Toyota Australia Pauses Deliveries of Yaris Cross SUV Amid Safety Certification Investigation
Are Toyota Australia’s precautionary measures enough to restore trust in the safety of their vehicles?
Toyota Australia has temporarily halted deliveries of the Yaris Cross SUV due to fraudulent safety certification data uncovered in Japan. The investigation found that several Toyota models, including the Yaris Cross, Corolla Axio, and Corolla Fielder, did not comply with government standards. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was informed of the issue on May 31. The investigation revealed inadequate data for pedestrian and occupant protection tests, as well as anomalies in crash test data for discontinued models.
During a press conference, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda announced that Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was made aware of the fraudulent safety certification data on May 31. The investigation revealed that the Yaris Cross, along with other models like the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder, did not comply with government standards. Specifically, inadequate data was found for pedestrian and occupant protection tests for these models.
In addition, anomalies were discovered in the crash test data for now-discontinued models including the Crown Sedan, Isis, Sienta, and Lexus RX. It was also revealed that the Yaris Cross had ignored a regulation change regarding a test conducted to evaluate the damage caused to rear seats by luggage in the cargo compartment. It appears that old data was used in the certification application.
The Crown and Isis models were found to have used development test data for airbag timer certification. Similarly, the Corolla models once again used development test data to evaluate the damage to a pedestrian’s head in the event of a collision. The Corolla and Sienta also had incorrect test data relating to pedestrian head and leg injuries, while the Crown and Sienta used an incorrect moving barrier for testing rear-end collision data.
Furthermore, in the case of the Lexus RX, it was discovered that a check engine power test had been adjusted to obtain certification, instead of reaching the defined limit. These findings prompted Toyota Australia to pause deliveries of the Yaris Cross SUV as a precautionary measure. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations, stated that the stop sale notice was issued to ensure full disclosure and protect customers and the market.
While the timing for the lifting of the stop sale order remains uncertain, it is expected to be resolved within weeks. Toyota Australia has reassured customers that the vehicles currently in the market and being driven are safe. However, the company took immediate action to prioritize customer safety and understand the situation fully. The Yaris Cross joins a list of Toyota group vehicles that have faced scrutiny for falsification of safety testing.
Earlier this year, Daihatsu production was halted due to a similar issue with side collision tests across 64 models spanning three decades. In February, Toyota faced an emissions testing scandal involving diesel-powered models. Additionally, Toyota subsidiary Hino was expelled from the Commercial Partnership Technologies Corporation in Japan for cheating emissions testing protocols for a range of Hino trucks.
Toyota Australia will provide updates on the Yaris Cross SUV as more information becomes available.
- Toyota Australia pauses deliveries of Yaris Cross SUV following fraudulent safety certification data in Japan
- Multiple Toyota models, including Yaris Cross, Corolla Axio, and Corolla Fielder, found non-compliant with government standards
- Inadequate data discovered for pedestrian and occupant protection tests
- Anomalies found in crash test data for discontinued models
Toyota Australia has taken the proactive step of pausing Yaris Cross deliveries in response to the investigation into fraudulent safety certification data. The company is committed to full disclosure and ensuring customer safety. While the issue is being resolved, Toyota Australia expects to make further announcements in the coming weeks. The Yaris Cross is the latest addition to the list of Toyota group vehicles facing scrutiny over safety testing. Toyota Australia will continue to update the public on any developments regarding the situation.