I was pulling into a parking space, going slowly. All of a sudden, the car accelerated. It jumped the curb, took out a trash can, passed between 2 steel poles (meant to protect the building), took out a tree, hit the building, finally stopping at another tree. I was trying to brake the whole time but the car would not stop. I remember the entire incident. This unintended acceleration had happened 3-4 times previously but I was able to stop. After inspecting the car at the tow lot, my son and I could see that the frame was bent so I gave it to the tow lot for the cost of tow fees. Fortunately I was not injured beyond aches and pains. I kept thinking about what happened. Then I decided to check past performance and found that these vehicles do not have a good record. Wish I had never bought this crappy car.

- Tigard, OR, USA

Gas pedal problem. My gas pedal has stuck multiple times. I do not have the free moving floor mats. I have owned the car since early 2005. The first time it happened was shortly thereafter. It sticks only when driving at high speed (up to 65 mph) on highway. Never at lower speed in town. It has probably stuck up to ten different times. Occurs frequently when passing another car. No crashes, yet. I have managed to get it unstuck each time, however it is extremely scary. Nothing done to fix it. Scion says nothing is wrong without even looking at it.

- Jeffeerson, CO, USA

In June 2009 I was coasting into my parking space at work, when all of a sudden my 2005 Toyota Scion Xa accelerated, drove over a parking bumper, plowed into a small tree and drove into a brick wall. The brakes failed and were totally useless. I had my car towed, to the Toyota dealership, where I purchased my car. I reported this incident to the Toyota dealership and was informed that they never heard of any problems, like my own, with the Scion. The repair shop told me that I must have hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes. They assured me they would look into the problem but unless it happens while they were working on it, they could do nothing. I wrote to Toyota motor sales in torrance, ca in September 2009 describing my concerns and never received a response. Since this incident, there have been several incidents where the engine has raced on its own. Also, very often when the gas pedal is depressed it seems to feel like it is "sticking" and/or not getting the message that it is time to get into gear and go forward.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Scion Xa. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle accelerated aggressively. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The gear was shifted into neutral and the vehicle slowed down. The failure occurred without warning. The failure recurred on a separate occasion and the vehicle crashed into a building and struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital and the police was called to the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the repairs would cost $2,500. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000. Updated 09/11/09 updated 09/16/09

- Spring Valley, CA, USA