Toyota responds to Prado breakdown

Toyota has issued an official statement following the failure of a new 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado 250 Series Altitude we tested, following a water crossing.

Reading between the lines of Toyota’s response, the incident, which resulted in complete vehicle shutdown, was operator error.

Here’s the full statement issued by a Toyota Australia spokesperson:

“Toyota extensively tested the LandCruiser Prado in the extremes of the Australian outback as part of its development program.

“This included water crossings to test and confirm its 700mm wading depth.

“Toyota Australia advises water crossings even below wading depth should always be conducted at walking pace.”

While the company maintains that the breakdown was caused by operator error, concerns remain regarding the vehicle’s ability to handle challenging off-road conditions.

According to Toyota, water entered the air filter during the crossing, which led to a failure in the vehicle’s 48-volt mild hybrid system. This hybrid system includes an electric motor that functions as an alternator, generating power for both the 12-volt and 48-volt batteries.

Once compromised by water, the hybrid module ceased functioning, rendering the vehicle inoperable.

Toyota’s statement advises drivers should adhere strictly to the recommended water-crossing speed of walking pace to prevent similar issues in the future.

Despite acknowledging the vehicle was driven at higher-than-recommended speeds through the water, it should be noted that the air inlet is positioned 875mm off the ground, well above the vehicle’s 700mm rated wading depth, prompting scepticism about how water managed to reach the airbox.

The incident has also drawn parallels to earlier issues faced by Toyota’s diesel models, including airbox-related dust problems reported in 2018, which resulted in the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine going into limp mode during testing.

While Toyota partially addressed those concerns with a software fix, questions remain about whether the new Prado’s air intake design might suffer from a similar vulnerability.

The Prado’s failure comes at a critical time for Toyota, with the vehicle’s debut already marred by criticism over its limited boot space and fuel tank capacity.

This latest setback could further impact consumer confidence in what has traditionally been regarded as one of the most reliable off-roaders on the market.

Toyota has emphasised the rigorous testing protocols the Prado underwent, including extreme off-road and water-crossing trials in the Australian outback. However, the company’s response did little to clarify the precise mechanism by which water infiltrated the airbox and subsequently disabled the hybrid system.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by automakers in integrating hybrid technology with off-road capabilities.

As more manufacturers introduce hybrid and electric powertrains into their 4WD models, ensuring durability in extreme conditions remains paramount.

Toyota’s handling of the issue, including whether it undertakes further investigations or design modifications, will be closely watched by industry observers and potential buyers alike.

In the meantime, Toyota’s response has sparked debate among 4WD enthusiasts. Was the failure an isolated incident caused by driver error, or does it potentially point to a broader design flaw in the new Prado’s hybrid system and the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine?

Only time – and further testing – will tell. Consumers are urged to exercise caution during water crossings and strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Have you experienced similar issues with the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado? Share your thoughts and experiences with us at editor@carsales.com.au.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au