As part of Toyota’s rigorous quality control programme, we have investigated the cause of a 12 volt flat battery issue that has left some Toyota Auris drivers unable to start their cars after only a short period without use, usually a couple of days.
We would like to apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience that may have occurred as a result of this issue. But we can now confirm that the cause has been identified and a permanent solution developed.
The following information only applies to any Toyota Auris (including Hybrid) produced between December 2012 and February 2014. If you have an Auris produced after February 2014 your vehicle is not affected by this issue. No other models are involved.
Toyota Auris Hybrid Flat Battery: What causes the issue?
The issue is caused when the hazard switch is partially depressed for a very short period of time, incorrectly activating the car’s CAN-bus electrical communications system. This draws a constant flow of current that can discharge the 12 volt battery if the car is left unused for several days.
How can I prevent this from occurring?
Toyota has published a Technical Service Bulletin to its dealer network advising them of a permanent solution to this issue. The bulletin contains information and software files that will enable technicians to modify the software of the car’s combination meter. This update will prevent the incorrect activation of the CAN-bus system and prevent any potential flat battery concerns arising from this area of the vehicle.
If you still have concerns regarding the 12 volt battery of your current generation Toyota Auris then we recommend you get in touch with your nearest Toyota dealer for further assistance. http://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer
I’m sure you can answer on this forum what Toyota plans to do with our collective problem. Looking at all the previous posts this isn’t an isolated problem. Thank you. Kind regards
My elderly father who lives off a pension has suffered with this fault for over ten years. The local Toyota dealership have even collected his car with a hoist denting it in the process. They’ve changed his battery multiple times at my dad’s expense. The car has barely 11k miles on it yet the fault is still present!!! Absolutely disgusting of Toyota!
My 2012 auris hybrid won’t start. If I put the power leads then it starts….even left it running for few hours but if I switch it off it won’t start
..no power at all…again put power leads on it starts same again…any idea what it could be…no warning lights on dash
Hi Naseer, thanks for getting in touch.
We are sorry that you are experiencing issues with your Auris. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to investigate the possible causes of it not starting.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Naseer, did you take it to your local dealership? Wondering what the outcome was as my local dealership are not aware of this issue.
My 2013 Toyota Auris is having similar issues, it won’t start after only a short period without use, usually 1-2 days. I contacted my nearest Toyota Service to enquire if the problem I am facing is due to the issue they have identified with the 12V battery as mentioned on their website. Bizarrely enough, they want me to book a diagnostic test costing 95 pounds for checking it. This is highly unprofessional from Toyota to charge money to check for a problem they know about and is causing inconvenience to its customers. Very disappointed with their attitude.
Hi RR, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re sorry to hear that you are having problems with your Toyota Auris. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a closer look, there is a diagnostic fee involved in this process due to the labour and equipment costs.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My 2017 Auris battery in the boot will go flat if the car isn’t used for a couple of weeks. I carry a jump start just in case. The leakage current when not used must be high and with only a 30AH battery; the battery does not seem to be adequately sized. Does anyone know what the actual leakage current is with the alarm on and off? I have heard 30mA/hr; but this is hearsay. Cars that stand in Toyota’s yard must have a similar problem, unless they disconnect the battery until required at the point of sale. Perhaps a larger battery will resolve the problem.
Hi David, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre are best placed to take a closer look at the 12V battery on your Auris for you.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My 2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid estate has a new battery under the bonnet but after 3cdays without use it goes flat
Any ideas please? Gill.
Hi Gill, thanks for your comment.
Your local Toyota Centre will be best placed to take a closer look at the health of the 12V battery. Regular use is required in order to maintain the health of the battery, if you frequently make very short and infrequent journeys, a trickle charger may be advised to maintain the health.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Toyota,
You have recognised there is known fault. You have identified which cars are impacted. You have identified a permanent fix.
Why are you not recalling the vehicle in order to apply the fix.
Why are you relying on the owners to identify the issue, negotiate a conversation with a local dealership (who by the way have no clue about this issue) and pay a diagnostic fee for a fault you are aware of.
Take ownership.
Hi there, thanks for your comment.
Recalls are controlled by the DVLA and this is not deemed a safety concern eligible for announcing a recall. We wish it were that simple, but sadly it isn’t. We do not hold the contact details of all current at-risk owners either.
Thanks,
Toyota UK.
Also have a Toyota Auris hybrid with completely flat battery that will not charge. Things have been going wrong for a while now (cigar lighter does not work, the heating system seems to be permanently on a/c. Toyota dealer said that if I bring it in then they will look at it. But of course I cannot drive it, so not very helpful.
Hi Simon, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re sorry to hear you are having problems with your Auris. It will need to be investigated in person, so arrangements for recovery to your local Toyota Centre will need to be made.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have a Auris 2016 and have had the same battery issue for the past few days.. three times in a row, only after two days of having had to call out AA and recharging the battery in Maintenance mode. The above says this affects Aurises prior to 2014 but that does not seem to be the case, as mine is 2016.
Will my dealership deal with this. I have Toyota Relax warranty as well am with Toyota for services/ MOT.
Thanks,
NC
Hi Naz, thanks for your comment.
Yes, your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a closer look at this.
Thanks,