What has Toyota been lying about?
The most substantiated claims of deception center on misstatements and delayed disclosures during the unintended acceleration crisis and a 2014 settlement with U.S. authorities over safety-issue disclosures; there is no evidence of systemic, ongoing deception across Toyota today.
Context and key episodes
Below is a concise timeline of the major events that have shaped public and regulatory perceptions about Toyota’s honesty in safety matters.
- 2009–2010: Reports of unintended acceleration lead to massive recalls and a public-relations firefight. Toyota and regulators debated whether pedal design, floor mats, or driver error caused incidents.
- 2010–2011: Investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and independent researchers examine possible causes, including electronic throttle control. The consensus from several investigations pointed away from a systemic electronic defect, though questions about rare faults persisted.
- 2011–2012: NASA engineers participate in independent reviews of Toyota’s electronic throttle control system, concluding there was no definitive evidence that the system’s electronics caused unintended acceleration; the findings supported recalls focused on pedals and mats but did not rule out all possibilities.
- 2014: A landmark settlement with U.S. authorities. Toyota pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of wire fraud and agreed to pay about $1.2 billion to resolve criminal and civil charges related to misrepresenting safety issues to regulators and customers during the crisis.
- 2015: Additional enforcement action related to recall disclosures. The U.S. government assessed civil penalties (around $32 million) for Toyota’s handling of safety defect reporting and recalls, underscoring the importance of timely and transparent communication.
These events illustrate that the central disputes were about how information was communicated and disclosed, rather than a proven, ongoing cover-up of defects across Toyota’s product line. The investigations did not establish a single, pervasive defect that proves Toyota lied in every case.
How Toyota responded and what changed
In the wake of scrutiny, Toyota implemented a series of reforms designed to improve safety governance, disclosure practices, and recall communications. The following reforms reflect the company’s efforts to address findings and rebuild trust with regulators and customers.
- Establishing an independent safety oversight mechanism to review product safety beyond regulatory requirements.
- Overhauling recall processes to improve speed, accuracy, and transparency in communications with regulators and customers.
- Creating dedicated roles and structures (including a chief compliance officer) to strengthen internal audits and regulatory interactions.
- Enhancing collaboration with external researchers and agencies (for example, continuing independent reviews of safety systems).
- Investing in safety culture and training across the organization to emphasize proactive disclosure and accountability.
- Improved support and information flow to customers during recalls, aiming for clearer guidance and faster repairs.
These changes reflect a shift toward greater transparency and accountability in safety matters, even as Toyota maintains that its vehicles meet rigorous safety standards and that investigations did not uncover a pervasive electronic defect driving unintended acceleration.
Current status and context
As of the mid-2020s, there is no evidence of a systemic, ongoing deception program at Toyota. The major legal actions related to the crisis were tied to misstatements or omissions in communications about safety issues and to penalties for delayed disclosures, rather than a blanket claim that Toyota lied about every defect. The company has continued to emphasize safety culture, independent oversight, and stricter recall procedures to prevent future gaps in transparency.
Summary
The most credible, documented concerns about truth-telling involve how Toyota communicated safety issues during the unintended acceleration crisis and the 2014 settlement over recall disclosures. While some statements and timing were criticized, investigations did not find a company-wide pattern of deliberate, sustained deception. In response, Toyota implemented governance, transparency, and safety-process reforms aimed at preventing future miscommunications and strengthening accountability. The overall picture today is of improved safety governance rather than ongoing, systemic lying.
What is the controversy with Toyota?
The world's largest carmaker has apologised for providing incorrect or manipulated data for safety certification tests. The scandal has shaken the Japanese car industry, with rivals Honda, Mazda and Suzuki also admitting to submitting faulty data. Toyota sold more than 11 million passenger vehicles in 2023.
What is the most common problem with Toyotas?
Some common issues that can happen with engines in pre-owned Toyotas include:
- Oil leaks or low oil pressure.
- Overheating.
- Sluggish acceleration or loss of power.
What model Toyota is being recalled?
Toyota has multiple recent recalls, affecting different models with different issues. One major recall involves over a million 2022-2026 model year vehicles (including the bZ4X, Camry, Crown, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, and Sienna) for a faulty rearview camera system that may fail. Another recall is for approximately 127,000 2022-2024 Tundra, 2022-2024 LX, and 2024 GX vehicles due to potential engine problems caused by manufacturing debris. A separate recall includes certain 2025 Camry Hybrid, 2023-2025 Lexus NX, and 2024-2025 Lexus RX models for a potential second-row center seat belt webbing issue.
Major recalls
- Rearview Camera: Over 1 million vehicles from model years 2022-2026 are affected by a potential software error that can cause the backup camera image to freeze or go blank.
- Models: bZ4X (2023-2025), Camry (2025-2026), Crown (2023-2026), Crown Signia (2025), Grand Highlander (2024-2026), Highlander (2023-2025), Land Cruiser (2024-2025), Mirai (2023-2025), Prius (2023-2025), RAV4 (2023-2025), Sienna (2025), Venza (2023-2024), and certain Lexus and Subaru models.
- Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software for free.
- Engine Debris: Approximately 127,000 vehicles may be at risk of engine stall or loss of power due to machining debris from the manufacturing process.
- Models: 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, 2022-2024 Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX.
- Fix: Toyota is developing a remedy, and customers will be notified by early January 2026.
- Seat Belt: A recall has been issued for certain models where the second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged.
- Models: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2023-2025 Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid.
How to check for recalls
- Check the Toyota website: Visit Toyota.com/recall and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Use the Toyota app: Check the "health" section of your Toyota or Lexus app for recall information.
- Visit the NHTSA website: You can also check for recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website by entering your VIN.
Is Toyota no longer supporting LGBTQ?
This article is for subscribers only. Toyota Motor Corp., will refocus DEI programs and halt sponsorship of LGBTQ events, citing “a highly politicized discussion” around corporate commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
