Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has officially responded to a viral social media video depicting an Innova Hycross experiencing operational issues. The automaker firmly stated that a thorough technical assessment identified contaminated fuel, rather than the use of E20 ethanol-blended petrol, as the root cause of the problem.
The clarification comes after the customer's video circulated widely, leading to speculation that the vehicle's difficulties were linked to its compatibility with E20 fuel. TKM categorically rejected these claims, emphasizing that the Toyota Hycross is specifically engineered, tested, and certified for safe use with E20 fuel.
Investigation Findings
According to Toyota's detailed technical assessment, the inspection revealed no damage to any vehicle components or the fuel system itself. Instead, the analysis pointed directly to the presence of non-standard and contaminated fuel within the vehicle's tank.
As part of the standard service procedure, the vehicle's fuel tank and lines were completely drained and meticulously cleaned. Following this, the Hycross was refilled with standard E20 petrol. After being re-inspected and confirmed to be functioning normally, the vehicle was successfully delivered back to its owner.
“Therefore, it is clearly apparent that this incident is not related to E20 fuel usage and was solely caused by non-standard and contaminated fuel,” a statement from Toyota Kirloskar Motor affirmed.
Advice for Vehicle Owners
In light of the incident, Toyota has advised all its customers to refuel their vehicles only at authorized and reputable fuel stations. This practice, the company noted, significantly reduces the risk of encountering fuel contamination or adulteration, which can adversely affect vehicle performance and longevity.
Furthermore, Toyota urged customers to rely on credible and scientifically-backed information from official sources for any vehicle-related concerns. They also recommended contacting authorized Toyota dealerships or the company’s customer care team directly for assistance or clarification.