The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) 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 issued under the Road Transport Vehicle Act against Toyota.
Toyota adds 7 new models to certification fraud case, bringing total to 14
Regarding the issue of multiple automobile manufacturers, including Toyota Motor Corporation, engaging in fraudulent activities in certification tests for “type designation,” the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced a corrective order on July 31, 2024, confirming that fraud had been found in seven new Toyota models (Prius Alpha, Lexus RX, RAV4, Camry, Noah/Voxy, Harrier, and Lexus LM).
Of the seven models identified as being fraudulent, 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. Additionally, production and shipments of the “Noah/Voxy” had been suspended since July 29, but now that 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 Road Transport Bureau, pointed out that “widespread, intentional fraud had taken place,” and Toyota President Tsuneharu Sato apologized, saying, “We would like to offer our sincere apologies for causing great concern and inconvenience,” and added, “We will take the corrective order seriously and 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: Truck weight different from regulations (dummy doll used during test) ←Added this time
Crown 2015
- Test item: Pedestrian head and leg protection test
- Fraudulent cases: Selection and reversed left and right scoring, substituting bilateral tests for left and right unilateral tests
Isis 2015
- Test item: Occupant protection test in frontal collision
- Test item: Occupant protection test in 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 scoring, substituting bilateral tests for left and right unilateral tests
2015 RX model
- Test item: Engine output test
- Fraudulent incident: Output point control adjustment
Models currently in production
Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder
- Test item: Pedestrian head and leg protection test
- Fraudulent incident: Impact angle different from regulations
Yaris Cross
- Test item: Load shift prevention test
- Fraudulent Case: Testing in a Block Different from the Specified Block
Vehicles reported as fraudulent on July 30, 2024
Discontinued models
Prius Alpha 2014
- Test item: Pedestrian leg protection test
- Fraudulent case: Reusing a front bumper already used in another test
RX 2015
- Test item: Pedestrian leg protection test
- Fraudulent case: Numerical processing to make collision speeds fall within regulations (rounded down to the second decimal point)
Camry 2017
- Test item: Steering impact test
- Fraudulent case: Test was conducted with a steering wheel different from the one declared, but a photo of the declared specifications was attached to the test report
In production
RAV4 2017
- Test item: Load shift prevention test
- Fraudulent cases: Testing with cargo blocks that differed from regulations and seat locking mechanism parts that differed from those used in mass production
Noah Voxy 2021
- Test item: Interior occupant protection device test
- Misconduct 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: Testing of rear door linings using 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 automotive industry and is a serious issue directly linked 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 requires thorough measures to prevent recurrence. Restoring trust requires transparent responses and a sincere attitude toward consumers.
Toyota News Release
