Toyota Innova Hycross Issues Spark Customer Concerns
Toyota Innova Hycross Issues: When it comes to purchasing a new car, there are numerous obvious factors. They include looks, drivability, specifications, and price. However, an important factor that is often overlooked is after-sales service. If you are one of the many Toyota Innova Hycross owners out there, it could become very costly as a result.
There is growing concern over the after-sales service relating with one of Toyota’s most purchased and trusted models.
Toyota’s After-Sales Issues: What’s the Issue?
A recent internal message—referred to as a ‘Service Hint’—has been revealed and is now being widely circulated in the Indian automotive community. It includes forums like TeamBHP. This message identifies an ongoing issue that has been reported by a number of Innova Hycross owners. This involves damages to the air-fuel ratio sensor located underneath the vehicle
This air-fuel ratio sensor is open to the elements and can be impacted by debris on the road, rodents and a number of external effects. Unfortunately, when this sensor is impacted, that is not the end of the problem. At times this has led to serious damage to the Engine Control Module (ECM) – an even costlier repair.
Context:
- Replace Air-Fuel Sensor Wire: ₹15,000
- New ECM part: ₹1.25 lakh
And would you dare believe – the vehicle purchaser is liable to pay all these expenses.
Toyota’s Response – An Expensive Solution to its Customers
Instead of issuing a recall or providing a complimentary amendment, Toyota has purportedly unveiled a plastic shield to protect the air-fuel ratio sensor – except that the protective shield has an additional charge of ₹7,000 – again, to be paid by the customer.
Here is the simple question: Toyota is aware of the problem and has created a solution, why take ownership of the fact that there is a design defect? Taking this as optional paid content, looks as though the responsibility is shifted to customers when this should be a customer service type obligation.
Why Choose only Innova Hycross?
This is where it gets even more complicated taking comparison to the wider lineup of Toyota vehicles. The air-fuel ratio sensor, in other models, e.g., Hyryder – is fully shielded and secured. However, the air-fuel ratio sensor in the Hycross is open. So it is more liable to be damaged. This design flaw is causing significant doubt on the credibility of Toyota’s manufacturing in this case.
Is Toyota Challenged by Customer Service?
Toyota has a long history and reputation for dependability and understanding the customer. In this case, several customers feel let down. With the repair not only being expensive, the company’s unwillingness to take full responsibility for their product conveys a trust issue.
Requests from customers include:
- Free installation of the protective cover on affected models.
- Service campaigns or recalls to address the issue sooner.
- Better communication and transparency regarding post-sales issues
If Toyota wants to protect its reputation, these requests could be fundamental in rebuilding consumer confidence.
Undoubtedly, the Toyota Innova Hycross is one of the best equipped and most dependable MPVs available in India. But, for those considering buying this vehicle, it is important to be aware of post sale issues that may impact your satisfaction as a long-term owner.
With these issues becoming more mainstream in the trending news today, it serves as a reminder to any potential purchaser – not just of the Hycross, but any car: You must always factor in after sales service and support before making a final decision.
Caution to consumers: great vehicles could be more than it seems.
