Side impact weld issue: Toyota PH has separate recall for Avanza, Veloz

A few days ago, we reported about Toyota Motor Philippines issuing a recall order for select Avanza, Raize, and Veloz units regarding the replacement of its brake cylinder slide pin boot, affecting a total of 10,975 units.

But shortly after that, we found out that DTI Region 12 has posted another consumer advisory for the Avanza and Veloz. This time, Toyota Motor Philippines has a separate recall that involves a total of 2,756 Avanza and Veloz units due to an issue with the welds on the side impact beam.

According to the advisory, the reason for the recall is that improper welding was found on the side impact beam of the right front door. On the occasion that a side impact collision occurs, there’s a possibility that the strength of the welding could be insufficient and thus, may not offer enough protection and cause worse injuries to the occupants.

This recall affects 1,285 units of the Avanza, and 1,471 Veloz units that were produced from November 3 to November 24, 2022.

Toyota Motor Philippines is yet to issue a statement if this recall is connected to the global safety irregularities found on models made by Toyota’s subsidiary, Daihatsu. Toyota's Daihatsu brand was previously found to have rigged its safety tests in almost all models it currently has in production. Those included Toyota-branded models such as the Avanza, Raize, Rush, Veloz, Vios, and the Wigo. The rigged side collision and door lining safety tests affected around 88,000 vehicles in a previous report.

For affected owners of the Avanza and Veloz, Toyota Motor Philippines will install reinforcement brackets and perform additional welds at the defective weld points on the side impact beams. TMP will perform this at no charge to vehicle owners.