From: Ask Toyota to: Desdiv222@NJ.rr.com sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 2:13 pm. Subject: Lock out for trunk and gas tank release while vehicle is in motion [incident: 070515-000131] below is a summary of your contact message and our response subject. Lock out for trunk and gas tank release while vehicle is in motion. E apologize for your dissatisfaction with the operation of the trunk opener switch and fuel filler door opener switch. Ak please note: Toyota does not currently market a lock out feature for the trunk opener switch and fuel filler door opener switch for the 2007 Avalon. Your feedback is appreciated. It is through comments such as yours that we are able to review and improve our products. Your email has been documented at our national headquarters under file #200705150711. 05/15/2007 09:57 am have a new 2007 Toyota Avalon. S I am new to the vehicle and the vehicle is new to me, I am still fumbling for the correct switch, knob, etc. This morning, Tuesday, while driving at about 10 mph, I needed to raise the rear window sunshade. I reached down to the left and around the steering wheel and activated a switch. Instead of the rear sunshade switch, I inadvertently activated the trunk release and then the gas tank door release. Both the trunk opened and the gas tank door opened while the vehicle was in motion (the transmission was in drive of course). To me this is a major safety hazard, not to mention an annoyance. Are these switches functioning properly, that is are they designed to permit activation when the vehicle is in gear" other vehicles that I have owned or rented lock these mechanisms from opening the trunk lid release when the vehicle is not in neutral or park. Took 2007 Toyota Avalon operate in the same safe manner as I indicate for other vehicles, such as lock out the switches unless the vehicle is in park or neutral"

- Fort Lee, NJ, USA