"Worst-case scenario: Unable to drive" Toyota recalls 790,000 vehicles this time

Daihatsu and Others Face Quality Certification Fraud Controversy
Vehicle Recall Due to 'Lower Arm' Defect

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Japanese automaker Toyota, embroiled in controversy over repeated quality certification frauds by its subsidiaries, is now recalling 790,000 units of three car models due to parts durability issues.

On the 31st, NHK reported that Toyota submitted a recall notification to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for 790,000 units of three models?Yaris, Aqua, and Sienta?produced from December 2019 to the 19th of this month.

According to the Ministry, the defective part is called the "lower arm," a device that absorbs shocks applied to the vehicle body from the road surface. The defect can cause corrosion and cracks due to winter de-icing agents, and in the worst case, it may make driving impossible, the Ministry explained.

So far, 20 error reports have been received, but no accidents have been reported. Toyota has stated that it will conduct free part replacements at dealerships nationwide as soon as preparations are complete.

Previously, in June last year, Toyota recalled 590,000 vehicles due to lower arm defects. This issue is compounded by the ongoing "quality certification fraud controversy," which includes performance test manipulations not only at its subsidiary Daihatsu but also at Toyota Industries Corporation, which manufactures Toyota engines.

In response, despite achieving a record-high sales volume of 11.23 million vehicles, Chairman Akio Toyoda held a press conference yesterday and bowed his head in apology.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.