Toyota is facing a new headache this week after irregularities were discovered with the horsepower testing of several diesel engines used across its model lineup. The engines were produced by an affiliate company called Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and installed in various trucks, minivans and SUVs sold globally.
An independent investigation was launched at Toyota’s request after the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revoked safety certifications for three other Toyota-group vehicles over airbag issues last week.
The probe found that electronic control units (ECUs) in the diesel engines used altered software that produced different horsepower outputs during testing versus what real-world customer vehicles experience. Up to ten Toyota and Lexus models sold both domestically and abroad are impacted.
Toyota maintains the diesel-powered cars and trucks remain completely safe to drive for current owners. However they have halted all further sales of new inventory with the engines in question while they investigate. The company also stopped taking engine shipments from supplier TICO.
After an already troubling week, more problems now await Toyota regarding the integrity of its emissions and horsepower testing. While existing owners appear unaffected, the automaker’s reputation takes another hit. With multiple models including the popular Hilux truck and Land Cruiser SUV facing uncertainty, Toyota has some explaining to do to regain customer trust.
