Toyota responds to viral E20 Innova Hycross breakdown video: Details

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has issued an official statement after videos posted by a Toyota Innova Hycross owner from Bihar went viral on social media, clarifying that the issue was caused by contaminated fuel and not by the use of E20 petrol.The controversy began after Bihar-based YouTuber Manish Kashyap shared two videos claiming that his Toyota Innova Hycross developed engine-related problems after being refuelled with E20 petrol. In the videos, Kashyap alleged that the hybrid MPV, which had covered around 12,000 km, started showing symptoms such as engine vibration, knocking and breakdown-like behaviour. Responding to the allegations, Toyota said the Innova Hycross is fully compatible with E20 petrol and has been designed, tested and certified for the ethanol-blended fuel.In its official statement, the company said, “We have noted a customer video currently circulating on social media wherein it is claimed that he experienced issues with his Toyota Hycross vehicle due to the use of ethanol-blended (E20) fuel. We would like to emphasize that the Toyota Hycross in question is E20-compatible vehicle that is designed, tested and certified for the use of E20 fuel.”Toyota added that a detailed technical inspection concluded the issue was the result of fuel contamination rather than the ethanol blend itself. According to the company, no damage was found to the vehicle’s fuel system or any of its components.The automaker said that, as part of its standard service procedure, the fuel tank and fuel lines were drained and thoroughly cleaned before the vehicle was refilled with standard E20 petrol. After the process, the Innova Hycross was inspected, found to be functioning normally and handed back to the owner.“Therefore, it is clearly apparent that this incident is not related to E20 fuel usage and was solely caused by non-standard and contaminated fuel,” the company said.Toyota also advised customers to refuel only at authorised and reputed fuel stations to minimise the risk of fuel contamination or adulteration. It further urged customers to rely on official, science-based information and contact authorised Toyota dealerships or customer care for any concerns related to their vehicles.In his videos, Kashyap recorded the inspection process at a Toyota service centre, where the fuel tank had been removed from the vehicle. He showed multiple fuel samples collected from different parts of the fuel system, highlighting visible differences in their colour and appearance while questioning how contamination had entered the tank.Kashyap also said he had chosen the hybrid version of the Innova Hycross by paying around Rs 5 lakh more than the standard model as an environmentally conscious decision. However, he argued that if an E20-compatible vehicle develops such issues despite using the recommended fuel, owners should not have to bear the consequences.He further claimed that a service centre representative suggested warranty coverage could become complicated if the problem was linked to contaminated fuel. Kashyap questioned this stance, pointing out that the fuel lid of the Innova Hycross clearly states “Up to E20 Petrol” and argued that customers should not face additional costs for issues arising while using fuel within the manufacturer’s recommended specification.