2004 Toyota Camry Solara: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Nov 12, 2015 · Acceleration · 166,455 miles · NJ

The vehicle stalls when gas is applied or it jerks when going from low speeds to high speeds, after gas is applied. The vehicle also hesitates to accelerate after full stops. I went to a toyota camry dealer, sansone toyota located at 90-100 route 1 north in avenel, nj 07001. They found that the car is shifting abnormally and so they updated calibration software in the vehicle. After service at sansone toyota, the car still jerks when switching from low speeds (like 20 MPH) to higher speeds (like 60 MPH). Sometimes it jerks very violently and it always hesitates when gas is applied, after full stops (like at a stop sign or a red light). In addition, the vehicle sometimes accelerates, a little, when I apply breaks with the intend to slow down. A couple mechanics I went to say that the vehicle may need a new transmission, but I have read complaints on this site that a lot of toyota vehicles may have acceleration problems. Some 2004 toyota camry solara vehicles have been recalled for speed control problems. I don't wan to invest into a transmission if the car will have the same issue. My VIN was not included in the recall. I need to know if my 2004 toyota solara should have been included in the original recall.

Filed Oct 3, 2006 · Transmission · 200 miles · CA

I have serious safety concerns with the way my car consistently lags before accelerating. This hesitation has been consistent from day one of my ownership (purchased dealer new). When the car is in motion, or at a stop, any type of immediate push of the gas pedal will result in a delayed/slow response to pick up speed. This delay has nearly caused (2)two accidents under normal driving conditions: (1)accelerating to get onto freeway. (2)accelerating to avoid an errant lane change from a nearby car.

Filed Jun 19, 2005 · Transmission · AZ

I purchased a 2004 toyota solara sle v6 from superstitions springs toyota in arizona just over 24 hours ago. When I started to drive it yesterday I almost got in a bad accident on the highway when someone started to pull over on me. I hit the gas pedal and went nowhere for at least 1-2 seconds. Thank god the guy heard my horn. I went to the dealer and they said 'they could feel it too' but there was nothing wrong with it. I had read a customer comment about the problem just once and there was a reply that said there was some download for it. When I mentioned this to the service dept. They said they checked and there were no downloads for it. Told me that it was operating as it should and there would be some hesitation, then started in on some engineering explanation, and said they have some specialist come in once a month from toyota and he would ask him about this issue. I tried to reiterate that this is a huge safety issue and needs to be corrected now, but got no different reply. I had noted some slight hesitation when I was test driving it, but really didn't notice any appreciable hesitation when I very briefly had it on expressway drive (only allowed about a 1/2 mile then told to turn off). However yesterday when I finally drove it, I started to feel like I was getting whiplash from the hesitation, lunging and jerking around, and then I almost got in a bad accident because of it. Now I am stuck with a car I don't feel comfortable driving and have a huge loan hanging over my head to boot. I guess I will just drive it as little as possible so I don't get killed due to an 'engineering problem' and then get rid of it as soon as I can. I will never buy a toyota again. Big mistake. Please also reference this web site with many complaints about the same issue: http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000920023135 and this web site with one entry and a reply stating there is a fix: http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_76023.html

Filed May 13, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · TX

2004 toyota solara experiencing stalling or long hesitation when the vehicle's speed is below 25 MPH and the consumer attempts to accelerate.*mr this often happens when entering fast moving traffic from entrance ramp onto the expressway. The manufacturer stated that this was a characteristic of the engine and transmission and cannot be corrected. *bf

Filed Feb 11, 2005 · Transmission · 18 miles · NY

2004 toyota solara with v6 and auto trans. Have owned car since new and have a hesitation problem that makes it very difficult to drive. Extra caution is needed to enter hwys safely. I am also unable to accelerate coming out of turns without feeling the car lurch forward making it unsafe to drive in inclement weather. When taken to service at toyota they act like nothing is wrong. I know I am not crazy because its noticed by all my passengers. And upon my personal investigation have uncovered many complaints by owners of the same vehicle and by owners of lexus vehicles that use same engine and trans. In fact it is a common problem in all cars using an electronic control for the throttle as opposed to the old linkage system. I feel that this is a potentially dangerous condition and its only a matter of time before someone gets killed because of it. I also noticed quite a few complaints on this website pertaining to the same problem.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Body, Engine · VA

The consumer is unsatisfied with the bumpers inability to absorb a certain level of abuse without sustaining damage. *nm the consumer would like the status of the software update to correct the hesitation of the car to react immediately when attempting to accelerate. The inability of the car to accelerate in a timely manner is disconcerting to the consumer especially when driving in heavy, fast moving traffic. A nauseating rotten egg odor could be smelled inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 30, 2004 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · CA

Consumer stated that transmission hesitated when down shifting. There was a 3 to 4 second delay before the vehicle accelerated while stepping on the accelerator.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Acceleration · 9,400 miles · CA

When applying the accelerator pedal vehicle hesitated.

Filed Sep 16, 2004 · Transmission · TX

I own a 2004 toyota solara and have severe accelerator issues. The acceleration hesitates at various times. Sometimes it is from a complete stop, other times it is in low gear. This has become a hazard in driving amongst traffic. The car will not accelerate properly at a normal speed; as I said, it hesitates, making it very unsafe when pulling out onto a road, or starting from a stop. There have been numerous times that I thought I was going to be rear ended! The dealership mechanics cannot fix this problem. Toyota is stating that it is functioning as it has been designed, without admitting that there is an issue..but then state that they are trying to come up with a resolution. I have had my vehicle in the shop on 3 separate occasions since purchase in april. Each time they try different things...I.e., resetting the computer, running tests, etc.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Steering · WV

Purchased 2004 solara in september 2003. Had it in for service twice for pulling to the left. It was repaired both times with no reason for problem. Car performs ok for a few days then starts pulling left again. *ak also - hesitation on accelerator. Dealer informed me that it was normal for slight hesitation when giving car gas. Also addressed this issue twice. Feel that I have purchased a problem car and am very concerned