Camry Solara 4 cyl

• Automatic transmission
• 42,353 miles

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Complaint Photos

October 17, 2009, I experienced sudden unintended acceleration in my 2004 Toyota Camry Solara with only 42,353 miles while attempting to park at work. As I applied the brakes prior to reaching the cement parking stop I heard and felt a quick surge from the engine. My first thought was to hit the brake and try to get the transmission in park. No way! The car quickly jumped the cement parking stop like a bucking bull. The parking lot sits above our place of business. Directly in front of this space approx. 10", is a two foot cement wall with an downhill walkway to our sales office. To the right of me approx. 6-7 parking spaces was a jeep wagon. I steered right knocking down a small tree in the parkway. I saw the Jeep and corrected left grazing the front bumper then came to a stop. My ruined car sat atop a downward stairwell. The Insurance Co. totaled my Toyota. I have pictures that were taken within 15 minutes of accident (no was interested). I contacted Toyota and filed a complaint with NHTSA. Toyota said they would investigate and get back to me within 60 days. October 24 2009 they determined that it was not the result of any type of manufacturing defect. That possibly a floor mat (house floor mat) that was found in the auto could have interfered with the throttle or brake operation. It seems strange that they do not list the 2004 Camry as a recall yet say it could have been a floor mat? I also noted something about the floor mat excuse. Prior to learning about all the problems with Toyota or learning about the San Diego accident ( I still considered it a safe automobile) I purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry Solara. The throttle pedal is way to high about 3" above the mat. In my opinion it seems many that have much more expertise in this feel the floor mat crisis is bogus. I did, however, take out the mats in question. I now cringe every time I hit a bump or hear a strange noise. As was tragically illustrated in the crash in San Diego that killed those people, this problem can have nightmarish consequences. The accident still resonates. I have lost a portion of my confidence and my sense of security and possibly my job.