VEHICLE TO RACE FORWARD.MCC TURNED THE WHEEL BUT DROVE ACROSS THE FRONT LAWN AT 140 CJG . VEHICLE THEN WENT ACROSS THE STREET INTO THE CIRCULIAR DRIVEWAY AT CJG STRIKING SEVERAL LANDSCAPING OIERS , KNOCKING STHEM ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE THEN WENT THRU AN 8! FOOT SECTION OF SPLIT RAIL FENCE AND RAN OVER A AIL BOX POST WITH 3 MAILBOXES ON THE PROPERTY ON THE PROPERTY OF133 CJG. VEHICLE THEN CROSSED STHE STREET AND STRUCK A TREE CAUSING EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN SHE RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO APPLY HER FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE 2 PEOPLE IN THE FAMILY THAT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND 2 PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 49,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2010
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD AND WOULD NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO AVOID GOING INTO A MAJOR INTERSECTION, THE CONSUMER STEERED TOWARD A DITCH. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS APPROACHING A LIGHT, ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE STARTING ACCELERATING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TOWARD A VACANT FIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR A SECOND TIME, BUT, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 18, 2010, crash
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A GARAGE. THE TURN INTO THE GARAGE WAS TIGHT, SO IT REQUIRED HER TO BACK UP AND THEN PULL FORWARD IN ORDER TO EXECUTE THE TURN. SHE BACKED UP AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE, DOING SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE AND THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED. FORTUNATELY, THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN SHE SHIFTED, SO THE VEHICLE ONLY SHOT FORWARD A FEW FEET BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP IT. *JB UPDATED 03/30/10 SECOND DOCUMENT WAS SENT IN AS A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER.*JB UPDATED 06/02/10 *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY INJURIES OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2010
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED TOYOTA RECALL FOR INCREASED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2002 TOYOTA MODEL CARS. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT I BELIEVE TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. LET ME EXPLAIN: MY MOTHER PURCHASED A NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN 2001, AND WITHIN 3-6 MONTHS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHE EXPERIENCED THE UNINTENDED INCREASED ACCELERATION WITH COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE PROBLEM MORE THAN ONCE. I WAS A PASSENGER ON ONE INCIDENT, SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN FROM 25MPH TO 45 MPH, HAND BRAKE, PEDAL BRAKE ALL FAILED WHEN APPLIED. CAR KEPT MOVING. IF I HAD NOT REACHED ACROSS FROM THE BACK SEAT AND JAMMED THE CAR GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO THE PARK POSITION, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR WORSE. MY MOM REFUSED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER THIS INCIDENT ON MAY 21,2002. SHE TRIED TO TRADE IT IN AND GET HER MONEY BACK FROM THE DEALER IN DALLAS/FT.WORTH AREA, BUT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSED. SHE HAD TO GO THRU AN OFFICIAL ARBITRATION BOARD HEARING WITH THE EXECUTIVES AT TOYOTA BECAUSE SHE DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WANTED TO RETURN IT. THE TOYOTA BOARD HEARING OUTCOME WAS NOT IN HER FAVOR. GO FIGURE. BUT ON THE WAY OUT OF THE HEARING THE LEAD TOYOTA MECHANIC TOOK HER ASIDE AND TOLD HER "OFF" THE RECORD "THAT THIS ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS GOING TO BE A BIG PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE" AND THAT HE WAS SORRY. THAT SAME WEEK MY MOM TRADED HER NEW 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY IN FOR A NEW HONDA AT THE HONDA DEALER. MY MOM SINCE HAS PASSED AWAY. ANYWAY, I JUST THOUGHT THAT DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE I WOULD SHARE OUR STORY WITH YOU. IN ADDITION MY SISTERS ACCOMPANIED MY MOM TO HER ARBITRATION HEARING AT TOYOTA IN DALLAS FT WORTH AREA ALONG WITH MY BROTHER IN LAW WHO IS A FORD MECHANIC , AND I AM SURE THEY CAN PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE HEARING EVENTS IF NEEDED. WE THINK FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY BE WARRANTED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2010
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FOURTH OCCURRENCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2010
I WAS ON A 150 MILE TRIP. WAS GOING DOWN A HILL IN THE COUNTRY AND LOST SPEED CONTROL OF MY CAR. THE CAR WAS GOING FASTER AND FASTER AND THE BRAKES WERE DOING NOTHING. WE FLEW OVER A RAILROAD CROSSING AND THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. I BROUGHT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2010
SINCE MY PURCHASE IN DECEMBER 2003 OF A USED TOYOTA CAMRY XLE, SIX CYLINDER (VIN [XXX] , THERE HAVE BEEN THREE (3) INSTANCES OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. TWICE I WAS BEHIND THE WHEEL; ONCE MY WIFE WAS. IN EACH CASE, CIRCUMSTANCES WERE SIMILAR: THE CAR WAS IDLING IN NEUTRAL OR PARK; THE DRIVER PUT HIS/HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE; VIRTUALLY SIMULTANEOUSLY THE ENGINE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. IN EACH CASE THE DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE PREVENTED THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD WITH ANY SPEED, BUT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKE -- AND EVEN WITH THAT IN AT LEAST ONE INSTANCE THE CAR STRAINED AND BUCKED. THE SITUATIONS WERE RESOLVED WHEN THE DRIVER SHIFTED. IN TWO INSTANCES THE SHIFT WAS INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED IN EACH CASE. I DO NOT RECALL CLEARLY WHETHER THE SHIFT IN THE THIRD INSTANCE WAS INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL OR WHETHER THE VEHICLE STALLED. WE WERE AT THE TIME EXITING A GAS STATION AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. IN NO INSTANCE WAS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE MAT AND IN NO CASE WAS THE DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. RATHER THE RIGHT FOOT WAS IN EACH CASE ON THE BRAKE. THE APPROXIMATE DATES OF THE INSTANCES WERE FALL 2006, JUNE 2009, AND SEPTEMBER 2009. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS REPORTED TO OAKLAWN TOYOTA, OAKLAWN, ILLINOIS; THE SECOND TO TOYOTA SOUTH, RICHMOND, KENTUCKY. EACH WAS THE THEN SERVICING DEALER WITH TOYOTA SOUTH ALSO THE DEALER FROM WHOM THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. NEITHER DEALER COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE THIRD INSTANCE WAS NOT REPORTED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH IN CLEAR WEATHER CONDITIONS, HE PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AS THE VEHICLE PERSISTED TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112377 5/10/2010*CW UPDATED 05/14/10.*JB