NHTSA Complaint #11532109 — 2018 TOYOTA AVALON

Date of safety issue: July 12, 2023 Location: Piper Glen Shopping Center, Rea Road, Charlotte NC (destination was Run For Your Life at 6416 Rea Road - within the shopping center). Time: Approximately sometime between 1:30 and 2:00 ET Police Report Complaint # - [XXX] On July 12, 2023 I entered a parking lot at a busy retail establishment. I chose a parking space that has a curb and bushes between the space and Rea Road. Due to the busyness of the parking lot it is imperative to drive slowly and cautiously. As I turned into the parking space the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb and crashed into the bushes. The brake did not stop the car until it jumped the curb. I then put the car in reverse and it again accelerated and the car spun to the left and then finally stopped. Thank God for the curb and the bushes which prevented the car from surging into traffic on Rea Road. And, thank God no one was in the path of the car when the car accelerated in reverse. That was a miracle at this shopping center since it is very busy. I went into Run For Your Life and told them what happened. The salespeople looked on line to see if there were other similar incidents associated with Toyotas, specifically the Avalon model. They printed out 10 pages of incidents over various years. The experience was horrific and clearly the car is dangerous to drive. I called Rock Hill Toyota and spoke with the service advisor I've dealt with for several years. The car was towed to the dealership. The dealership's attitude is another story - very disappointing. A report was made at the dealership with Toyota Brand Engagement. I do not want this car back. Based on my research I found that Toyota cars have a history with the acceleration issue. In some cases there were serious injuries and fatalities. This issue is not resolved. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).