Toyota recalls 176 Supra units

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is recalling 176 units of the Supra to address a problem with the engine management software that may lead to the loss of brake assist.

In a letter to Department of Trade and Industry Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau director Melquiades Marcus Valdez, TMP first vice president Rommel Gutierrez said the automotive company is undertaking a special service campaign for 176 Supra units sold in the country.

The vehicles covered by the recall were produced from March 29, 2019 to June 5, 2020.

Gutierrez said the recall is being implemented as the vehicle’s engine management software could cause the oil or vacuum pump, which supplies vacuum for brake assistance (brake boost), to become damaged.

He said this may happen under certain specific engine start operations which consist of either pressing the engine start or stop button two times in rapid succession, or depressing the brake pedal very briefly while pressing the engine start or stop button.

“This could result in a loss of brake assist,” he said.

Prior to a loss of brake assist, he said the full brake assist function is available for approximately four full brake applications or nine partial brake applications.

Full mechanical braking is not affected and remains available.

Gutierrez said an increase in braking distance could occur, however, and increase the risk of a crash.

“With this, we will perform reprogramming of the engine control unit, at no cost to our customers,” he said.

To find out if their vehicle is affected by any service campaign, TMP customers can visit https://toyota.com.ph/service-campaign and provide the vehicle identification number.