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
Je possédé une auris touring sport hybride confort depuis mi décembre 2013 . A ce jour 6 pannes de batteries. je viens seulement de prendre connaissance du pb de warning. Il aurait été bon que chaque possesseur est été avisé de cette anomalie qui j’espère serait traitée rapidement . Personnellement cela m’aurait éviter des aller retour à la concession 60 kms a chaque panne et un planning perturbé.
Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We’re sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing problems with your Auris Hybrid Touring Sports. Toyota GB has published a Technical Service Bulletin to its dealer network advising them of a permanent solution to this issue. If you still have concerns regarding the 12 volt battery we recommend you get in touch with your nearest Toyota dealer for further assistance.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Hi All!
I wrote a few lines to the Burnaston plant regarding the issue (external.affairs@toyotauk.com). They forwarded my query to Toyota Europe Customer Service (cust.service@toyota-europe.com).
The last step is an email (with all the history of my prevoius messages to the addresses mentioned before) received from Toyota Italia that states “Starting from February 2014 all the new manufactured vehicles have the dashboard software updated”.
I think that this means that all the vehicles produced after February 2014 will not suffer this problem.
Nothing was mentioned regarding the vehicles produced before.
I’m not an Auris owner, just trying to find out (and share) more information for a near future car change.
Cheers,
Riccardo
An update: Yesterday my local Toyota dealer in Aylesbury (who have always been exceptionally helpful) contacted me (thanks guys!) to inform me that they have the software update and me to call them and get booked in!
So the update is obviously moving, if you’re desperate due to your car going flat, you might want to re-check with your local dealer…
Kind regards,
Andy
My auris hybrid is due to go into the garage for sorting out the flat battery problem. They say I would still need to disconnect the battery when I go away for 2 weeks shortly. This is a problem for me as I am an elderly lady driver and know nothing about disconnecting batteries etc. I am disappointed as I thought that sorting out this problem would be a permanent fix and I need not worry about the battery going flat. If the problem is not a permanent fix then I will get rid of the car (only 7 months old) and buy another car where I will not have the worry of flat batteries after leaving the car undriven for a week or so. I used to leave my Subaru Forester for several weeks and it would start first time when I got home (and I did not have to disconnect the battery).
Hi Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
We appreciate your concerns – please be assured as the issue you’re about to have fixed has nothing to do with the advice you received to disconnect the battery when you’re away. There is a permanent fix for the 12V battery going flat, which your local
Toyota dealer will organise and put right.
As a precaution we do say that if you’re not using your vehicle for a substantial amount of time, the 12V battery could naturally discharge. However, your car should be absolutely fine if you leave it for two weeks. If you do want to put your mind at rest then there are ‘Battery Conditioners’ on the market that connect to the battery and plug in the mains, these keep batteries topped up and do no harm to the battery for long periods of time.
Hope this helps!
My Auris also experienced the problem of the flat battery, I am pleased to say after having had the software updated there hasn’t been a problem. Thank you Toyota after my wife and I having purchased your cars over the last 35 years my faith has been restored
Does this problem affect only MY13 or also MY14 ?
Hi Raf,
Unfortunately it’s not as simple as looking at the year your car was registered – it actually depends on when your car came off the production line. This is why we’d recommend contacting your local Toyota dealer as they’ll be able check for you. To find your local Toyota dealer please vist: http://po.st/hgeMjF.
Many thanks
good day
when the update will come in Italy?
I am a happy owner of a touring auris hsd and am very happy with this car, but I’m terrified to remain at large due 12v battery.
good day
mauro
Italy
Hi Mauro,
Thank you for getting in touch.
We’re delighted to hear you’re very happy with your Auris Touring Hybrid!
Unfortunately we only have information on this for the UK market. If you’re concerned we would strongly recommend you contact either customer relations or your local dealership, as they’ll be able to explain the situation and the permanent fix to you.
To find your local Toyota dealer please visit: http://po.st/8c929v or to speak with customer relations visit: http://po.st/4xU5xR.
We hope this helps.
very nice
thanks
good day
I wrote several days at http://po.st/4xU5xR
but I have not yet been answered.
Should I be worried?
it seems that in Italy there is no seriousness on this issue.
I RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
UPDATE is READY
CONTACT THE SERVICE.
I AM NOW ATTENDENTO A RESPONSE FROM THEM
CONTACTED BY SERVICE
Tuesday I HAVE THE UPDATE
TOYOTA is BIG