Tire related Recall for Toyota: We know tires are an essential part of the vehicle setup, with much attention usually given to safety components like airbags and seatbelts. But have you ever heard of a recall based solely on a tire’s performance — and not for safety reasons? In a surprising twist, Toyota has recently issued a recall for its Yaris Cross hybrid SUVs in Australia, but not for the reasons you might think. This unique recall, triggered by the tires causing increased fuel consumption, is making waves and raising eyebrows. Stay tuned as we delve into the intriguing details of how a simple tire has driven Toyota into an unprecedented recall situation.
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So, Why the Recall?
The Transport Department announced a recall for Toyota’s Yaris Cross GR Sport models after the company reported a problem. They pointed out that this recall isn’t about safety but because the vehicle doesn’t comply with Australian standards. Specifically, the tires on these cars don’t match the Australian Design Rule 81/02, which might cause them to use more fuel than what’s stated on their labels.
Toyota likely installed tires with a much higher rolling resistance on the Yaris Cross GR Sport, which unexpectedly led to the vehicles deviating from their intended fuel consumption labels. This deviation triggered the recall, as the cars didn’t meet the specific Australian standards. Ironically, the solution seems straightforward: switching back to the original OE tire, specifically the Falken FK510 SUV, should rectify the issue by aligning the vehicles’ performance with their fuel consumption labels. It’s suspected that this switch might have been due to an insufficient stock of the original OE tires, prompting Toyota to fit an alternative that inadvertently affected the vehicles’ efficiency.
Expected losses
The total cost for replacing the tires on all 245 recalled Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport vehicles, with an average tire cost of 370 Australian dollars each, would be approximately 362,600 Australian dollars. This assumes that each vehicle needs four tires replaced.
Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport
The Yaris Cross GR Sport models offer impressive fuel efficiency, a critical factor for eco-conscious drivers and those looking to save on fuel costs. The front-wheel-drive version boasts a consumption of just 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers on a combined cycle, while the all-wheel-drive variant is slightly higher at 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers. Despite this minor difference, both models maintain efficient fuel usage, thanks in part to their shared 85kW/120Nm 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain. This combination of fuel efficiency and power makes the Yaris Cross GR Sport an attractive option for those who value both performance and sustainability.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport currently offers a range of tire sizes to accommodate different driving preferences and conditions, including 205/65R16, 215/55R17, and 215/50R18. This selection provides options for various levels of grip, ride comfort, and performance. Notably, the Falken FK510 SUV is recognized as the original equipment (OE) tire for this vehicle.
Conclusion
In summary, Toyota’s recall highlights the crucial role that rolling resistance in tires plays in a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The unexpected switch to higher rolling resistance tires led to a notable deviation from the Yaris Cross GR Sport’s advertised fuel consumption. This situation underscores the delicate balance between vehicle components and their collective impact on performance, emphasizing the importance of every detail in automotive design and manufacturing.