This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact was pulling out of a parking space at speeds of 5 mph when the vehicle abnormally accelerated without driver intent. The vehicle accelerated to approximate speeds of 35 mph. The vehicle then struck a tree. The contact was taken to the emergency room but was not injured, yet, he is very sore. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 06/04/10. The consumer believed the accelerator became stuck. Updated 10/05/10
I just thought you should know, last year my gas pedal got stuck. I have a 2004 Toyota Highlander. When I investigated it, I found that the plastic panel to the right of the pedal had broken loose causing the panel to lift up so that the pedal could get stuck under it. The plastic screw had completely sheared off. I went to Toyota here in boulder and they replace the screw. Why manufacturers use plastic screws is beyond me. I was a little disappointed that Toyota would have used plastic screws for what is apparently a stressed area. I'm just glad I did not have an accident. It was pretty scary!
: the contact stated at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Also, the vehicle shifted erratically. The dealership had reprogrammed the computer multiple times, but the problem persisted.
: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the carpet on the vehicle floor was loose around the accelerator pedal. There was a NHTSA recall, #06V253000 regarding the accelerator pedal. The parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available at the local dealership. The manufacturer was not alerted.
My 2004 Toyota Highlander exhibits a significant hesitation at the start of rapid acceleration that I believe is a potential safety hazard. When the vehicle is moving at a slow speed and the accelerator is depressed to begin a rapid acceleration (passing a slower vehicle or merging into traffic), a significant hesitation is present before the vehicle begins to accelerate. This delayed response to the accelerator input can place the vehicle in dangerous situations where the vehicle cannot get out of the way of other traffic. I believe this behavior could result in a traffic accident and potential injury to people.
- Jonesborough, TN, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I purchased a new 2004 Toyota Highlander on 3/26/2004 and after about 2 months started noticing a problem with hesitation when accelerating from a stop or when passing. The car feels like it dies for 1 to 2 seconds and then lurches forward. This is very dangerous when making a left hand turn at a light with oncoming cars from the opposite direction. This also causes problems when trying to merge with highway traffic or when passing. This occures every day and when it was reported to Toyota service they stated it was a known issue with no fix or technical bulletin.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Goldsboro, NC, USA