1996 Toyota Camry: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Acceleration · 190,000 miles · VA

On september 19, 2014, when my wife was driving a 96 toyota camry car home, all of the sudden, the vehicle automatically accelerated, she hit the brake hard but the vehicle still went 40 MPH. She almost hit several vehicles before she managed to shift it to the parking mode and stop the vehicle in the up-slope driveway. At this time, the vehicle was still roaring and smoke came out and she turned off the engine. We felt this is a very serious safety issue and is similar to accident happened several years ago. We would like to report it to the federal safety agency and wish you start a swift investigation. Thank you.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Acceleration · 311,000 miles · MN

I entered the freeway on-ramp and accelerated. The car continued to accelerate even after I took my foot off the gas pedal. I kicked the pedal down a couple times to get it unstuck. Instead of coming unstuck, it stuck all the way to the floor. (the engine accelerated to the maximum amount. I think the actual pedal came back up to the idle position.) the brakes slowed the car some when I pushed on the pedal with both feet with my hands on the steering wheel and standing up so all my weight and strength was on the brake. The brakes smelled of burning and I thought for a second that maybe I was getting it under control. However, when I looked at the speedometer, it read 95 and the brakes were smoking and smelling quite strong. I put the car into neutral and continued to push hard on the brake. It slowed down to maybe to 65 or so. By then the engine was running so fast I thought it would blow up and it was night on a relatively deserted freeway so I put it back into gear and continued this pattern for approximately 8 miles - speeding up to way past 95, riding the brakes until they smoked and smelled too much (I thought they would become useless if I let them burn up) putting it into neutral and slowing down for as long as I thought was ok before blowing the engine, repeat, etc.. Just prior to my exit, the unintended acceleration stopped and I got off onto the side streets. When I accelerated after a stop sign, the accelerator stuck but I immediately put it into neutral and then shut the key off, stopping the engine. It did this two more times. The repair shop cleaned the throttle body and it has not happened again. I was in the army infantry during the 60's but had not had a flashback for a very long time. I had flashbacks of this experience several times when entering a freeway entrance ramp. It was a most terrifying experience and research has shown that our ability to respond logically is greatly diminished under that high stress.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Engine · VA

The consumer was concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire because the vehicle was leaking oil. *nm the rear main seal leaked. Smoke was also present. *sc

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Electrical · 54,000 miles · NJ · fire

My 1996 toyota camry caught on fire while on the road. The vehicle was tottalled.

Filed Aug 19, 2002 · Engine · LA

Vehicle has excessive oil consumption, there is blue smoke coming from tailpipe at start up. Dealer stated there was a sludge problem in engine due to the oil not being changed regularly.

Filed May 7, 2001 · Electrical · OH · fire

Engine caught on fire while driving down the highway.

Filed Nov 7, 2000 · Fuel system · IL · fire

Consumer was at gas station to fill her vehicle, as soon as she opened gas tank flames burst out. Very little fuel was left in tank , fire burned out quickly. Had vehicle towed to dealer, who told her car was fine. Static had caused fire. Engine was shut off.

Filed Jul 12, 1999 · Airbags · CO · fire · 1 injury

While driving at approximately 10 MPH tire slightly hit a curb, causing dual airbags to deploy. The passenger's side front airbag caught on fire , resulting in 1st degree burns to the driver , but there was no passenger seated.