The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a corrective order under the Road Transport Vehicle Act on July 31, 2024, citing the discovery of new irregularities in seven Toyota models. This is the first case of an order against Toyota based on the Road Transport Vehicle Act.
Toyota adds 7 new models to certification fraud case, total 14 models
Regarding the issue of multiple automobile manufacturers, including Toyota Motor Corporation, engaging in fraudulent testing for “type designation” certification, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced a corrective order on July 31, 2024, stating that fraudulent practices had been confirmed in seven new Toyota vehicle models (Prius Alpha, Lexus RX, RAV4, Camry, Noah/Voxy, Harrier, and Lexus LM).
Of the seven models found to be illegal, the “RAV4,” “Harrier,” and “Lexus LM,” which are still in production, are being checked to see if they comply with the standards, but production is continuing. In addition, production and shipments of the “Noah and Voxy” had been halted since July 29, but since compliance with the standards has been confirmed, production is scheduled to resume as soon as preparations are complete.
Hirohisa Tsuruta, director-general of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Logistics and Automobile Bureau, pointed out that “widespread, intentional fraud took place,” and Toyota President Tsuneji Sato apologized, saying, “We would like to offer our sincere apologies for causing great concern and inconvenience,” and added, “We take the corrective order seriously and will implement measures to prevent recurrence.”
Reference: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Vehicles reported as fraudulent on June 3, 2024
Discontinued models
Crown 2014
- Test item: Occupant protection test in frontal collision
- Fraudulent case: Development test data showing airbag timer ignition during testing was used in certification application
- Test item: Rear-end collision test
- Fraudulent case: Different trolley weight than specified (dummy doll was used during testing) ←Added this time
Crown 2015
- Test item: Pedestrian head and leg protection test
- Fraudulent cases: Selection and reversed left and right striking, substituting both sides for a one-sided test
Isis 2015
- Test item: Occupant protection test in frontal collision
- Test item: Occupant protection test during offset collision
- Fraudulent case: Development test data showing airbag timer ignition during testing was used in certification application
Sienta 2015
- Test item: Pedestrian head and leg protection test
- Fraudulent cases: Selection and reversed left and right striking, substituting both sides for a one-sided test
RX 2015 model
- Test item: Engine output test
- Fraudulent Case: Output Point Control Adjustment
Models currently in production
Corolla Axio/Corolla Fielder
- Test item: Pedestrian head and leg protection test
- Fraudulent case: Impact angle different from regulations
Yaris Cross
- Test item: Cargo shift prevention test
- Fraudulent Case: Testing in a Block Different from the Specified One
Vehicles for which fraudulent reports were filed on July 30, 2024
Discontinued models
Prius Alpha 2014
- Test item: Pedestrian leg protection test
- Fraudulent case: Reusing a front bumper that had already been used in another test
RX 2015
- Test item: Pedestrian leg protection test
- Fraudulent case: Numerical processing to make the collision speed fall within the regulations (rounding down to the second decimal place)
Camry 2017
- Test item: Steering impact test
- Fraudulent case: A steering wheel different from the one declared was used in the test, but a photo of the declared specifications was attached to the test report.
In production
RAV4 2017
- Test item: Cargo shift prevention test
- Fraudulent cases: Testing with cargo blocks different from regulations and seat locking mechanism parts different from those used in mass production
Noah Voxy 2021
- Test item: Interior passenger protection device test
- Fraudulent case: Navigation display testing using parts different from those used in mass production
Harrier 2022
- Test item: Pole side impact test
- Fraudulent case: Front door inner bracket tested with different parts from mass-produced parts
LM 2023
- Test item: Side impact collision
- Fraudulent case: Rear door linings tested with parts different from those used in mass production
A word from the editorial department
The recent Toyota Motor Corporation fraud scandal will have a major impact on the credibility of the entire automobile industry and is a serious issue that directly relates to consumer safety. In particular, the fact that Toyota, an industry leader, has received a corrective order reminds us of the importance of corporate governance and internal audits, and calls for thorough measures to prevent recurrence. Responding transparently and acting sincerely toward consumers is essential to restoring trust.
Toyota News Release