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Journalist Boris Feldmann Revealed in Video on the Channel Auto Papo Technical Failures in Toyota Models Sold in Brazil. Corolla Would Have Injector Problems with Ethanol, While Hilux and SW4 Face Breakdowns in the High-Pressure Diesel Pump.
The journalist Boris Feldmann stated in a video published on the channel Auto Papo that Toyota has been facing two relevant problems in Brazil.
In the Corolla with direct injection, there are failures in the injectors associated with the use of ethanol.
In the pickups Hilux and the SUV SW4, there are breakdowns of the high-pressure pump of the diesel system.
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According to him, the guidance circulating in dealerships has been to discourage refueling with ethanol.
In the case of diesel vehicles, there would be a risk of engine shutdown and subsequent mechanical damage.
Guidance on Ethanol in Dealerships
According to Feldmann’s report, an owner took the Corolla to the dealership due to malfunctioning issues and absence of idle.
After the warranty repair, the reception allegedly warned the customer to “not continue refueling with ethanol”.
According to the journalist, this recommendation would not be isolated: the guidance would have been communicated by the factory to authorized networks to handle similar occurrences.
Still according to the video, the automaker would attribute the failures to the fuel used in the country.
As highlighted by the presenter of Auto Papo, however, ethanol is a fuel intended for the Brazilian market, and the problem lies in the adaptation of the direct injection system of the Corolla to local conditions, not in the biofuel itself.
Injectors and Adequacy to the Brazilian Market
Feldmann mentioned the evaluation of a motor specialist he consulted.
According to the explanation given, the injectors used in the Corolla would come from a supplier in Turkey, where the reference fuel is gasoline.
He added that other automakers operating in Brazil treat the components to withstand the effects of ethanol.
This would be a common procedure when the same engine is applied in different countries.
Additionally, the journalist mentioned the existence of reports from owners with similar symptoms, published in digital environments.
According to Auto Papo, such complaints have frequently indicated fuel quality as a probable cause, without technical detail from the manufacturer.
Hilux and SW4: Failure in the High-Pressure Pump
Meanwhile, the video also addressed a second point: breakdowns in the high-pressure pump of the Hilux and SW4 models equipped with a diesel engine.
According to Feldmann, the failure is difficult to diagnose and can occur suddenly.
This leads to engine shutdown and subsequently to chain failure.
Still according to the journalist, the Quatro Rodas magazine had previously raised the topic in an earlier publication.
Toyota would have attributed the problem to the quality of diesel in the country.
As highlighted by the presenter of Auto Papo, consumers report instances where the vehicle suddenly loses power and needs to be immobilized.
He further commented that the recurrence of cases in real-world use, that is, outside of test environments, would require more in-depth technical investigation and transparent positioning from the automaker.
Supposed Metallurgical Origin of the Defect
According to Feldmann’s report, a metallurgical research laboratory consulted by him compared components of high-pressure pump pistons from different generations.
According to this analysis, the newer parts would have higher cobalt content in the alloy and less rigor in heat treatment.
Such alterations, although they might pass validation tests, have not proven robust in everyday use.
According to the video, this specification difference could explain the fragility of the piston guide pin, identified as a critical point of the assembly.
Nonetheless, the presenter noted that bench tests and field evaluation can diverge.
Therefore, from the perspective presented in Auto Papo, it would be important to have an official technical clarification with production data, lot traceability, and any measures for service campaigns when applicable.
Technical Responsibility and Communication with the Customer
The video also brought up the discussion about communication in authorized networks.
According to Feldmann, by discouraging the use of ethanol, the network would be shifting the responsibility to the consumer for an expected behavior of the vehicle in Brazil.
He also commented that, in general terms, manufacturers usually adapt components and calibrations to the local fuel standard.
In the evaluation presented, this should include specific treatments for ethanol in direct injection systems.
In the case of diesel vehicles, the presenter’s recommendation is that signs of pump failure be investigated immediately.
It is important to keep a formal record at the dealership and documentation of receipts for refueling and maintenance.
According to Auto Papo, this helps document the history and support any requests for warranty repair or post-warranty.
What the Reports Say and What Needs to Be Clarified
Besides the specific case of the Corolla owner mentioned at the beginning of the video, Auto Papo cited various experiences shared by users on public platforms.
According to the journalist, the automaker has upheld the thesis of off-specification fuel in part of these cases.
Experts consulted by him argue that engineering adjustments and material selection would be the way to solve the issues.
Even though the points raised bring technical indications, there is a lack of consolidated official data regarding the extent of the cases, involved lots, and corrective measures adopted in each situation.
As Boris Feldmann highlighted, a clear position from the manufacturer, accompanied by information on project adjustments and usage guidelines, could reduce uncertainties and protect consumer trust.
Next Steps for the Consumer
While awaiting clarifications, the video recommends that affected owners register the occurrences in official service.
It is advisable to request a detailed diagnosis with a report and to preserve samples or receipts of fuel when possible.
Additionally, according to Auto Papo, it is worth monitoring recurring symptoms such as irregular starts, oscillating idle, and injection system failure messages, in the case of the Corolla.
For the Hilux and SW4 models, attention is needed for sudden power loss or shutdowns.
Given the reports brought by Boris Feldmann in Auto Papo and the technical explanations presented by experts, what should be the expected standard of transparency and action from the automaker to dispel doubts and restore consumer confidence?
Aconteceu comigo hoje na data: 19/08/25
Nos modelos Hilux e SW4, é preciso atenção a perda súbita de potência ou apagões.
Não é no sistema da Bosch.
Há um utilitário pick UP Toyota ****, câmbio manual que não ocorre no Bostil. Este bebe e digere até óleo de cozinha. Maaasss no Bostil não há. Bico e sistemas Bicho que davam **** na Amarok e não davam **** na Hilux agora socializarem o prejú. Comparar vodka russa com cachaça Corote e compara óleo diesel com a gororoba enfartante do Bostil, comparar gasolina com antidetonante, álcool anidro até 7% com gasolina baixa octanagem com 30% de cachaça + desonestidade e ausência de controle …até o Rei adoece. Bostil, porquê me ufano?