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.
I sent information previously re my mother's accident but did not have the VIN. She was involved in a single car, fatal front-end mva into a small, resulting in what the mechanic called "incredible damage to engine - it caused more internal damage than you'd think" and he wondered about high speed. I am asking you to look into the possibility of rapid acceleration vs brake issue, resulting in a higher energy (than would be expected) crash. I have the police report etc. Previously, she had never even received a ticket (and was almost 59 yrs old). Thank you.
Toyota crashed into tree, resulting in fatal injuries that may be consistent with high speed accident, no deceleration. 59 yr old driver had never been in an accident before. New Toyota Rav4. Mechanic remarked on damage to vehicle given location of accident. Updated 03/04/11
Was traveling approximately 45 mph in a 2000 Toyota Rav4. Moved to left lane to pass and accelerated to approx. 49 mph. Accelerator jolted to a very high RPM and speed increased dramatically. Moved into a left hand turn lane; and put the vehicle into "neutral". after 10-12 seconds the vehicle's acceleration returned to idle. Reported to (2) Toyota dealerships. I was not aware of any notice or recall for this year/model of Toyota.
When the news came out regarding the acceleration problems with the Toyota, I recalled having a similar program with my 2000 rav 4. on July 8,2002 I experienced an acceleration problem while on my way to work. I was going around 55 mph on freeway, when suddenly my car started to accelerate on its own. Despite applying the brakes, the car continued to accelerate to about 70mph from 55mph. I tried putting my foot under the throttle to pull it up without success, I also tried pushing back on the mat, thinking the matt was in the way, but the matt was not stuck up against the throttle. I also put on my flashers to try and warn other drivers that I was having a problem. I kept thinking, "with a gas tank half full, I would need to try and drive to seattle in order for the gas to run out, which would then stop the car". meanwhile, I continued to keep trying to push the throttle up with my foot and apply the brakes. After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few minutes, because I drove pass my usual exit, the car stopped accelerating on its own and I had control of the car again. I don't know if my pushing under and up on the throttle did it. I took it to the Toyota dealer and they "did not find anything wrong with it". I still have the service invoice, which documents my problem. Naturally I was frightened by the whole situation and it took me awhile to feel comfortable driving the car again. However, I also haven't had any problems with the acceleration since. It seems though that Toyota's acceleration problem started way back. Maybe there are other older Rav4S out there that had the same problem. I tend to keep all my car invoices, so like I said I have the original invoice. Thank you.
- Olympia, WA, USA
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When the car is stopped at traffic lights, the engine revs up on its own and starts moving. The foot is only on the brake and not touching the accelerator. This has happened several times in the past many years but not always. Whenever it happens, I bring it to 'neutral' from 'drive' gear position to stop it from moving. As I am hearing recalls somewhat related to this kind of issues, I am bringing it up so that it may also be taken into account in your investigation.
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- Storrs, CT, USA