1996 Toyota Celica problems

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 500,000 miles · OH · crash · 2 injuries

This incident occurred when my 1996 toyota celica malfunctioned while I was traveling on I-75 south near piqua, ohio. My lane of traffic (passing lane) was slowing down due to construction, so I attempted to slow down. To my surprise, my brake pedal would not respond (either due to a malfunction of either the cruise control or accelerator--or both), and I had to move to the median. Unfortunately, when I tried to brake again, the brakes would not engage and the median ended. My car traveled airborne off the median and plummeted to the road beneath I-75. My car took out a set of cable wires, jumped a fence, before landing on the busy road below and stopped when it hit a concrete bridge support. An ambulance was called as well as the ohio state highway patrol. Everyone involved was surprised that my passenger and I were not instantly killed! We did suffer some minor injuries and the car was totaled. I distinctly remember stepping on the brake pedal several times to no avail. I reported this to toyota and they were initially very cooperative and understanding. They would not promise anything, but asked what I expected. I told them I thought that toyota should at least replace my car. They did not see a problem with this. They later assumed no liability and refused to do anything. To follow up, I would have needed to come up with $25,000 to hire an accident reconstructionist. I did not have that amount of cash, so I dropped it. I recently have been amazed in reading several complaints very similar to mine and think that the time is right for toyota to right what was obviously a wrong in the construction of my car. My passenger has swelling to her left eye that has healed, but I have had pain in my elbow and shoulder ever since. Thanks for listening. I would appreciate anything you can do to assist. I can not provide the VIN #, as the car was totaled several years ago. I left the number [xxx] as the VIN number. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Acceleration · CA

Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall 96-e-001-000 concerning sudden acceleration. Dealer would not repair this vehicle because VIN was not included.

Filed Oct 23, 2000 · Acceleration · CA

The idle control valve is defectively designed; it gets clogged, making my car stall repeatedly when it is cold. It has had to be replaced about once a year. Last year they told me the part had been redesigned and I wouldn't have any more trouble. This year they admitted it is unfixable (except by replacement each year). Toyota refuses to provide a lifetime warranty for the defectively designed part. I think they should either cover the part for the life of the car, or buy the [xxx] thing back. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 1, 1998 · Acceleration · CA

Idle control valve gets clogged up, making it difficult to start.idle control valve was replaced twice, but problem continues. Dealer claims this problem appera in the 1996 and 1997 models.

Filed Dec 26, 1997 · Electrical · NY

Difficulty starting vehicle.

Filed Nov 4, 1997 · Steering · CA

Alarm failed.

Filed Sep 22, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Broken bolt on the brake caliper.

Filed Jan 15, 1997 · Fuel system · OR

Whenever letting up on accelerator/vehicle coasting and jerks violently, according to dealer, it is a design feature of fuel injection shut off valve sensor, nothing they can do.

Filed Jun 19, 1996 · Brakes · PA · crash · 1 injury

The vehicle lost its power brakes and caused an accident. Please describe.