Toyota's counterfeit scandal has gotten bigger as it now includes brake parts. Regulators recently discovered that Toyota's suppliers are selling Toyota-branded fake brake components that could endanger drivers.
According to Securing Industry, Toyota issued a confidential bulletin to all of its dealers stating that thousands of its Hilux and Hi-Ace models were fitted with counterfeit brake pads. The report also included some model of Toyota's commuter buses.
Recently, Toyota filed a lawsuit against two independent retailers based in Australia accusing them of knowingly supplying the company with counterfeit airbag components. The latest discovery involves brake pads.
Reports claim that the fake brake pads contain asbestos, a highly poisonous mineral. The presence of asbestos on brake pads can endanger the general public as they might be exposed to these deadly toxins through brake dusts.
Motor Traders Association CEO Greg Patton told Australia News, "Every time the brakes are applied, asbestos dust goes into the atmosphere. It's that indiscriminate, it's truly deadly stuff. The disregard these people have for public health is shocking."
The fake brake pads are being sold using Toyota packaging. Regulators fear that the fake and potentially dangerous components have rapidly spread throughout the general public since the suppliers sold the components for nearly half its original price. It makes it more difficult to track these fake brake pads since they were sold online. On the other hand, Toyota is relieved that none of the fake brake pads were able to penetrate its network of authorized dealers.
Initial analysis shows that the problem is isolated in Australia. More than 500,000 vehicle models are potentially at risk. The most affected of all is the Hilux model. Toyota also expressed its concerns about mechanics working on its authorized dealers that might have come in contact with the hazardous materials.