Owners have filed 364 complaints
about the 1994 Toyota Camry with NHTSA between 1995 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 30 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the Toyota Camry. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
41.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
310.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
13.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
310.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
413.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
724.1%
150,000+ miles
1034.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 15Jul 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Toyota Camry
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA97014Opened 3 Jun 1997Closed 14 Jul 1998STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION/DISENGAGEMENT
BY LETTER DATED JULY 8, 1998, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED NHTSA OF IT DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 105,000 OF THE SUBJECT 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES BUILT IN JAPAN.THIS SAFETY RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ESTIMATED 218,000 SIMILAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES.NHTSA HAS DESIGNATED THIS RECALL ACTION AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98V-155.A COPY OF THE MANUFACTURER'S LETTER TO NHTSA REGARDING THIS ACTION IS ATTACHED.
PE97004Opened 29 Jan 1997Closed 3 Jun 1997STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION/DISENGAGEMENT
FURTHER INFORMATION AND DATA ARE REQUIRED TO FULLY ASSESS THIS ISSUE.OF SPECIFIC AND IMMEDIATE CONCERN ARE MANUFACTURING/ASSEMBLY/QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES EMPLOYED TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME STEERING COMPONENTS.FOR THE REASONS STATED ABOVE, THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
Recalls on the 1994 Toyota Camry
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
98V155000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT IN JAPAN. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Risk: THE NUT CAN EVENTUALLY COME OFF ALLOWING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19981333,903 units in Canada
Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY LOOSEN AND CAUSE AN ABNORMAL STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS. IF THE OWNER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION, THE NUT MAY EVENTUALLY COME OFF, AND THE STEERING WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: STEERING WHEEL SET NUT WILL BE TIGHTENED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
ENGINE
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,600 milesFlorence, KYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SLOWLY TURNING TO THE RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A TREE THERE TO STOP THE CAR. IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS, SEVERAL OF THE PANEL WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF. I HAD TOYOTA CHECK THEM. THEY REPLACED THE EGR VALVE BUT IT KEPT HAPPENING SO I TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING, BUT IT MIGHT HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #10916237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 275,000 milesAdvance, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 4/5/16, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE GOING STRAIGHT, I PUT CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT WAS WORKING OKAY FOR APPROX 15 MINUTES. CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP TO 80 AND WENT UP IN FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD WITHIN MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR UNHARMED BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10853726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlestown, NHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD, SHOULDER, AND SPINAL INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10693803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SAN Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO STEVENS CREEK TOYOTA (4202 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129, (408) 984-1234) TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN OWNER'S MANUAL CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V188000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL WAS STILL IN PRODUCTION. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL, BUT THEN CALLED BACK TO INDICATE THAT AN OWNER'S MANUAL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR HOW TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION, WHEN NEEDED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11113529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO STEVENS CREEK TOYOTA (4202 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129, (408) 984-1234) TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN OWNER'S MANUAL CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V188000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL WAS STILL IN PRODUCTION. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL, BUT THEN CALLED BACK TO INDICATE THAT AN OWNER'S MANUAL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR HOW TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION, WHEN NEEDED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11113529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
ENGINE
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosamond, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.
NHTSA complaint #11042263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,600 milesFlorence, KYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SLOWLY TURNING TO THE RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A TREE THERE TO STOP THE CAR. IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS, SEVERAL OF THE PANEL WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF. I HAD TOYOTA CHECK THEM. THEY REPLACED THE EGR VALVE BUT IT KEPT HAPPENING SO I TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING, BUT IT MIGHT HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #10916237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 275,000 milesAdvance, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 4/5/16, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE GOING STRAIGHT, I PUT CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT WAS WORKING OKAY FOR APPROX 15 MINUTES. CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP TO 80 AND WENT UP IN FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD WITHIN MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR UNHARMED BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10853726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAG INSTALLATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA complaint #10683320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlestown, NHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD, SHOULDER, AND SPINAL INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10693803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PRESS GAS PEDAL IT JAM CAR SUDDEN ACCELERATION JUMP UP TO 65 MPH. MAKING CAR SIDE HIT OTHER CAR AND THEN CRASH INTO GARAGE. CAR IS TOTAL DESTROY, WALK AWAY FROM ACCIDENT, BUT WITH INJURY AT FACE, NECK, SHOULDER AND BACK. LITE INJURY TO CHEST AND LEG/KNEECAP.
NHTSA complaint #10630864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PACrash1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PRESS GAS PEDAL IT JAM CAR SUDDEN ACCELERATION JUMP UP TO 65 MPH. MAKING CAR SIDE HIT OTHER CAR AND THEN CRASH INTO GARAGE. CAR IS TOTAL DESTROY, WALK AWAY FROM ACCIDENT, BUT WITH INJURY AT FACE, NECK, SHOULDER AND BACK. LITE INJURY TO CHEST AND LEG/KNEECAP.
NHTSA complaint #10630864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesMechanicsville, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AT NOON ON 6/11/12, I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT MY CAR'S GEARSHIFT OUT OF PARK. I REMOVED THE TAB THAT COVERS THE GEARSHIFT RELEASE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT PANEL AND UNLOCKED THE SHIFTER. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MECHANICSVILLE TOYOTA (MECHANICSVILLE, VA) AND HAD THE PROBLEM ASSESSED BY THE SERVICE PERSON, [XXX]. SHE SAID SHE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THE CHANCES WERE PRETTY HIGH THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH (ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL) WAS DEFECTIVE. SHE SAID THAT CAUSES THE GEARSHIFT TO LOCK UP AND FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. INDEED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AT THAT TIME. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART (BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH). I PAID FOR, AND ORDERED, THE SWITCH AND ARRANGED FOR THE REPAIR TO BE DONE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012 AT 10AM. [XXX] WARNED ME TO BE CAREFUL AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. MY HOUSE IS APRX. 7 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CAREFULLY DROVE TOWARDS HOME. AS I TURNED OFF OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY ONTO THE SECONDARY ROAD THAT GOES TO MY HOUSE, MY RIGHT ANKLE WAS ACHING SO I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TAKE ME TOWARDS MY HOUSE AT 45MPH. AS I APPROACHED MY TURNOFF, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL! QUICKLY THINKING ABOUT WHAT [XXX] HAD SAID ABOUT THE BRAKE SWITCH, I THOUGHT TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE THUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE BRAKE IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE CAR. HAD I NOT DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL, I AM CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT APPROACHED TRAFFIC, AHEAD. I HAVE MORE COMMENTS BUT THE SYSTEM WON'T ACCEPT THEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10461386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesMechanicsville, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
AT NOON ON 6/11/12, I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT MY CAR'S GEARSHIFT OUT OF PARK. I REMOVED THE TAB THAT COVERS THE GEARSHIFT RELEASE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT PANEL AND UNLOCKED THE SHIFTER. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MECHANICSVILLE TOYOTA (MECHANICSVILLE, VA) AND HAD THE PROBLEM ASSESSED BY THE SERVICE PERSON, [XXX]. SHE SAID SHE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THE CHANCES WERE PRETTY HIGH THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH (ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL) WAS DEFECTIVE. SHE SAID THAT CAUSES THE GEARSHIFT TO LOCK UP AND FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. INDEED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AT THAT TIME. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART (BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH). I PAID FOR, AND ORDERED, THE SWITCH AND ARRANGED FOR THE REPAIR TO BE DONE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012 AT 10AM. [XXX] WARNED ME TO BE CAREFUL AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. MY HOUSE IS APRX. 7 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CAREFULLY DROVE TOWARDS HOME. AS I TURNED OFF OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY ONTO THE SECONDARY ROAD THAT GOES TO MY HOUSE, MY RIGHT ANKLE WAS ACHING SO I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TAKE ME TOWARDS MY HOUSE AT 45MPH. AS I APPROACHED MY TURNOFF, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL! QUICKLY THINKING ABOUT WHAT [XXX] HAD SAID ABOUT THE BRAKE SWITCH, I THOUGHT TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE THUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE BRAKE IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE CAR. HAD I NOT DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL, I AM CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT APPROACHED TRAFFIC, AHEAD. I HAVE MORE COMMENTS BUT THE SYSTEM WON'T ACCEPT THEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10461386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesPensacola, FL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, SIZE: P205/65/R15, DOT NUMBER: HYURLTA4304. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE FAILURE WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO COME AND INSTALL THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE AND HAD THE TIRE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scarborough, Ontario Canada, 00
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
EXPERIENCED TWO TIMES WITH UNWANTED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH TOYOTA CAMRY '94(MADE IN US MODEL) IN MAY 2011: WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS UP LIKE CRAZY (6000-7000RPM) AND WHILE APPLYING BRAKE ON IT WHICH DIDN'T SEEM TO RESPONSE AND I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE VERY HARD TO MAKE THE CAR STOP AND HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10401485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scarborough, Ontario Canada, 00
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
EXPERIENCED TWO TIMES WITH UNWANTED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH TOYOTA CAMRY '94(MADE IN US MODEL) IN MAY 2011: WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS UP LIKE CRAZY (6000-7000RPM) AND WHILE APPLYING BRAKE ON IT WHICH DIDN'T SEEM TO RESPONSE AND I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE VERY HARD TO MAKE THE CAR STOP AND HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10401485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 403 milesHoschton, GA
SUSPENSION
I TOOK MY 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY TO TOYOTA MALL OF GEORGIA, 3505 BUFORD DR., BUFORD, GA 30519 FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE ON 8/31/10. I ALSO TOLD THEM IT WAS MAKING A WHOO, WHOO, WHOO SOUND IN THE PASSENGER FRONT END AND THAT THE LAST TIME IT WAS MAKING A SOUND LIKE THAT I NEEDED A NEW AXLE. THEY CALLED ME SHORTLY AFTER I LEFT AND SAID THAT IT NEEDED A NEW AXLE. DIDN'T SAY WHY, JUST THAT IT NEEDED ONE. (INFLATED PRICING) I GAVE THEM APPROVAL TO INSTALL A NEW AXLE. THEY SAID THAT IT NEEDED TO COME OUT OF JACKSONVILLE, FL SO IT WOULD BE TOMORROW (9/1/10) BEFORE MY CAR WAS READY. THEY PUT IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT. ON MONDAY 9/13/10 I WAS CIRCLING AROUND BEHIND A BUILDING WHEN THE AXLE BROKE IN HALF. I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 15/20 MPH. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING FASTER ? I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS WAS A NEW TOYOTA PART. WAS THE AXLE DEFECTIVE OR WAS THE MECHANIC ? I DID NOT CALL TOYOTA BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES THAT HAD OCCURRED WITH THEM. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE BROKEN AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10356624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 403 milesHoschton, GA
STRUCTURE
I TOOK MY 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY TO TOYOTA MALL OF GEORGIA, 3505 BUFORD DR., BUFORD, GA 30519 FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE ON 8/31/10. I ALSO TOLD THEM IT WAS MAKING A WHOO, WHOO, WHOO SOUND IN THE PASSENGER FRONT END AND THAT THE LAST TIME IT WAS MAKING A SOUND LIKE THAT I NEEDED A NEW AXLE. THEY CALLED ME SHORTLY AFTER I LEFT AND SAID THAT IT NEEDED A NEW AXLE. DIDN'T SAY WHY, JUST THAT IT NEEDED ONE. (INFLATED PRICING) I GAVE THEM APPROVAL TO INSTALL A NEW AXLE. THEY SAID THAT IT NEEDED TO COME OUT OF JACKSONVILLE, FL SO IT WOULD BE TOMORROW (9/1/10) BEFORE MY CAR WAS READY. THEY PUT IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT. ON MONDAY 9/13/10 I WAS CIRCLING AROUND BEHIND A BUILDING WHEN THE AXLE BROKE IN HALF. I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 15/20 MPH. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING FASTER ? I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS WAS A NEW TOYOTA PART. WAS THE AXLE DEFECTIVE OR WAS THE MECHANIC ? I DID NOT CALL TOYOTA BECAUSE OF OTHER ISSUES THAT HAD OCCURRED WITH THEM. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE BROKEN AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10356624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING MY NEW 1994 CAMRY (V6 SEDAN), THE ENGINE HAS COMPLETELY DIED WHILE DRIVING. ALL POWER LOST TO ENGINE, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES. HAPPENED WHEN BRAND NEW. BROUGHT IT BACK TO SHOP AND THEY SAID IT'S THE TYPE OF "COMPUTER GLITCH" THAT'S TO BE EXPECTED ON SUCH A COMPLEX COMPUTER SYSTEM. HAS HAPPENED TWICE MORE SINCE THEN. WHEN I PULL OVER TO RESTART THE ENGINE, EVERYTHING IS FINE. SCARY AS HELL WHEN IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING. HAS ONLY HAPPENED 3 TIMES, FORTUNATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10352025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesST Paul, MNCrash2 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE INTO AN INTERSECTION WHERE A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE UP ON A CURB WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE CONTACT WAS KILLED IN THE CRASH AND TWO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED BY THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WHO HAS ALSO PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN THE VEHICLE. SHE CONFIRMED THAT SHE TOO HAD EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 08/30/10 UPDATE 9/19/2011
NHTSA complaint #10331348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE EXPLOSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE EXPLOSION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE WITH SMOKE. THE CONSUMER CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD TO FIND THAT MANY PARTS OF THE ENGINE HAD BURST; THE RIM AND PISTON WERE VISIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. ALL THE ENGINE OIL BLEW UP AND WAS OVER THE FLOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10327420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NVCrash2 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER STATES DISCONTENT REGARDING A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE AND WONDERS IF DEFECTS WERE THE CAUSE. *TGW THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT RAN OFF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK A REINFORCED WALL.
NHTSA complaint #10321925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesRiverdale, MD
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW COVERED SURFACE AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN EXPERIENCING STEERING FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVICED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WHO STATED THAT THE BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM A PREVIOUS BRAKE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,934.
NHTSA complaint #10321433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesRiverdale, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW COVERED SURFACE AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN EXPERIENCING STEERING FAILURE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVICED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WHO STATED THAT THE BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM A PREVIOUS BRAKE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,934.
NHTSA complaint #10321433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBeaumont, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE 91 FREEWAY IN CA AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ACCELERATOR STUCK. I WAS FRANTIC TRYING TO STOP MY CAR. I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD. IN THE MEANTIME I GOT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND EXITED THE NEAREST OFF RAMP (CARMENITA). I DROVE THE STREETS FOR AWHILE AND CAME TO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. SOMETIME DURING THIS TIME THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GET BETTER. I PULLED OVER TO A HOUSE WITH TWO WOMEN STANDING IN FRONT AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND ASKED THEM FOR HELP. ONCE I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND BACK ON AGAIN THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO MY DESTINATION WHICH WAS TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER IN THE HOSPITAL. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS OF MY DRIVING EXPERIENCES. IT IS AMAZING THAT I DIDN'T HIT ANOTHER CAR. IT NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN SO I NEVER REPORTED IT UNTIL NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10320238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.