I WAS EXCITING A FREEWAY. AS I USUALLY DO, I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH EXPECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO ALSO DISENGAGE AND COAST TO THE STOP SIGN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MY BRAKE. INSTEAD, AS SOON AS I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH, THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IF SOMEONE HAD PUT THEIR FOOT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKE HAD NO IMPACT TO SLOW THE ACCELERATION. I TURNED THE KEY OFF, HOPING THAT WOULD HELP - BUT THE MOMENTUM CARRIED ME FORWARD AT A GREAT SPEED. I MANAGED TO DODGE SOME CARS AND HEADED (AND LANDED) IN A DITCH ACROSS FROM THE STOP AT THE END OF THE EXIT.. THE ONLY POSSIBLE WARNING THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS MIGHT HAPPEN IS THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED SOME TROUBLE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL GOING OFF COMPLETELY - AND HAVING TO RE-SET WHILE DRIVING. I HAD NO EXPERIENCE WITH ACCELERATION PROBLEMS.
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MY NAME IS [XXX] I DIDN'T BACK UP MY CAR AT ALL. CITY THAT THE ACCIDENT TOKEN PLACE WAS OAKLAND CALIFORNIA. LOCAL REPORT NUMBER, [XXX]. THIS, ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN ALAMEDA COUNTY ON THE TIME FRAME OF MONDAY. 300 FEET WEST OF MCAURTHUR BLV. I DID NEVER BACK UP MY CAR HITTING V2 OR P2. MY V1 AND P1 CAR, WAS LEAVING AFTER PREVIOUSLY CHECKING FOR DAMAGES, THEN ABOUT COUPLE MINS COLLISION. HOWEVER, I'M LUCKY MY AIR BAGS DIDNT GO OUT PLUS MORE. I STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. MY CAR WAS LEAVING MCAURTHER BLV WHEN ANOTHER PERSON SECOND PARTY HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND WHILE MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLOR AKA CAMERY WAS LEAVING THE JUNKTION. DUE, TO THE FACT THAT MY CAR HAD MADE A FULL STOP PREVIOUSLY WITHOUT ANY DAMAGES WARNING ANOTHER DRIVER AND OTHER WITNESS PRIVOUSLY. FOR EXAMPLE, MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON THE RIGHT SIDE SLOW LANE THAT, YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO SIGNAL FOR WORKERS OR OTHER DRIVERS YET THAT IS GOING FASTER. TO INCLUDE, WHO MAY BE AT A RUSH. ALSO MOST OF THE TIME THE LEFT LANE IS FOR LIKE, CARPOOL AND SUCH ON. [XXX] WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED THAT WAS UNCONTROLLABLE PLUS THAT'S OVIOUSLY THAT CAUSED THE COLLIONS. THEN, [XXX] DIDN'T WANT TO EXCHANGE ANY INFORMATION DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE WANTED TO WAIT UNTIL THE CHP OFFICIERS ARRIVED. WHEN THE CHP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
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MY NAME IS [XXX] I DIDN'T BACK UP MY CAR AT ALL. CITY THAT THE ACCIDENT TOKEN PLACE WAS OAKLAND CALIFORNIA. LOCAL REPORT NUMBER, [XXX]. THIS, ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN ALAMEDA COUNTY ON THE TIME FRAME OF MONDAY. 300 FEET WEST OF MCAURTHUR BLV. I DID NEVER BACK UP MY CAR HITTING V2 OR P2. MY V1 AND P1 CAR, WAS LEAVING AFTER PREVIOUSLY CHECKING FOR DAMAGES, THEN ABOUT COUPLE MINS COLLISION. HOWEVER, I'M LUCKY MY AIR BAGS DIDNT GO OUT PLUS MORE. I STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. MY CAR WAS LEAVING MCAURTHER BLV WHEN ANOTHER PERSON SECOND PARTY HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND WHILE MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLOR AKA CAMERY WAS LEAVING THE JUNKTION. DUE, TO THE FACT THAT MY CAR HAD MADE A FULL STOP PREVIOUSLY WITHOUT ANY DAMAGES WARNING ANOTHER DRIVER AND OTHER WITNESS PRIVOUSLY. FOR EXAMPLE, MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON THE RIGHT SIDE SLOW LANE THAT, YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO SIGNAL FOR WORKERS OR OTHER DRIVERS YET THAT IS GOING FASTER. TO INCLUDE, WHO MAY BE AT A RUSH. ALSO MOST OF THE TIME THE LEFT LANE IS FOR LIKE, CARPOOL AND SUCH ON. [XXX] WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED THAT WAS UNCONTROLLABLE PLUS THAT'S OVIOUSLY THAT CAUSED THE COLLIONS. THEN, [XXX] DIDN'T WANT TO EXCHANGE ANY INFORMATION DUE TO THE FACT THAT SHE WANTED TO WAIT UNTIL THE CHP OFFICIERS ARRIVED. WHEN THE CHP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
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ON 5/10/2006 WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 CAMRY SOLARA ON A RURAL ROAD I COULDN'T SLOW THE CAR DOWN, BRAKING DIDN'T HELP. I KEPT BEARING TO THE RIGHT OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A HARD TIME CONTROLLING THE CAR, CAR WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE CARS TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. FINALLY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, CAR SPUN OUT IN GRAVEL THAT WAS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR DID AT LEAST TWO FULL CIRCLES THAN POPPED SOME 10 FEET WHERE CAR HIT TELEPHONE POLE ON ITS DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THIS WAS A GREAT IMPACT ON MY SHOULDERS. AT THE TIME ALL I KNEW WAS THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOWDOWN EVEN WHEN BRAKING. I KNOW NOW AND HAVE FOR SOME YEARS THAT THE EXCELERATOR STUCK ON THIS VEHICLE. SURE ENOUGH NOT UNTIL A COUPLE YEARS AFTER MY ACCIDENT TOYOTA CAME OUT WITH THERE EXCELERATOR PROBLEMS. SO I JUST THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE KNOWN THAT TOYOTA HAD THESE PROBLEMS ON THERE 2001 CAMRY'S ALSO BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TO ME. I SAVED SOME DOCUMENTION FROM THIS ACCIDENT BUT I REALIZE IT'S BEEN SOME YEARS AGO.
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ON 5/10/2006 WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 CAMRY SOLARA ON A RURAL ROAD I COULDN'T SLOW THE CAR DOWN, BRAKING DIDN'T HELP. I KEPT BEARING TO THE RIGHT OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A HARD TIME CONTROLLING THE CAR, CAR WANTED TO GO TOWARDS THE CARS TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. FINALLY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, CAR SPUN OUT IN GRAVEL THAT WAS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR DID AT LEAST TWO FULL CIRCLES THAN POPPED SOME 10 FEET WHERE CAR HIT TELEPHONE POLE ON ITS DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THIS WAS A GREAT IMPACT ON MY SHOULDERS. AT THE TIME ALL I KNEW WAS THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOWDOWN EVEN WHEN BRAKING. I KNOW NOW AND HAVE FOR SOME YEARS THAT THE EXCELERATOR STUCK ON THIS VEHICLE. SURE ENOUGH NOT UNTIL A COUPLE YEARS AFTER MY ACCIDENT TOYOTA CAME OUT WITH THERE EXCELERATOR PROBLEMS. SO I JUST THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE KNOWN THAT TOYOTA HAD THESE PROBLEMS ON THERE 2001 CAMRY'S ALSO BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TO ME. I SAVED SOME DOCUMENTION FROM THIS ACCIDENT BUT I REALIZE IT'S BEEN SOME YEARS AGO.
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AIR BAG LIGHT STAYING ON (STATIONARY AND IN MOTION)
DOOR LATCHES GET STUCK CLOSED. IT SEEMS THE PLASTIC AROUND THE LATCH IS THE CAUSE.
MY AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON, ON MY DASH FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW. I SEE NO RECALLS, BUT RESEARCHED IT. LOOKS LIKE MY AIRBAGS AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A STEEL POLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT KICKED THE DOOR OPEN AND CRAWLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LOT OF INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE POLICE CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ *JS
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED FORCEFULLY INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM STRAINED CHEST MUSCLES AND CRACKED RIBS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL SLUDGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
JUST WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, I HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE DRIVER SEAT BELT TO CLASP. IT TAKE A FEW TRIES, BUT FINALLY DOES. BUT, IT DOE NOT SEEM SECURE AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT MAY BECOME UNCLAPSED WHILE DRIVING. IN THE PAST IT ALWAYS WORKED FINE AND THE CLASP SEEMED MUCH MORE SECURE. I WAS WONDERING IF ANY OTHER DRIVER HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS. I SINCERELY APPRECIATE ANY HELP OR GUIDANCE YOU COULD GIVE ME. *TR THANK YOU. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,557.
PASSENGER WAS DRIVING APPROX 50MPH AND COLLIDED WITH A DEER WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER NEITHER THE DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
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PASSENGER WAS DRIVING APPROX 50MPH AND COLLIDED WITH A DEER WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER NEITHER THE DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
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PASSENGER WAS DRIVING APPROX 50MPH AND COLLIDED WITH A DEER WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER NEITHER THE DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAR IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RETRACTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56,000.
THE SEAT BELT STAYS AT FAR EXTENSION AND WILL NOT RETRACT, SO IT WILL NOT FUNCTION. I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR COMPANY AND THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE FIXED AND MUST BE REPLACED. I FIRST NOTIFIED TOYOTA OF THIS ON MAY 21, 2012 BY SPEAKING WITH THE "CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER". [XXX] SAID SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAY. 2 BUSINESS DAYS LATER LATE PM I RECEIVED A CALL FROM [XXX] WHO TOLD ME TO GO TO A TOYOTA DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT & GET AN ESTIMATE FOR REPLACEMENT. I ASKED IF IT COULD BE REPLACED FOR FREE, SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT SHOULD NOT MALFUNCTION. SHE SAID GET THE ESTIMATE FIRST AND THEN CALL HER. I WENT THE FOLLOWING DAY (5/22) AND RECEIVED THE ESTIMATE. ON THE MORNING OF MAY 22 I CALLED [XXX] NUMBER & LEFT A MESSAGE. ON THE AFTERNOON OF 5/22 I CALLED AGAIN. SHE AGAIN WAS NOT THERE, SO I HELD ON FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP ME. [XXX] SAID [XXX] WAS NOT AVAILABLE. I TOLD HER I AM FORCED TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SEATBELT, AND ASKED IF SHE OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HELP ME. SHE SAID I CAN ONLY SPEAK WITH MY "CASE MANAGER" [XXX]. I INSISTED ON SPEAKING WITH HER MANAGER. SHE TOLD ME THE MANAGER WENT HOME. I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH ANOTHER MANAGER. SHE SAID I COULD ONLY SPEAK WITH [XXX] WHO WOULD ABSOLUTELY CALL ME BACK WITH 24 HOURS. 24 HOURS LATER [XXX] HAD NOT CALLED. I CALLED HER AND SHE DID NOT ANSWER, BUT I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE ALSO IN HER DEPARTMENT WHO AGAIN SAID NEITHER HE ("[XXX]")NOR ANYONE ELSE COULD HELP ME THAT DAY. HE SAID A MANAGER WOULD CALL ME BACK WITHIN 24 HOURS. I TOLD HIM I AM DRIVING AROUND FOR DAYS WITHOUT A SEATBELT WAITING FOR THEM, AND INSISTED ON SPEAKING WITH HIS MANAGER'S MANAGER. HE SAID " A MANAGER WILL CALL YOU BACK IN 1 BUSINESS DAY". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA V6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED POLLUTION AND AN ENGINE FIRE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $8,000. THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 03/15/11*LJ UPDATED 10/12/11
EMISSIONS SYSTEM. OBD II CODE P0446 FAILED VENT VALVE (APPARENTLY THERE ARE 3 OF THESE, ONE NEXT TO THE AIR CLEANER HOUSING, AND TWO ON THE CHARCOAL CANISTER LOCATED UNDER THE CAR NEXT TO THE GAS TANK). THE SYSTEM IS INSTALLED TO MEET EPA REQUIREMENTS WHICH LIMIT HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS FROM THE ATMOSPHERE. THIS FAILURE ALONG WITH OTHERS REPRESENTED BY CODES P0440, P0441, P0442, ETC. HAVE BEEN REPORTED ESPECIALLY FOR TOYOTA MODELS BUILT FROM THE LATE 1990'S THROUGH EARLY TO MID 2000S AND HAVE PLAGUED MOTORIST FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS OR MORE. YET NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY EPA OR DOT TO REMEDY WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THIS SYSTEM IN THESE CARS AS REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES HERE AND IN OTHER PLACES ON THE INTERNET. WHY NOT? IF LIMITING EMISSIONS IS SO IMPORTANT WHY HAVEN'T YOU REQUIRED A RECALL OF AUTOMOBILES MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEMS? WHAT HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED BY OWNERS OF THESE AUTOMOBILES IS CONSISTENT MISDIAGNOSIS OF THIS FAILURE BY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS COSTING DRIVERS HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN UNNECESSARY REPAIRS ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME CODE(S) REOCCUR A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS LATER. THE RESULT: FAILED STATE EMISSIONS TESTS, DRIVERS UNABLE TO USE THEIR AUTOMOBILES TO GET TO WORK, AND MORE COSTLY REPAIRS. NOT TO MENTION FOULED AIR. IF THIS SYSTEM IS SO COMPLEX THAT EVEN DEALERS CAN'T PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR IT, THAT IN ITSELF IS CAUSE TO RECALL IT, REPAIR IT PROPERLY AND GET THESE CARS BACK ON THE ROAD SAFELY. YOU STATE THAT COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR AGENCY, YET YOU'VE DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE FOR THE MAJORITY OF MOTORISTS THAT HAVE REPORTED THIS FLAW TO YOU MANY TIMES OVER MANY YEARS. DON'T YOU THINK IT'S TIME YOU DID SO? SOME MAY CONCLUDE THAT YOUR FAILURE TO ACT INDICATES THAT THE MANUFACTURERS CONTROL YOUR AGENCY AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. *TR
I'VE OWNED MY 2001 SOLARA SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN APRIL 2001. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY REAL PROBLEMS WITH IT (I'VE HAD ALL OF THE NORMAL MAINTENANCE, WEAR & TEAR STUFF DONE), UNTIL ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. MY WIFE & I WERE OUT OF TOWN AND WERE TURNING AROUND AT A STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP. IT HAD JUST RAINED EXTREMELY HEAVILY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF SURFACE WATER ON THE ROAD. I JUST ASSUMED THAT PERHAPS THE POWER STEERING DRIVE BELT GOT WET AND WAS SLIPPING (ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T HEAR ANY SQUEALING). AFTER THAT THE STEERING SEEMED OK. THEN ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I STARTED NOTICING THE PROBLEM MORE REGULARLY, MOSTLY WHILE "UN-PARKING" THE CAR FROM A PARALLEL PARKING SPOT. I CAN BACK UP OK, BUT WHEN I STEER THE CAR TO BEGIN DRIVING, THE STEERING LOCKS UP & I HAVE TO STOP, BACK UP AGAIN, & "STEER OUT OF IT." ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS KIND OF STEERING PROBLEM? I HAVE 125,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAS DONE A RECENT RECALL ON CRACKED STEERING BOXES ON CERTAIN MODELS. I HAD A '76 CELICA ONE TIME THAT DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION CASTING AT ABOUT 80 OR 90,000 MILES. *TR
SEAT BELT DOESN'T RETURN. INSTEAD, IT IS FULLY EXTENDED AT ALL TIMES, WITH SHOULDER BELT LYING ON MY LAP, AND SEAT BELT BEING WAY TO LOOSE. *TR
ON 4/1/08, IN THE MORNING, ON WET ROADS, I WAS DRIVING MY '01 TOYOTA SOLARA AND NEEDED TO STOP SHORT IN TRAFFIC. I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NEVER KICKED IN, NOR DID THE CAR SLOW DOWN. I HAD REAR ENDED A TOYOTA SEQUOIA. I HAD MENTIONED TO THE OTHER DRIVER THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I HAD ALSO TOLD THE POLICE OFFICER THE SAME. MY TOYOTA SOLARA WAS TOTALED. CONVINCED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED OUT, AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. ONLY AFTER HEARING THE RECENT WOES OF OTHER TOYOTAS' WITH THE STICKING ACCELERATOR, DID IT FINALLY CLICK AND MAKE SENSE. THIS IS WHY THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND WHY THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THE REASON I AM REPORTING THIS NOW IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE TOYOTA VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR LONGER THAN THE RECALLS LISTS SUGGEST, AND I BELIEVE MORE INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE DONE ON THE HIGHER MILEAGE VEHICLES. *TR
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2001 TOYOTA SOLARA WITH 147000 MILES. GAS PEDAL HAS A CATCH IN IT WHEN IT IS ALL THE WAY BACK, OR RETURNED. WHEN YOU GO TO PRESS DOWN, IT WON'T GO DOWN AND FEELS LIKE IT IS CATCHING ON SOMETHING. IT WILL SUDDENLY RELEASE CAUSING SOME OVER ACCELERATION. OUR LOCAL DEALER SAYS THIS IS NOT PART OF THE TOYOTA RECALL AND IT WILL COST $35.00 TO CLEAN IT UP TO FIX. IF SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT IT BEFORE IT'S FIXED LET ME KNOW. *TR
ON 9/24/08 I WENT TO TOWN FAIR TIRE AND HAD FOUR TIRES REPLACED AT A COST OR $539.12. I WAS TOLD YOKOHAMA TIRES WERE THE BEST AND HAD THE BEST MILEAGE UP TO 80,000 MILES. AT THAT TIME I HAD THE FOUR TIRES REPLACED WITH THE MILEAGE ON MY CAR AT 74,000 MILES. ON 6/3/09 I BROUGHT MY CAR WHICH NOW HAD 81,000 MLS. ON IT WITH A BUBBLE ON MY TIRE AND HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A CA COST OF $134.51. FIVE MONTHS LATER ON 11/02/09 I WENT BACK TO TOWN FAIR TIRE WITH 83,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND ANOTHER BUBBLE ON MY TIRE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR FORTY TWO YEARS AND NEVER HAD A BUBBLE ON A TIRE AND IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND LESS THAN 10,000 MILES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO OF THESE TIRES BECAUSE OF BUBBLES. TOWN FAIR TIRE SAYS ITS MY DRIVING, I SAY THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TIRES AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. I AM ON DISABILITY AND DO NOT DRIVE TO OFTEN BUT I LIKE TO FEEL SAFE WHEN I DO. I WOULD LIKE THESE TIRES INVESTIGATED. $800.00 FOR TIRES A YEAR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL HAVE TO SPEND MORE.. THE TIRES ARE YOKOHAMA AVID TRZ ID CC208213308-4208-4408 I WOULD APPRECIATE AN ANSWER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ENTERING A PARKING SPACE SHE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, SHE CRASHED INTO CONCRETE WALL. HER VEHICLE RECEIVED $3800.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS BECAUSE OF AN INTERFERENCE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE FLOOR MAT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.UPDATED 10/26/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/09
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AIR BAGS ON 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA SLE MAY NOT BE WORKING PROPERLY SINCE AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH OIL TURNING INTO GEL. THE ENGINE QUIT OPERATING COMPLETELY. *TR
OIL SLUDGE AND GELLING PROBLEM ON ALL TOYOTA ENGINES IN CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA FROM 1998 TO 2002. I HAVE THIS ISSUE AS WELL AND THE CAR GIVES OUT SMOKE, FAILS INSPECTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND LEADS TO PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. WHILE IDLING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL RPM AND WENT THROUGH FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STRUCK ONE VEHICLE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,000. UPDATED 02-25-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. UPDATED 3/18/08 *CN TEXAS POLICE REPORT UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. WHILE IDLING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL RPM AND WENT THROUGH FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STRUCK ONE VEHICLE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,000. UPDATED 02-25-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. UPDATED 3/18/08 *CN TEXAS POLICE REPORT UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR
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PAINT IS PEELING AND BODY METAL IS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE. *CN
PAINT IS PEELING AND BODY METAL IS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE. *CN
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE IN 2002. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE DEALER REBUILT THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECENTLY STARTED TO EXPERIENCE WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE AGAIN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICES. *AK
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH UNDERIN WET CONDITIONS IT STRUCK THE REAR END OF A SECOND VEHICLE. HE THEN DROVE OFF AN EMBANKMENT, WENT THROUGH ABOUT 12 WOODEN POSTS, AND CRASHED INTO A BOLDER WHICH CRUSHED THE FRONT BUMPER IN HALF. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN BY HIS INSURANCE COMPANY FROM THE CRASH SITE TO TRY AND DETERMINE IF THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK
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ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2006 I PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND STARTED MY 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK AND HAD NEVER BEEN MOVED. WITHIN SECONDS OF STARTING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT I SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT ULNA, NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN (CERVICAL SPRAIN) AND ISSUES WITH HEARING IN MY LEFT EAR. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE!*JB
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SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA BEGAN TO SHUDDER, SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60+ MPH. WHILE PULLING OVER TO THE OFF RAMP, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL ITSELF WOULD FIGHT BACK, PUSHING AGAINST THE PRESSURE. AN INSPECTION BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP REVEALED NO FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM (THE FRONT END HAD BEEN ALIGNED LESS THAN 10,000 MILES EARLIER), AND A CHECK BY THE TIRE COMPANY DID NOT REVEAL ANY UNEVEN WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM WOULD MANIFEST ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY, AND ONLY AFTER TRAVELING MORE THAN 5 MILES ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP LAST MONTH AND, AFTER A TEST DRIVE WITH THE MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGING WHEN THEY HEATED UP AFTER DRIVING MORE THAN 5 MILES. THE SOLUTION SUGGESTED WAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER AT A COST OF $1400! I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS WOULD RESULT IN THE BRAKES LOCKING UP - A VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THERE HAD BEEN NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MODEL AND PROBLEM, BUT I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MY SOLARA IS THE ONLY CAMRY MODEL TO EXPERIENCE THIS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE DRIVEN AMERICAN CARS IN THE PAST - ONE, A BUICK LESABRE, FOR MORE THAN 13 YEARS AND MORE THAN 180,000 MILES WITHOUT A PROBLEM OF THIS MAGNITUDE. I FEEL THAT DRIVERS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM REPORTING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, KEEPING IT OFF THE BULLETIN LIST AND AVOIDING ANY RECALL. *JB
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, MY 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA BEGAN TO SHUDDER, SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 60+ MPH. WHILE PULLING OVER TO THE OFF RAMP, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL ITSELF WOULD FIGHT BACK, PUSHING AGAINST THE PRESSURE. AN INSPECTION BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP REVEALED NO FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM (THE FRONT END HAD BEEN ALIGNED LESS THAN 10,000 MILES EARLIER), AND A CHECK BY THE TIRE COMPANY DID NOT REVEAL ANY UNEVEN WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM WOULD MANIFEST ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY, AND ONLY AFTER TRAVELING MORE THAN 5 MILES ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP LAST MONTH AND, AFTER A TEST DRIVE WITH THE MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGING WHEN THEY HEATED UP AFTER DRIVING MORE THAN 5 MILES. THE SOLUTION SUGGESTED WAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER AT A COST OF $1400! I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS WOULD RESULT IN THE BRAKES LOCKING UP - A VERY SCARY SITUATION. THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THERE HAD BEEN NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MODEL AND PROBLEM, BUT I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MY SOLARA IS THE ONLY CAMRY MODEL TO EXPERIENCE THIS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE DRIVEN AMERICAN CARS IN THE PAST - ONE, A BUICK LESABRE, FOR MORE THAN 13 YEARS AND MORE THAN 180,000 MILES WITHOUT A PROBLEM OF THIS MAGNITUDE. I FEEL THAT DRIVERS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM REPORTING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, KEEPING IT OFF THE BULLETIN LIST AND AVOIDING ANY RECALL. *JB
TOYOTA SOLARA 2001 HAD TO HAVE BRAKE VACUUM ASSIST PART REPLACED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD CAUSE HARM TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND EVENTUALLY MAY STOP ON HIGHWAY. CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS EXCELLENT CARE. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT TOYOTA HAD RECALL OF THIS PART FOR THEIR COROLLAS FOR THAT YEAR, BUT NOT THE SOLARA. THIS COST ME $800 AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL THE VACUUM ASSIST DRUMS FOR THAT YEAR SINCE THE PART IS THE SAME FOR ANY MODEL. *JB
TOYOTA SOLARA 2001 HAD TO HAVE BRAKE VACUUM ASSIST PART REPLACED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD CAUSE HARM TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND EVENTUALLY MAY STOP ON HIGHWAY. CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS EXCELLENT CARE. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT TOYOTA HAD RECALL OF THIS PART FOR THEIR COROLLAS FOR THAT YEAR, BUT NOT THE SOLARA. THIS COST ME $800 AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL THE VACUUM ASSIST DRUMS FOR THAT YEAR SINCE THE PART IS THE SAME FOR ANY MODEL. *JB
REAR WINDOW OF CONVERTIBLE TOP KEEPS HITTING THE BACK SEAT. WINDOW FINALLY BROKE OFF PIECE OF BACK SEAT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. WINDOW NOW HAS COME LOOSE - HANGING FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. TOOK CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SOLARA. THEY WILL MANUALLY ADJUST THE BACK SEAT FORWARD. THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR GLASS AND ASSEMBLY. AS SOON AS THE REPAIR FACILITY SAW MY CAR, THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY SAID THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX A LOT OF SOLARA CONVERTIBLES. ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM: THE REAR WINDOW HITS THE BACK SEAT AS IT GOES DOWN. TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT.
FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HAS LOOSE TRACK AND ROCKS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER ATTEMPTED A QUICK FIX PER TSB TO NO AVAIL. TOYOTA REP ADVISED TOYOTA WOULD REPLACE THE SEAT TRACK, BUT DEALER STATED I WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE $350.00 LABOR CHARGE. I WAS ADVISED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON DEFECT, BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. IF THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT, MATERILAS AND LABOR SHOULD BE AT THE EXPENSE OF TOYOTA. *AK
CAR ACCIDENT. BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE - $12000 IN FRONT END DAMAGE - NOT AIRBAG OR SEATBELT WORKED. WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SEVERAL INJURIES. CAR WAS FIXED, BUT AIRBAG NOT REPLACED. *AK
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CAR ACCIDENT. BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE - $12000 IN FRONT END DAMAGE - NOT AIRBAG OR SEATBELT WORKED. WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SEVERAL INJURIES. CAR WAS FIXED, BUT AIRBAG NOT REPLACED. *AK
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AFTER NUMEROUS LETTERS, PHONE CALLS AND VISITS TO THE DEALER VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PULLING TO THE LEFT. (NAR) *PH *CB
WHILE PULLING INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PLACED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE INTO A BRICK WALL. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *LA THE DRIVER IS STILL UNDER DOCTOR'S CARE. *NM
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WHILE PULLING INSIDE OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PLACED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE INTO A BRICK WALL. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *LA THE DRIVER IS STILL UNDER DOCTOR'S CARE. *NM
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SUDDEN ACCELERATION LEADING TO CRASH IN WALL...WITH INJURY TO DRIVER. *AK
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LTR FM TIMOTHY F. QUINN (NY) RE ALIGNMENT AND FRONT SUSPENSION DEFECTS FOR A 2001 TOYOTA SOLARA, INQUIRING WHEN NHTSA WILL INITIATE DEFECT INVESTIGATION, REPLY TO NEW YORK, NY OFC. *PH THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO PULL THE LEFT AND INTO THE OPPOSING LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NINE OCCASION, HOWEVER THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CROWN IN THE ROAD. *JB *SC
I HAD AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT THE BACK OF A VAN STOPPED TO TURN ON A ROADWAY (LEGALLY) AND I FAILED TO SEE IT UNTIL I WAS RIGHT UPON IT. I HIT THE BACK OF THIS VAN AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. ALTHOUGH THE VAN WAS HARDLY DAMAGED, MY WHOLE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED, INCLUDING PARTS OF MY RADIATOR, FANS AND BUMPER, LIGHTS, AND GRILL. HOWEVER, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PLACE THAT FIXED MY CAR, CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER ASSOCIATED WITHOUT THE DURANT TOYOTA HOUSE HERE IN WEATHERFROD, TEXAS SAID THAT ONLY ONE OF MY SENSORS WAS DAMAGED DURING THE IMPACT. NOW I WANT TO KNOW IS MY AIRBAG GOING TO DEPLOY WHILE I AM DRIVING OR WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE AND WHY DIDN'T IT DEPLOY DURING THIS IMPACT? I SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES FROM THIS IMPACT. I AM HAVING PHYSICAL THERAPY TO HELP MY THORACIC MUSCLE. I ALSO HIT MY KNEES ON THE DASHBOARD DURING THE IMPACT. I ALSO HAD A LARGE BRUISE AND A SMALL CUT ON MY LEFT SIDE OF MY THROAT FROM WHERE THE SEAT BELT CAUGHT ME. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG AND EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT DID NOT GO OFF. A 40 MILE PER HOUR IMPACT HIT SQUARELY BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE SET OFF MY AIRBAGS, AT LEAST I FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE. I HAVE NO FAITH IN THE AIRBAG THAT IS PRESENTLY INSTALLED IN MY CAR AND I FEEL THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THESE BACK AND NECK INJURIES IF IT HAD GONE OFF AS IT SHOULD HAVE. I WANT MY CURRENT AIRBAG COMPLETELY REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE SENSORS, BY TOYOTA.*JB
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