Owners have filed 117 complaints
about the 2000 Toyota Echo with NHTSA between 2000 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Echo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
47.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 42
24% 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
37.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
37.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
512.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
614.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
717.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
922.0%
150,000+ miles
717.1%
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.
Apr 2000peak 8Jan 2026
Recalls on the 2000 Toyota Echo
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
04V455000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECESS RETAINS A RUBBER SEAL RING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE CYLINDER BODY, AND MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO AN IMPROPER WASHING PROCESS.
Risk: IN THIS CONDITION, BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE SEAL, OR A SMALL AMOUNT OF AIR MAY ENTER THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
01V326000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DUE TO A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF CONDITIONS WHICH CONSIST OF COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LOAD APPLIED FROM AIR CONDITIONER AND OTHER ELECTRICAL DEVICES, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VACUUM IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD COULD BE INSUFFICIENT FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Risk: WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED UNDER THIS COMBINATION OF CONDITIONS, VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES WOULD DECREASE, AND THE INCREASED PEDAL PRESSURE REQUIRED COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
00V256000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. CONDENSED MOISTURE FROM THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) PORT COULD SEEP TOWARD THE BRAKE VACUUM PORT INSIDE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND START TO FREEZE.
Risk: VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES WOULD BE DECREASED AND INCREASED PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED, INCREASING THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 200433528,543 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the recess that retains the rubber seal ring, which is located at the end of the brake master cylinder body, may be corroded due to an improper washing process. In this condition, brake fluid may leak from the seal, or a small amount of air may enter the master cylinder, which could lead to an increase in stopping distance. Correction: After inspection, if a brake fluid leak from the master cylinder is detected or there is air in the master cylinder, the dealer will replace the master cylinder and the brake booster.
Recall 200124217,175 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Due to a unique combination of conditions, which consist of cold ambient temperatures, load applied from air conditioner and other electrical devices, and immediately after starting the engine, there is a possibility that the vacuum in the intake manifold could be insufficient for the brake booster. When the brake is applied under this combination of conditions, vacuum assist to the brakes would decrease, and the increased pedal pressure required could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance. Correction: dealers will replace the brake booster and front brake pads.
Recall 200019913,542 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, When driven at highway speed in extremely low temperatures, without engine warm up, condensed moisture from a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) port may seep toward the brake vacuum port inside the intake manifold and start to freeze. If accumulated ice plugs the port, vacuum assist to the brakes will be lost and the increased brake pedal pressure required could lead to an increase in stopping distance. Correction: Vacuum port will be repaired by removing the clearance at the top of the separator between the brake vacuum port and the PCV expansion room of the intake manifold.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Rafael, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IT Was a small accident in the rear bumper someone Was backing up and he crashed the Back part of his car
NHTSA complaint #11709555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Rafael, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
IT Was a small accident in the rear bumper someone Was backing up and he crashed the Back part of his car
NHTSA complaint #11709555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCedar Grove, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD FROM THE LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11060771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMilford, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A SHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMilford, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A SHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesBrookline, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN, AND MY MOTHER IN LAW WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE FAST ENOUGH AND COLLIDED HEAD ON. THE CAR HAD QUITE A LOT OF DAMAGE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY (FOR SAFETY REASONS). HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY!!!! THE COLLISION WAS ENOUGH TO INCAPACITATE THE RADIATOR AND IT WAS HEAD-ON (NOT SIDE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT). GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I WOULD EXPECT THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, AND THE POLICE WERE AMAZED THAT IT DIDN'T. SHE WAS WEARING A SEATBELT, WHICH SAVED HER FROM THE WORST. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS, AS MANY VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE ARE REGISTERING THE SAME ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10458298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Rafael, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IT Was a small accident in the rear bumper someone Was backing up and he crashed the Back part of his car
NHTSA complaint #11709555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Rafael, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
IT Was a small accident in the rear bumper someone Was backing up and he crashed the Back part of his car
NHTSA complaint #11709555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,774 milesSaddle Brook, NJ
TIRES
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo equipped with NEXEN Tire, Tire Line: N PRIZ, Tire Size: 175/65/R14, DOT Number: 8EJH. The contact replaced the original tires on July 1, 2021 and within 2 months the front driver’s side tire experienced a blowout. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,774. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11432449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,774 milesSaddle Brook, NJ
TIRES
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo equipped with Nika Tires, Tire Line: Avatar, Tire Size: 175/65/R14, DOT Number: 16-MA-Z134-4919. The contact stated that she replaced the original tires on 6/29/2021 and within a month, the front passenger’s side tire experienced a blowout. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,774. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11432456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,010 milesScurry, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COWBOY TOYOTA (9525 E R L THORNTON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75228, 888-434-4611), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1811131014. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,010.
NHTSA complaint #11151208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,010 milesScurry, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COWBOY TOYOTA (9525 E R L THORNTON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75228, 888-434-4611), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1811131014. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,010.
NHTSA complaint #11151208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,010 milesScurry, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COWBOY TOYOTA (9525 E R L THORNTON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75228, 888-434-4611), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1811131014. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,010.
NHTSA complaint #11151208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesNorth Highlands, CA
SEATS
DRIVER'S SEAT FAILURE (ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT SEAT FROM A COLLISION VEHICLE) ... SEAT BUTT PAN (MIDDLE METAL PANEL OF SEAT BASE/BOTTOM) METAL SPLIT, SPREADING APART TO THE POINT THAT CONNECTION TO THE METAL SEAT SIDE SUPPORTS SEPARATED FROM BUTT PAN ... STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11119520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCedar Grove, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD FROM THE LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11060771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesDeland, FL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG DASH LIGHT REMAINS "ON" WHENEVER ENGINE IS RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10889056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesHonolulu, HI
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE SRS WARNING LIGHT (FLASH'S).
NHTSA complaint #10860677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMilford, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A SHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMilford, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A SHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebec, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CAR AND THE MANUAL LOCKS ARE LOCKED YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR. YOU HAVE TO UNLOCK IT FIRST TO OPEN DOOR. NORMALLY A LOCKED DOOR WILL OPEN WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. THEN WHEN YOU ARE LOCKED IN YOU CAN'T EVEN UNLOCK THE DOOR BY ROLLING THE WINDOW DOWN AND INSERTING THE KEY TO UNLOCK IT. IT WILL NOT WORK. THEREFORE I HAVE TO CRAWL THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR AND MESS WITH THE LOCK AND KEY TO GET IT UNLOCKED. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I SEE NO RECALLS ON THIS MATTER. I TALKED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP THAT SAYS THIS IS NOT FIXABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10514561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesBrookline, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN, AND MY MOTHER IN LAW WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE FAST ENOUGH AND COLLIDED HEAD ON. THE CAR HAD QUITE A LOT OF DAMAGE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY (FOR SAFETY REASONS). HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY!!!! THE COLLISION WAS ENOUGH TO INCAPACITATE THE RADIATOR AND IT WAS HEAD-ON (NOT SIDE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT). GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I WOULD EXPECT THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, AND THE POLICE WERE AMAZED THAT IT DIDN'T. SHE WAS WEARING A SEATBELT, WHICH SAVED HER FROM THE WORST. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS, AS MANY VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE ARE REGISTERING THE SAME ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10458298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesColumbus, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED PROBLEMS TWICE IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD AS FOLLOWS:THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 2011: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT IN REVERSE (WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR), THE CAR ENGINE SURGED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WERE PRESSED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I IMMEDIATELY PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKES TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM MOVING BACKWARD UNCONTROLLABLY AT A HIGH SPEED. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING HARD, BUT IT QUIETED A LITTLE. I TRIED PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE TO TEST THAT FUNCTIONALITY, AND IT SEEMED TO BE UNAFFECTED. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, RE-STARTED IT, AND TRIED TO MOVE AGAIN IN REVERSE. THIS RESULTED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED ENGINE SURGE. I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR AROUND THE PARKING LOT TO TEST FOR DRIVEABILITY AND THERE WERE NO ISSUES AT THIS POINT WITH THE CAR MOVING FORWARD.FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2001: DROVE THE CAR TO WORK IN THE MORNING AFTER LETTING IT RUN FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES DUE TO COLD OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT THREE MILES, THE ENGINE BEGAN SURGING ONCE MY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT 25 MPH AND CONTINUED TO RUN HARD WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. I HAD TO PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD AT AN UNCONTROLLED SPEED, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OF MYSELF, ANOTHER DRIVER, OR PROPERTY. I WAS ABLE TO CAREFULLY GET THE CAR TO MY WORKPLACE, WHERE I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN HARD, AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WERE PRESSED DOWN WITH SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE. I DECIDED TO TEST THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE REVERSE GEAR AGAIN; IT PERFORMED EXACTLY AS IT DID ON DECEMBER 8TH, ONLY MORE SO. WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, THE ENGINE DID NOT RELAX AND I WAS FORCED TO SHUT OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY. BECAUSE OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME. NOTE: I DO NOT HAVE FACTORY FLOOR MATS.
NHTSA complaint #10439252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 213,000 milesGaithersburg, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD UPON CONTACT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V455000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: MASTER CYLINDER) BUT THE REPAIR WORK HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 213,000.
NHTSA complaint #10382569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesTemecula, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CLUNKY CLUTCH ON A BRAND-NEW 2000 ECHO THAT TOYOTA NEVER BELIEVED SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10356372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesTemecula, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CLUNKY CLUTCH ON A BRAND-NEW 2000 ECHO THAT TOYOTA NEVER BELIEVED SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10356372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesTemecula, CA
EQUIPMENT
CLUNKY CLUTCH ON A BRAND-NEW 2000 ECHO THAT TOYOTA NEVER BELIEVED SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10356372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temecula, CA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2000 TOYOTA ECHO. CONSUMER STATES CLUNKY CLUTCH *TGW
NHTSA complaint #10347675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPhoenixville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS IS NOT RELATED TO A SPECIFIC INCIDENT, BUT I FEEL I SHOULD REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BRAKES ON THE 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. THE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIRED SEEMS EXCESSIVE TO ME, AND I FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO EVER CAUSE THE CAR TO SKID (LOCK UP THE WHEELS) USING THE BREAKS IF YOU SLAMMED THEM ON IN AN EMERGENCY DESPITE THE CAR NOT HAVING ANTI-LOCK BREAKS. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON MY CAR AS FAR AS I KNOW. THERE WAS ONE RECALL WHICH INVOLVED THEM REPLACING THE BREAK BOOSTER - I NOTICED DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED BREAKING PERFORMANCE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS RECALL - HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT A YEAR MAYBE, THE CAR RETURNED TO ITS POOR BREAKING PERFORMANCE. NEW BREAK PADS AND SHOES, AND A BRAKE FLUID CHANGE DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I CALLED TOYOTA A WHILE AGO TO ASK ABOUT THIS, AND ALL THEY COULD TELL ME WAS THAT MY CAR ALREADY HAD THE BREAK RECALL DONE MANY YEARS AGO AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEW RECALL. IT MAY BE WORTH MENTIONING THAT I ALSO HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO WHICH DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM - SO I DEFINITELY CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE AND I KNOW THAT STOPPING DISTANCE IS MUCH WORSE ON MY 2000 VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10318836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesDebary, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AS I BEGAN TO ACCELLERATE ONTO HIGHWAY THE GAS PEDAL STUCK, I DID NOT PANIC, PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND PULL UP ON THE GAS PEDAL WHICH RELEASED THE GAS PEDAL, BROUGHT THE 2000 ECHO INTO THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER FROM 2002 THROUGH 2008 ONLY TO HERE TOYOTA SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG OR THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING, THE PROBLEM IS THERE WITH ALL MODELS AND YEARS
NHTSA complaint #10307391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,000 milesThornville, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2000 TOYOTA ECHO. ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, AROUND 263,000 MILES. IRONICALLY, THIS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AGO, BEFORE NEWS ABOUT THE LATEST RECALL. THIS CAR, AND ITS NEWER MODEL THE YARIS, ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL. OCCASIONALLY, I WOULD HEAR A QUIET SQUEAKY SOUND WHEN USING THE GAS PEDAL, BUT IT WAS UNCOMMON. I DO ALL MY OWN CAR WORK, BUT WAS NEVER ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE... I'M NOT LOOKING TO HAVE ANYONE CONTACT ME - THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN. I'M JUST REPORTING IT IN CASE ANYONE ELSE WITH AN ECHO REPORTS IT. I DON'T HAVE THE VIN NUMBER HANDY (AT WORK). IF YOU REALLY NEED IT, YOU CAN CONTACT ME, AND I'LL EMAIL IT TO YOU. IT IS THE 4 DOOR SEDAN MODEL. AND IT WAS ONE OF THE EARLY ECHO'S. VIN SERIAL NUMBER WAS IN THE 6XXX RANGE.
NHTSA complaint #10305032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesLA Vista, NE
POWER TRAIN
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE USING FULL BRAKE PEDAL FORCE AND HAND BRAKE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK THE ENGINE CONTINUED OPERATING AT HIGH SPEED. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK OR USED AT ANY TIME DURING THIS TIME. THIS OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS BOTH AT HIGHWAY AND CITY SPEEDS. IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR. NO PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED BY MECHANIC WHO COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10265000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.