Was driving the car normally to work as I have for the past 2 years. Was stopped at a stop sign with a vehicle directly in front. Took my foot off the brake to allow the car to roll forward and the car took off about 4-6 feet into the car in front. The only sign of a problem was the rpms jumped slightly as the car took off. Tried using the brake but it couldn't hold the car. Minor damage to my vehicle and no damage to vehicle struck. Called the dealer, was told to bring the car in. When they looked at the car they said it was fine and I needed new rotors. Asked about why the car jerked forward, was told there was nothing they could do about it since they were not there. Frustrated, took the car to be privately inspected elsewhere, again, could not find anything wrong with the car. Mechanic could not explain why the car jerked forward. Was told to monitor crackling noise I complained about just in case it became worse, at current time was fine but could be early sign of a timing chain tensioner problem. Car has currently 39,855K and has had 2 new belt tensioners installed, 1 new belt, and 1 new timing chain tensioner replaced. Have previously complained of brake problems, including the feeling of being rear-ended at a low speed, as well as the car jerking forward while driving at low speeds. The car also on occasion continues to gas engine even after gas pedal has been released, when brake or gas is tapped the car resumes to normal operation. Was told by dealer that they could not duplicate problem and car was fine.

- Vernon, NJ, USA

Twice while driving at 60 mph on the highway (in traffic but not bumper to bumper), my Toyota Matrix engine turned off. I was on the right and able to pull over to the side and restart the engine, however had I been in the left lane this would not have been possible and a serious accident could have happened. The vehicle subsequently was inspected by the dealers' service department (russell Toyota in catonsville, Maryland). They could not duplicate the failure and found nothing wrong with the car. The car is only a few months old and has 11,800 miles on it, and has received all proper service checks, oil changes, etc.

- Columbia, MD, USA