Toyota vehicles have been synonymous with reliability, quality and comfort for decades. The Japanese carmaker’s commitment to excellence has earned it a loyal following and a reputation as one of the world’s most trusted brands.
However, an annual survey collected data from many new car owners and concluded that drivers experienced problems with at least 20 different aspects of the vehicle. Toyota and its premium Lexus brand no longer top the list of most trusted brands, according to another annual Consumer Reports survey. Problems included issues with electric motors and transmissions, temperature controls and in-car electronics such as infotainment systems and touchscreen interfaces.
The perfect whirlwind: Recalls, lawsuits and safety concerns
September 2009 saw one of Toyota’s biggest recalls. Nearly 4 million vehicles had problems with accelerator pedal trapping. The company issued the recall due to concerns that the accelerator pedals could become stuck under the floor mats, causing the cars to lose control at high speeds and lead to fatal collisions. Similarly, Toyota recalled nearly 4.2 million vehicles in 2023, including over a million in December due to a faulty airbag sensor. Vehicles recalled included various Corolla, Camry, Sienna Hybrid, RAV4, Avalon, Lexus ES350, ES200H, RX350 Highlander and ES250 models.
To reduce the risk of traffic accidents, approximately 280,000 Toyota vehicles are being recalled for transmission problems. Due to this defect, several components of the transmission system may not disengage immediately when the cars are put into neutral. This anomaly can cause some engine power to be transferred to the wheels, allowing the cars to inadvertently move forward slowly on level ground without using the brakes.
Some 2023-2024 Toyota Sequoia SUVs, 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid and Toyota Tundra, and 2022-2024 Lexus LX 600 SUVs are specifically affected by the Toyota transmission recall. Owners of vehicles affected by this recall will be notified by the end of April 2024 and will not be required to pay a dealer for the gearbox update.
In 2010, Toyota faced numerous lawsuits over the alleged failure of its Prius hybrid model. One of the most significant lawsuits against Toyota was settled in March 2014 with a payment of $10 million. After her children were involved in a fatal accident in August 2009, the plaintiff and three other family members filed a lawsuit against Toyota. They all claimed that the accident was caused by defects in the Lexus ES model. According to legal experts, the event could serve as the basis for future claims against the company and led to one of the most unusual congressional investigations into the company.
On 25 June, an investigation into Toyota Motor Corporation for possible violations of securities laws was announced. Although the details of the violation were not disclosed, the firm is acting on behalf of investors who may have been affected by this alleged misconduct.
What is the way forward? Toyota must rebuild trust
In order to regain its position, Toyota must take steps to address safety concerns and recalls. It should be noted that Toyota has implemented new safety protocols and has pledged to be more transparent in its handling of safety concerns and recalls. Toyota has launched initiatives to rebuild trust with its customers, including improved customer support and communication through various methods.
Road to recovery
By prioritising safety, transparency and customer satisfaction, Toyota can begin to rebuild its reputation as a trustworthy automaker and regain its position as an industry leader. It is important to note that rebuilding a reputation takes time, effort and commitment, and Toyota’s road to regaining this trust will be long and challenging. But perseverance is the key!