general problems of the 2000 Toyota Echo

Tl the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo. While driving 40-50 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to place the vehicle in neutral to stop it from moving. The contact stated that the rpms increased and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was taken to cowboy Toyota (9525 e r l thornton fwy, dallas, TX 75228, 888-434-4611), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1811131014. The failure mileage was 260,010.

The vehicle displayed problems twice in a 24-hour period as follows:Thursday, December 8th, 2011: while attempting to leave a parking lot in reverse (without my foot on the accelerator), the car engine surged as if the accelerator were pressed down to the floor. I immediately pressed hard on the brakes to prevent the car from moving backward uncontrollably at a high speed. I then put the car in park and the engine was still running hard, but it quieted a little. I tried putting the car in drive to test that functionality, and it seemed to be unaffected. I shut off the engine after putting the car in park, re-started it, and tried to move again in reverse. This resulted in the aforementioned engine surge. I decided to drive the car around the parking lot to test for driveability and there were no issues at this point with the car moving forward. Friday, December 9th, 2001: drove the car to work in the morning after letting it run for about ten minutes due to cold outdoor temperatures. After driving the car for about three miles, the engine began surging once my speed was reduced to about 25 mph and continued to run hard when the car was stopped at traffic lights. I had to press very hard on the brake to prevent the car from moving forward at an uncontrolled speed, which potentially could have resulted in injury of myself, another driver, or property. I was able to carefully get the car to my workplace, where I placed the car in park. The engine continued to run hard, as if the accelerator were pressed down with significant pressure. I decided to test the functionality of the reverse gear again; it performed exactly as it did on December 8th, only more so. When putting the car in park, the engine did not relax and I was forced to shut off the car completely. Because of these malfunctions, I was unable to drive the car home. Note: I do not have factory floor mats.

I was driving along highway changing into fast lane. Tried to ease into lane by gradually braking but car continued to accelerate even faster. Floored the brakes but this did not work. Pulled up parking brake, moved over two lanes and onto exit ramp where it gradually came to a stop. Very lucky few cars around!! no problem found with brakes at service station ??.

While applying the brakes vehicle accelerated forward. Dealer notified.

Clunky clutch on a brand-new 2000 Echo that Toyota never believed since the day I bought it.

Consumer was making a left turn and vehicle started revving. Vehicle was pulling to left. Consumer hit a tree & store. Front passengers sustained neck & back injuries. Vehicle was a total loss.

When shifting car into reverse, and then putting it into drive, vehicle lurched forward with a terrible noise like a back fire, consumer got thrown forward so hard that almost went through windshield. The dealer is unable to find the problem.

Driver was traveling on route 1 at about 35 miles an hour and entered a sweeping curve at 2:00 am in stafford, virginia. The driver was returning home from work at walmart. The road was wet due to recent heavy rainfall. Upon entering the curve the rearend of the Echo lurched without any warning which caused the rear of the car to slam against the metal guardrail and turnover onto its top. The driver was wearing seat belts (both shoulder and lap belts). The state police investigated and did not cite driver since the driver was not speeding and in fact was driving less than the recommended speed due to wet roads. The driver received several deep lacerations near the right eye which required stitches and will require plastic surgery, according to the er doctor at mary washington hospital. I am concerned that there may be a hidden handling problem with the car that has not come to light due to the newness of this particular model. Also, when the rearend of the car lost traction and slammed into the metal side barrier of the road, the air bag did not deploy (maybe it was not supposed to). Bottom line: the car lost traction when the rear of the car violently swung out despite the driver traveling at a slow speed which might indicate a problem with the design of the car.