Toyota has temporarily suspended shipments of some versions of the Hilux pickup after irregularities were found in the testing of the 2.8-litre diesel engine.

Production of the engine has paused, along with engines fitted to nine other Toyota models, after an investigation raised concerns about testing during the certification process. The findings showed that test engines were working with different software to production engines, which resulted in power outputs that appeared ‘smoother with less variation’.

The engines affected were built by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), a company owned by 16 major companies that collectively make up the Toyota Group.

“We consider the appropriate process of certification to be a major prerequisite for doing business as an automobile manufacturer,” said Toyota, and that “the repeated certification irregularities at TICO, following those at Daihatsu, have shaken the very foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer.”

The Japanese automaker admits that restructuring the business will require a change in the mindset of all individuals, from management to employees, as well as a drastic reform of corporate culture, highlighting that such tasks cannot be accomplished overnight.

It says, “We deeply apologise to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused.”

How does this affect UK customers?

Toyota reassured customers with existing Hilux models, saying that it has confirmed that the engines and vehicles affected by the irregularities meet engine performance output standards and that there is no reason to stop using affected pickups.

While there is a lengthy waiting list for a Toyota Hilux pickup in the UK, a planned production stop between February and May means that supplies may be relatively unaffected. Orders placed with dealers will already have factored this stop into account, so there should be a limited impact on delivery times.

This issue only relates to the 2.8-litre model, meaning that any 2.4-litre deliveries will be unaffected.

Phil Huff
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