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 bought my toyota auris excel in September 2013, since then I had to take the car to dealers few occassins to rectify the problems. First started with Ac was not working. Now remote key doesn’t work, I just called the AA BREAKDOWN , waiting for their arrival.
I am very disappointed with this car purchase, spent Approx £23,000.00 just 9 months ago, already so many hiccups in new toyota auris hybrid. Not happy at all as I was meant to take my ill son to primary care centre for his unwell condi on.
It’s just annoying situation.
Toyota services, at my dealer, conntacted me for the updated software package to be installed. Lets hope it does the job. Thanks to Toyota Wolverhampton for keeping me updated whilst awaiting the new software.
Hi Dambar
Thanks for your post and we are sorry to read about your Auris hybrid and the problem you have experienced. We are confident that the dealer will be able to rectify this matter for you but if you do wish to contact us further we would recommend getting in touch with our customer relations team who can be reached via the attached link. po.st/O3vN72
today I received the update
friendly and knowledgeable staff
I am very happy
thanks
shame there is not a blog so also in Italy
I took my Auris Hybrid Excel to my local Toyota dealer yesterday to have the update done. After connecting their equipment they informed me that I do not need the update. My car was purchased mid March so Toyota must have installed the new software on the production line. Toyota must have the vin number that they started installing the updates from, could they just publish this so that customers can check without booking their car into a Toyota dealer?
Hi Gerry
Thanks for your post.
Vehicles that were held in stock were rectified from mid February however because we know this issue has caused concern among owners, some have requested their vehicle be checked as a precaution. The moment the computer is connected it will tell the dealer which software version is in the car and whether the later version is required. We notice you purchased yours mid March which is why the upgrade had already taken place. Our first priority was to introduce an effective repair and we will now work with the network to ensure that all cars receive this upgrade as soon as possible. We do take on board the point you make about being able to check this online as we do offer this function on our website if an owner is concerned regarding a recall.
Thanks for your feedback.
I am the owner of a Toyota Auris (2013 model) and have recently experienced the frustration of a flat battery. We paid £75 to have the vehicle towed to the local dealership in Wolverhampton where they duly recharged the battery. I was less than happy with this response and reluctantly brought the car home – although the fault has been rectified, in as far as the battery is now charged, the cause of the problem does not appear to have been addressed and I expect to be paying a repeat visit to the garage when the problem inevitably recurs.
Mr Toyota,
Can you please confirm if this issue just relates to the Hybrid version or all variants of the Auris?
I ask, because I have the Excel (non hybrid, 2014) and have had a flat battery.
Many thanks
Hi Christine
Thanks for your post.
Sorry to read about the problem you have had with your Auris. If the cause of this is the issue mentioned on this post regarding the hazard warning light switch then your local dealer will be able to resolve this issue with a quick software download. It will prevent this from happening again. If you are concerned about this issue and would like to speak to our customer relations team then they can be contacted via the attached link if this helps.
https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-to-contact-toyota-uk
My friends of UK,
many thanks for this information, I need a little more help.
Im trying to update my car, my local dealer in Spain say that there is no software update for any Auris 2013 version, but we all know that is not true.
Could you please give me any clue (internal document ID, software version code) to try to, with all the information, talk again with my local dealer and update my car. Not everybody have the luck to live in UK where customer care is a must.
Many thanks.
Hello Eduardo
Thanks for your post and hope all is well in sunny Spain.
We know that the fix was developed to update all European cars. Have you spoken to the customer service team at Toyota Spain about this? They will be able to advise about how this is being communicated to their network as we are not sure about the timings across each European country.
Please let us know how you get on but here is link for Toyota Spain if this helps. http://www.toyota.es/