Investigation uncovers counterfeit brake pads

In a win for consumers, Toyota Australia’s recent investigation into counterfeit brake pads has resulted in an online supplier recalling the parts. The decision comes after brake pads falsely advertised as Toyota genuine products were found to contain asbestos. Asbestos has been banned from use in brake pads sold in Australia since 2003.

As a result of the investigation, a safety recall has been initiated on counterfeit brake pads sold by online supplier Westend Spares between June 2013 and October 2015. It is not known how many parts were sold during this period, but the counterfeit brake pads are suitable for use on the popular Toyota HiLux and HiAce vehicles.

Westend Spares has contacted all impacted customers to provide a full refund for the counterfeit brake pads. They will also ask consumers to immediately dispose of the brake pads or send them back to the supplier to be destroyed.

Toyota Australia Corporate Manager Wayne Gabriel is pleased that the supplier has taken swift action on this matter.

“We were shocked to find an Australian supplier selling counterfeit brake pads containing asbestos,” Gabriel said.

“Not only have Toyota customers unwittingly bought counterfeit brake pads, but their safety has been put at serious risk.

“We are pleased with the supplier’s swift action and we will continue our ongoing work to stamp out counterfeit parts that put customers’ safety at risk.”

Gabriel stressed that customers who have only had their vehicle serviced and repaired by authorised Toyota dealers are not at risk of having counterfeit parts fitted to their vehicle.

He also said that the same supplier selling these brake pads is believed to be selling other counterfeit parts including spiral cables, water pumps and wheel bearings. Toyota Australia is currently liaising with the supplier directly on this matter and hopes to resolve the matter in the coming weeks.