UPDATE: Toyota diesels affected by testing issue

UPDATE: Toyota suspends production of Alphard, Coaster, Dyna, HiAce, LandCruiser 70 Series, LandCruiser 300 Series, as well as Hino Dutro and Lexus LX models.

TOYOTA has now suspended production of models across six manufacturing lines at four of its Japanese plants as irregularities were discovered in a range of its diesel engines.

It is understood the Japanese Transport Ministry will investigate whether affected diesel engines meet regulatory standards. Production will remain paused until such time as investigations are finalised.

According to Nikkei Asia, Toyota and Hino have halted production at several assembly lines after their group company Toyota Industries admitted cheating on engine certification. 

The following story continues unchanged:

SHIPMENTS of certain diesel-powered HiLux utes, LandCruiser SUVs and Lexus LX SUVs to Europe and other regions will be suspended this week following an announcement that irregularities were found in certification tests.

In a statement issued by Toyota Motor Corporation, the issue centres on how power output was measured by engine manufacturer Toyota Industries.

The suspension is understood to affect only European-delivered vehicles and covers Toyota 1GD- (2.8-litre) and 2GD- (2.4-litre) series four-cylinder turbo-diesel units and F33A-series (3.3-litre) V6 twin-turbo-diesel units found in Fortuner, HiAce, HiLux, LandCruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 300 Series, and Lexus LX 500d models.

HiLux models sold in Europe are built in both South Africa and Thailand, while LandCruiser and Lexus SUVs are imported from Japan.

According to Automotive News Europe, the suspension impacts vehicles sold in Toyota’s Europe region, which includes Eurasia, Israel, and Turkey, as well as to parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

At this stage it is not expected that the issue will affect Australian-delivered Toyota models.

“We are seeking information on any impact to vehicles in the Australian market,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told GoAuto.

“We have been informed that there is no variation in the power, torque, or other powertrain-related values and in addition there is no compromise to the emissions, safety or driveability of the vehicles.

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

Estimates on the number of vehicles sold in Europe alone through 2023 include some 23,988 LandCruiser variants, 2795 Lexus LX models, and 60,922 HiLux utilities.

The report states that vehicles in stock and in transit may still be bought and delivered.

The irregularities were found in engines dating back to early 2020 and are understood to affect some 84,000 vehicles sold under 10 nameplates worldwide and come on the back of earlier testing scandals at Toyota-owned brands Daihatsu and Hino.

Toyota Motor Corporation said in a statement, “the investigation found that irregularities occurred during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models for automobiles that Toyota has commissioned from Toyota Industries”.

“During certifications 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.

“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 to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused.”

Toyota said that it has suspended shipments of affected engines and that it will provide “detailed explanations to the authorities and promptly proceed with appropriate measures, including testing in the presence of witnesses if appropriate”.

As was the case with the scenario at both Daihatsu and Hino, the manufacturer has also vowed to restructure the related business, saying a change in the mindset is required for all individuals involved, as well as a “drastic reform of corporate culture”.