Toyota HiLux, Prado, LandCruiser face fresh delays amid engine ‘irregularities’

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has admitted to “certification irregularities” with diesel powertrains fitted to key models including the Toyota HiLux, Prado, LandCruiser and Fortuner, halting shipments for the time being as investigations continue into the scandal.

The impact on Australian deliveries is still to be confirmed, with a local spokesperson telling carsales today that the company is “seeking information on any impact to vehicles in the Australian market”.

However, Toyota Australia says it has been “informed that there is no variation in the power, torque or other powertrain-related values” and “no compromise to the emissions, safety or driveability” of the affected models.

“We will keep our customers and dealers updated as more information is confirmed. We apologise for any inconvenience that they may experience,” the spokesperson said.

TMC issued a press release overnight detailing how several diesel engines (1GD-FTV, 2GD-FTV and F33A-FTV) – as found in models such as the Toyota HiLux, Fortuner, Prado, HiAce, LandCruiser 300 Series and Lexus LX 500d, among others – were fitted with different ECU mappings to “mass production” vehicles when having their outputs measured.

“During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation,” TMC said in the release.

“Ten vehicle models are using the affected engines globally, including six in Japan.

“We have reverified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards. Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected engines or vehicles.

“However, we deeply apologise to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused.”

TMC said that based on the results of the investigation, which stems from the diesel engines built by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), all shipments of affected engines and vehicles already equipped with the engines will be temporarily suspended.

“Going forward, we will provide detailed explanations to the authorities and promptly proceed with appropriate measures, including conducting testing in the presence of witnesses if appropriate,” TMC said.

“We recognise the gravity of the fact that the repeated certification irregularities at TICO, following those at Daihatsu, have shaken the very foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer.

“TICO has informed us that they will start by providing detailed explanations to authorities regarding these findings and proceed with measures under their guidance in the hopes of regaining the trust of customers and other stakeholders as a manufacturer worthy of certification.

“In addition, restructuring the relevant business will require a change in the mindset of all individuals, from management to employees, as well as a drastic reform of corporate culture.”

The Daihatsu “irregularities” refer to the discovery of the Toyota-owned small car brand having cheated crash tests for vehicles sold in South-East Asian countries since the late 1980s.

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