2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

On June 25, 2014, Toyota initiated a Warranty Enhancement Program (ZE1) to extend warranty coverage for the brake actuator assembly and skid control ECU/brake pedal stroke sensor in certain MY 2007 to 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles. Toyota's program covers repairs related to two conditions:internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly; and overly sensitive monitoring logic for the Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor.Primary coverage provides warranty enhancement until November 30, 2015, with no mileage limitation.After the primary coverage period ends, secondary coverage is provided for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the date of first use, whichever occurs first.In addition, on July 10, 2014, Toyota initiated Limited Service Campaign E0U to replace the Brake Reservoir Tank in MY 2007 through 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles.The LSC will be available until June 30, 2017, and will only be available at an authorized Toyota dealer.ODI's analysis of failure data determined that the majority of records were related to the Brake Actuator condition, which appeared to be the causal component in 734 complaints/field reports and 864 warranty claims.The Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor (80 reports/189 claims) and Brake Reservoir Tank (91 reports/44 claims) conditions were identified in far fewer records.Analysis of the failure data indicate that each condition provides warning prior to any reduction in power assisted braking, with less than 10 percent of all reports and claims involving diagnostic codes or complaint narratives indicating increased braking effort or reduced brake effectiveness.In addition, most of the incidents in which reduced braking assist appears to have occurred involved operation in a reduced assist mode and not a sudden, complete loss of power assisted braking.ODI assessed reduced assist mode in a subjective driving evaluation which indicated that the brake system provided normal and harddeceleration capability with reasonable increases in pedal effort.Less than one percent of reports and claims analyzed by ODI included evidence indicating a complete loss of power assisted braking occurred and this mode requires operation for a significant period of time with multiple audible and visual warnings.Repair expense was cited in many of the complaints reviewed by ODI, especially those related to the Brake Actuator, which had repair costs exceeding $3,000 according to some complaints.High repair cost appears to have been a factor in the only crash identified by ODI for the fault conditions identified by Toyota, which involved a Brake Actuator failure that was diagnosed but the owner declined repair approximately eight months prior to the reported crash incident.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, including analysis of the Brake Actuator, Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor, and Brake Reservoir Tank fault conditions and failure experience, see Attachment A to this closing resume.

On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years:2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe.See NHTSA recall number 12V-491 for more details, including the affected vehicle manufacture dates for each vehicle model.Note that only early-production 2009 model year vehicles are included in the recall.Toyota and GM dealers will inspect the power window master switch (PWMS) assemblies and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up.The circuit board in the PWMS may be replaced with a new one if notchy or sticking feeling is observed during the inspection.The failure report summary above shows counts for the vehicles identified at the start of this Engineering Analysis, specifically the approximately 1.4 million vehicles that share an identical PWMS assembly design including, model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, and Yaris built from September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all 2008 Highlander Hybrid.Toyota subsequently identified approximately one million additional vehicles that have a slightly different PWMS design but contain the same defect condition.Note that the totals for complaints and fires shown above may include duplicative reports (between ODI and manufacturer reports).This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10323848, 10360414, 10392622, 10394453, 10411328, 10429983, 10436663, 10446699, 10447416, 10447417, 10447419, 10447444, 10447515, 10447845, 10447947, 10449270, 10450133, 10450568, 10450606, 10450641, 10451821, 10455540, 10455614, 10456353, 10456438, 10457854, 10457955, 10459730, 10460166, 10460691, 10461220, 10462140, 10462200, 10462247, 10462404, 10462705, 10462761, 10464451, 10464769, 10465421, 10466279, 10466667, 10468126, 10468265, 10475230, 10470313, 10470684, 10471551, 10471824, 10472336, 10472910, 10473753, 10473967, 10473969, 10476921, 10477469, 10478563 and 10478657.

ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design.They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-006) to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10461220, 10460691, 10460166, 10459730, 10457955, 10457854, 10456438, 10456353, 10455614, 10455540, 10451821, 10450641, 10450606, 10450568, 10450133, 10449270, 10447947, 10447845, 10447515, 10447444, 10447419, 10447417, 10447416, 10446699, 10436663, 10429983, 10411328, 10407290, 10394453, 10392622, 10360414, 10323848.

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOM WHO OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND STICKY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED A GLARE IN THE DRIVER'S FACE, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. TOYOTA WALNUT CREEK (2100 N BROADWAY, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596, (925) 357-3700) WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT EVERYONE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED LAST YEAR. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11252261

Incident

Jul 1, 2019

Mileage

95,000 mi

THE DASHBOARD PAD HAS DETERIORATED WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS. IT IS GOOEY. WHEN I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND MENTIONED IT, IT WAS NOT ADDRESSED. I CALLED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS TWICE AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A NOTIFICATION BUT IT HAS EXPIRED. SO, THEY WILL NOT HONOR A REQUEST TO REPLACE THE PAD. I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATIONS THEY ALLEGE THEY SENT. THE PAD IS REALLY DANGEROUS SINCE IT REFLECTS OFF THE WINDSHIELD AND IS BLINDING WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS. THE PART ITSELF COSTS OVER $1,000; I DO NOT KNOW WHAT LABOR AND TAX COSTS ARE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT THROUGH TOFFICIAL OYOTA SERVICE.

NHTSA ID

11228677

Incident

Jul 1, 2019

Mileage

89,000 mi

DASH HEADBOARD IS VERY STICKY AND WHEN DRIVING IN SUNNY CONDITIONS THERE IS A REALLY BAD GLARE.

NHTSA ID

11207937

Incident

Jun 1, 2017

ON OR ABOUT MID APRIL 2018 THIS VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED AND UNATTENDED OUTSIDE IN UPSTATE NY FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME WAS FROM THE MID 20S TO THE MID 30'S WITH SOME SNOW. AFTER 2 WEEKS, I CAME BACK AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT FROM IT'S PARKED SPOT WHEN I DISCOVERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE WHERE THE D/S REAR CALIPER PINS WERE FOUND FROZEN AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS FOUND RUSTED. ON APRIL 2019 THE SAME VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED IN UPSTATE NY WHEN THE LOCAL TEMPERATURE VARIED FROM THE LOW 30'S TO THE HIGH 30'S WITH SOME SNOW ON THE GROUND. I RETURNED AFTER 2 WEEKS AND THIS TIME IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED AND THE REAR ROTORS WERE FOUND EXTREMELY RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE ALSO FOUND EXTREMELY RUSTED BUT WERE NOT REPLACED AT THIS TIME. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PARTIALLY STUCK AND HARD TO BRAKE FREE FROM REAR ROTOR DUE TO RUST.

NHTSA ID

11207516

Incident

Apr 22, 2019

Mileage

142,671 mi

I'M HAVING A GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD (WHEN I'M DRIVING AND PARTICULARLY IN SUNNY CONDITIONS) FROM MY DASHBOARD THAT HAS MELTED. IT'S BECOME VERY SHINY AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE TRIED CLEANING IT BUT BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANCE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CLEAN IT.

NHTSA ID

11204420

Incident

Apr 27, 2019

Mileage

140,000 mi

AS I WAS BACKING UP THE BRAKES WENT SOFT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN ALL OF SUDDEN ENGAGED. A FEW DAYS LATER MY BRAKE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS LIGHT TURNED ON AND CHECK VSC SYSTEM WAS DISPLAYED.

NHTSA ID

11173002

Incident

Jan 14, 2019

Mileage

150 mi

THE FIRST TIME THE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" (ATTACHMENT) CAME UP WAS ABOUT THE FIRST WEEK OF JAN 2019 WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. SINCE I WAS ON THE RIGHT HAND LAND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE. AFTER I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED FOR 1 MINUTE AND TURN THE ENGINE BACK ON, THE MESSAGE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" DISAPPEAR FROM THE DASHBOARD. WHEN I GOT HOME AND SEARCHED FOR THIS ERROR MESSAGE MANY PEOPLE SAYS THIS COULD BE DUE TO A LOOSE GAS CAP SO I MAKE SURE IT'S TIGHTEN. THEN ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER ON JAN 17, 2019, THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BUZZER WILL CHIME BEFORE I EVEN START THE ENGINE. WHEN I START THE ENGINE THEN THE "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" COMES ON AND IT DOESN'T GO AWAY. I TRIED TO TURN THE ENGINE ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT DOESN'T RESOLVE THE ISSUE LIKE LAST TIME. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT PROVIDES VIRTUALLY NO BREAK. IT WOULD TAKE ME A VERY LONG DISTANCE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MORE THAN 25 MPH. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TWO CODES CAME UP FOR ABS PUMP AND ABS MOTOR. HE TRIED TO USE HIS TOOL TO TURN ON THE ABS PUMP IT DOESN'T WORK. THEN WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE BRAKE WARRANTY(ATTACHMENT) BUT I WHEN I WENT TO THE A TOYOTA DEALER, THE DEALER SAID THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED ON 3/14/2018 SINCE THE FIRST DATE OF USE WAS 3/14/2008. I BELIEVE SINCE THE SECONDARY WARRANTY WAS FOR 150K MILES AND MY CAR HAS ONLY 121K MILES ON IT, IT SHOULD BE COVERED. IF I HAD DRIVE 20K PER MILE PER YEAR, THIS ISSUE WOULD HAVE APPEARED TWO YEARS AGO WHICH WAS WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

NHTSA ID

11171248

Incident

Jan 17, 2019

Mileage

121,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND A CHIME SOUND WAS HEARD. ALSO, THE ABS, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRED WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO PETERSON TOYOTA (9101 W FAIRVIEW AVE, BOISE, ID 83704, (208) 963-8218). THE DEALER CHECKED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY BOTH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECEIVING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKE AND THE STATUTE EXPIRED ON MARCH 28, 2018. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11155967

Incident

Nov 26, 2018

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.