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Hi there,

I purchased a brand new Yaris hybrid vehicle last year from Toyota. Since having this vehicle, I have experienced on 4 different occasions a loss of power (as if the engine cuts out) when I try to take a quick gap in busy traffic. This is of HUGE concern to me, as I was nearly in a very serious T-bone accident when it happened the first time. I am afraid that if it does this (which as I mentioned is not that frequent), that it may actually result in a serious accident where my life could potentially be on the line (I live on a very busy highway and have to take quick gaps in a sea of cars coming at me going 70).

I have raised this concern with Toyota, to which they have "investigated" and found absolutely no fault whatsoever. I completely understand that they can find no fault, so it makes it difficult, but I am not happy about the fact that they want me to keep driving the car until it happens again. I am honestly terrified of getting back into my car.

So my questions is:
Have you heard of a similar issue like this before? Or are you aware of cars exhibiting faults yet it not showing up on the diagnostic scan? Is there any advice you can give me please.

Hi there,
While we've not heard of any faults with the new Yaris, your experience is not unique from a vehicle problem point of view.
An intermittent vehicle incident that falls within the diagnostic system operating parameters and so doesn't cause a warning light to illuminate nor log a fault is one that is extremely difficult to attack and can be frustrating for all concerned.
There could be an option where the dealer has a flight record unit stored in the vehicle that records data every time you drive and you would keep track of the day and time of the incident and then the data can be played back later and the engine operating system checked for anything abnormal. Toyota may have access to something similar.
Or the dealer would have to keep your vehicle for a time and use it on and off to try and demonstrate the fault with a mechanic on board to see what is going on.
Or all they can do is recommend you drive the vehicle to gather more information on your experience and take it back if you can demonstrate the fault to the service manager. This is not ideal from your point of view, but this is often the option given.