10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,259 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #12

Nov 132018

Echo

  • 260,010 miles
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.

- Scurry, TX, USA

problem #11

Sep 142013

Echo

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to approximately 60 mph. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a shed. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The front passenger sustained a right shoulder and knee injury that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

- Milford, PA, USA

problem #10

Dec 082011

Echo

  • 74,000 miles
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.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #9

Sep 012000

Echo

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

- Temecula, CA, USA

problem #8

Feb 122002

Echo

  • 18,000 miles
As I began to accellerate onto highway the gas pedal stuck, I did not panic, place the car in neutral, and pull up on the gas pedal which released the gas pedal, brought the 2000 Echo into the Toyota service center from 2002 through 2008 only to here Toyota say there is nothing wrong or they could not find anything, the problem is there with all models and years

- Debary, FL, USA

problem #7

Dec 302009

Echo

  • 263,000 miles
2000 Toyota Echo. Accelerator pedal stuck. It has only happened once, around 263,000 miles. Ironically, this happened a few months ago, before news about the latest recall. This car, and its newer model the yaris, are not part of the recall. Occasionally, I would hear a quiet squeaky sound when using the gas pedal, but it was uncommon. I do all my own car work, but was never able to figure out the cause of the noise... I'm not looking to have anyone contact me - the vehicle is no longer being driven. I'm just reporting it in case anyone else with an Echo reports it. I don't have the VIN number handy (at work). If you really need it, you can contact me, and I'll email it to you. It is the 4 door sedan model. And it was one of the early Echo's. VIN serial number was in the 6xxx range.

- Thornville, OH, USA

problem #6

Dec 192008

Echo

  • 106,000 miles
While attempting to stop vehicle using full brake pedal force and hand brake the vehicle continued to accelerate. I was unable to stop the car and nearly caused an accident. After shifting the transmission into park the engine continued operating at high speed. The gas pedal was not stuck or used at any time during this time. This occurred on two separate occasions both at highway and city speeds. It seems that there are other reports of similar incidents with this car. No problems were identified by mechanic who couldn't reproduce the problem.

- La Vista, NE, USA

problem #5

Mar 282008

Echo

  • miles
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 ??

- Toronto, 00, USA

problem #4

Mar 202003

Echo

  • 26,000 miles
While applying the brakes vehicle accelerated forward. Dealer notified.

- Westmont, IL, USA

problem #3

Aug 212000

Echo

  • miles
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.

- Rosedale, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 012000

Echo

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Pheonix, AZ, USA

problem #1

Jun 162000

(reported on)

Echo

  • miles
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.

- Stafford, VA, USA