Toyota NZ says sorry, and that it’s okay to keep driving your Yaris Cross

Toyota and other Japanese manufacturers have been forced to halt shipments of some vehicles after Japan’s authorities found irregularities in certification applications.

Toyota was not alone, with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha also having been found to have submitted incorrect or manipulated safety test data when they applied for certification of vehicles.

Toyota has admitted these ‘irregularities’ occurred during tests conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2020. Affected vehicles include the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross. There are also four now discontinued models. 

Toyota New Zealand has said it has ‘been advised that Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has suspended shipments of Japan-built Yaris Cross vehicles to New Zealand due to issues with certification testing.’

It says the specific issue for the Yaris Cross relates “to the testing protocols and data gathered on the impact of luggage on the rear seat during a crash test”.

TNZ says: “After thorough internal verifications confirming no performance issues that contravene laws, TMC has advised there is no need to stop using the affected vehicles, but they are temporarily halting shipments and sales of Yaris Cross produced in Japan to provide detailed explanations to authorities and expedite appropriate measures, including witnessed testing.”

TNZ also said that “this irregularity does not compromise the emissions or safety of their vehicles” and that it is working closely with Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan to fully understand the situation and will update the media as soon as more information becomes available.

Other pertinent info from the statement read; 

“Our vehicles in New Zealand are correctly represented and perform according to technical specifications, meeting all government regulations, however we are putting a temporary hold on customer deliveries until further notice.

“We have full confidence Toyota New Zealand’s vehicles meet the required performance standards and apologise for any concern this news may have caused.

“We apologise for any concern or inconvenience that may be experienced by our customers who have placed their trust in Toyota.

“We want to reassure our customers that their vehicles are unaffected, and they can continue to drive with confidence. We appreciate the ongoing support of our New Zealand customers.”