Toyota has recently released a report detailing certification testing violations by its related entity, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).

Toyota has reported that TICO was using different ECU software during the certification testing process than that used for mass production, improving test results of three of its diesel engine models (impacting popular models including Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado, Hilux, Hiace and Granace).

Toyota reported that TICO has been altering certification test results by making adjustments during the testing process (such as adjusting the fuel injection amount), to improve test results with respect to output values and torque curve.

The revelations came to the surface following a special investigation commissioned by Toyota after previous issues with emissions certification relating to forklift and construction machinery engines.

Toyota has announced its regret at not being “sufficiently attentive and aware of the fact that the procedures were not carried out in accordance with laws and regulations”.

The report is the latest in a string of issues for Toyota relating to certification testing and the quality and safety of its vehicles including its subsidiary, Daihatsu’s, recent admission that it has been falsifying safety test results on Daihatsu and Toyota branded vehicles at its Japanese plant for three decades.

Diesel Defeat Device Class Action
The report also follows the commencement of one of Australia’s largest class actions that alleges Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited manufactured and sold hundreds of thousands of diesel vehicles to Australian consumers that possess engine design features commonly known as ‘defeat devices’.

Maddens Lawyers is representing the lead plaintiff in the class action. In excess of 300,000 Australians could be driving a Toyota vehicle with a ‘defeat device’ and eligible to participate in the class action.

Maddens Lawyers Principal, Ms Kathryn Emeny said the findings of the special investigation report were concerning for Australian consumers who had placed trust in the Toyota brand. “The report found that TICO has been rewriting test results and knowingly violating Japanese domestic laws and regulations in order to obtain vehicle certification. This conduct has reportedly been going on for many years. One must question Toyota’s knowledge of TICO’s corporate culture and what else has been happening with certification testing behind closed doors”.

The class action alleges that some diesel engines developed by Toyota, including those incorporated in some of their most popular models such as the Landcruiser and Hilux, include design elements which tamper with the vehicle’s emissions control system in order to enhance the car’s performance.

The Maddens’ Toyota Diesel Defeat Device Class Action contends that the following Toyota diesel vehicles contain ‘defeat devices’:

• Hilux, Landcruiser Prado, Fortuner, Granvia and HiAce vehicles fitted with a 2.8 litre 1GD-FTV engine
• Hilux vehicles fitted with a 2.4 litre 2GD-FTV engine
• Landcruiser vehicles fitted with a 3.3 litre F33A-FTV engine
• Landcruiser vehicles fitted with a 4.5 litre 1VD-FTV 195kW to 200 kW engine
• RAV-4 vehicles fitted with a 2.2 litre 2AD-FHV or 2AD-FTV engine

Affected group members can find out more or register their interest in the Toyota Diesel Defeat Device Class Action here: https://toyotadieselclassaction.com.au/