NHTSA Complaint #10272579 — 2002 LEXUS RX300

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO START ITSELF BEFORE THE KEY WAS TURNED ALL THE WAY IN THE IGNITION. SHE PROCEEDED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED QUICKLY AND WOULD NOT STOP, EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR AND, APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FURTHER, STRUCK A RETAINING WALL, HER NEIGHBOR'S HOME, AND A GAS METER. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND IT SPED BACK THROUGH HER RETAINING WALL AND STRUCK HER HOME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,232. UPDATED 11/10/09