The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan has been keeping a close eye on Toyota Motor Corporation this year after a series of issues involving engine certifications and falsified crash-test data.
The nightmare isn’t over for the automotive industry giant, however, as it is now facing new issues regarding model certification applications. Toyota just received a correction order from the MLIT, urging the automaker to make “drastic reforms to ensure appropriate certification operations.”
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When Toyota made an announcement on June 3, it cited six certification-related cases. Now, it’s reported eight new ones, four of which involved testing using parts that differ from mass production. There’s the rear door lining in pole side impact tests and side collision tests on the 2023 Lexus LM, and the navigation display in interior occupant protective device testing in the 2021 Noah, Voxy, and Suzuki Landy.
Toyota also confirmed it conducted load shifting prevention tests on the 2017 RAV4 using ‘loading blocks that differ from the regulations, and seat locking mechanism parts that differ from those used in mass production.’ Other cases involved steering impact tests on the 2017 models of the Camry and Altis.
“We will continue to take appropriate measures for all cases under the guidance of the MLIT. The newly discovered cases have been reported to the relevant authorities, including the MLIT, and they are in the process of confirming compliance with the standards,” Toyota said in its statement. “Customers do not need to stop using the vehicles.”
At least that last part’s clear. If you own any of the affected models, there shouldn’t be a need to worry.
