Toyota Faces Backlash over Alleged Incorrect Safety Testing Standards

Is Toyota’s reputation on the line after these numerous scandals?

Toyota is once again in hot water as Japanese officials accuse the company of using incorrect safety testing standards, leading to the suspension of shipments of certain vehicles from Japan. This latest scandal adds to a string of controversies that Toyota has faced in recent years. However, the company has assured customers that the vehicles currently on Australian roads are safe to drive.

According to Japanese officials, Toyota has been using safety testing standards that are more stringent than required by the transport ministry for certification. However, the company did not obtain approval to do so. As a result, shipments of certain vehicles from Japan, including the Yaris Cross, have been suspended until their compliance is confirmed.

In addition to the Yaris Cross, other Toyota models have also been affected. This includes the Corolla Fielder wagon and Corolla Axio sedan, which are popular among the Australian taxi and rideshare industry. The Toyota Crown, Isis, Sienta, and previous-generation Lexus RX are also part of the list. These models will not be shipped until their compliance is verified by Japanese regulators.

This latest scandal adds to the list of controversies that Toyota has faced in recent years. In January, the company announced that irregularities were discovered during engine certification testing of three turbo-diesel engines produced by its subsidiary, Toyota Industries Corporation. Although Toyota was later cleared of misconduct and certifications for passenger vehicle engines were not revoked, certification for three mass-produced industrial engines for forklifts and other heavy equipment was withdrawn.

In July 2022, Toyota’s truck division Hino admitted to falsifying emissions data for 860,000 commercial vehicles worldwide since 2003. This revelation further tarnished the company’s reputation.

Another Toyota subsidiary, Daihatsu, suspended manufacturing in Japan in December 2023 after it was discovered that the company had falsified safety data and used unauthorized safety testing procedures dating back to 1989. This scandal affected Daihatsu’s small car specialist brand.

Toyota is not the only Japanese automaker to face scrutiny over misstatements in test reports. Mazda, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki have also been found to have made misstatements in the past. However, the impact on these brands is relatively limited compared to Toyota.

While Toyota has been embroiled in these controversies, the company maintains that the vehicles currently on Australian roads are safe to drive. Toyota Australia is actively seeking detailed information from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and will provide updates to its customers as soon as possible.

In conclusion, Toyota’s alleged use of incorrect safety testing standards has led to the suspension of shipments of certain vehicles from Japan. This adds to the series of controversies that the company has faced in recent years. However, Toyota assures its customers that the vehicles currently on Australian roads are unaffected and can be driven safely.

Do you think Toyota will be able to regain the trust of consumers after these scandals?

• Japanese officials claim that Toyota used stricter safety testing standards than required by the transport ministry for certification.
• Shipments of affected models, including the Australian-delivered Yaris Cross, have been suspended until compliance is confirmed.
• Other Toyota models affected include the Corolla Fielder wagon, Corolla Axio sedan, Toyota Crown, Isis, Sienta, and previous-generation Lexus RX.
• In recent years, Toyota has faced several scandals across its brand and subsidiaries, including irregularities in engine certification testing and falsified emissions data.
• Japanese manufacturers Mazda, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki have also been found to have made misstatements in past test reports.

Toyota is facing backlash for using incorrect safety testing standards, resulting in the suspension of shipments of certain vehicles from Japan. This is just one of the many scandals the company has faced in recent years. Despite this, Toyota assures customers that the vehicles currently on Australian roads are safe to drive.