Toyota Australia can continue to deliver the RAV4 and Camry locally after the two popular models were cleared following a recent safety scandal.
Earlier this month, Toyota announced it had violated certification testing procedures with seven models, which included the RAV4 and Camry currently in Australian showrooms – adding the RAV4 and Camry to the list of vehicles incorrectly tested against the safety criteria required either by the Japanese government or by overseas regulators.
The RAV4 was tested in 2017 using loading blocks which differed from those specified in regulations, while it used seat locking mechanisms different to those on mass-produced examples.
Camrys used in testing also had different steering.
Unlike with the Yaris Cross, which was impacted for similar reasons in June and subsequently had local deliveries temporarily paused, Toyota Australia didn’t halt RAV4 or Camry deliveries.
In a statement provided to CarExpert, Toyota Australia confirmed the two models have been cleared to remain on sale locally.
“Our parent company Toyota Motor Corporation announced on Wednesday July 31st additional procedural irregularities following investigations by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT),” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said.
“The announcement on Friday Aug 9th outlines measures designed to prevent recurrence of these issues.
“Toyota Australia can confirm that RAV4 and Camry complies with local regulations. There are no safety or performance issues with these vehicles.
“We take matters of this nature very seriously and will continue to be transparent with local authorities and our customers.”
Toyota didn’t comment on the Prius V, which was improperly tested for its pedestrian protection capabilities, however the model was discontinued in Australia in 2021.
In Japan, Toyota submitted a report to the relevant authorities to prevent recurrent certification testing failures, while providing a statement to the public on how its procedures will change.
“Toyota will make company-wide efforts to prevent recurrence based on the points provided by the MLIT at the time of the corrective order,” it said.
“With the suggestions by the MLIT, Toyota has recognised that management was not sufficiently involved in the certification operations, and that there were many areas for improvement in the foundation of its certification operations, such as the data management system and the establishment of clearer rules and procedures.
“Toyota will review the mechanisms and systems designed to implement proper certification operations, notice something abnormal, and take action promptly through the joint effort between the management and those on-site.”
Since June, 14 Toyota models have been found to breach its certification protocols.
It has been a trying past two years for the world’s largest carmaker.
In January, Toyota announced it had discovered “irregularities” during engine certification testing of three turbo-diesel engines produced by its subsidiary Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).
While the carmaker was later cleared of misconduct and certifications for the three passenger vehicle engines weren’t revoked, three of its mass-produced industrial engines for forklifts and other heavy equipment had their certification taken away.
In July 2022, Toyota’s truck division Hino admitted to having falsified emissions data for 860,000 commercial vehicles globally since 2003.
In December 2023, Toyota’s small car specialist brand Daihatsu suspended manufacturing in Japan following the discovery that it falsified safety data and used unauthorised safety testing procedures, dating back to 1989.
While Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda was re-elected as Toyota chairman in June, his approval rating has dropped to 72 per cent, well down on the 96 per cent figure in 2022 and 85 per cent last year.
MORE: Everything Toyota
