Toyota SA to Change OE Tyre After Safety Concerns Voiced

Toyota South Africa has acknowledged that the tyres fitted to its strong selling Fortuner SUV model may cause the vehicle to experience handling problems on gravel surfaces. Although the carmaker has not received any official complaints about the tyres fitted – General Grabber in size 265/70R16 – intense debate on internet forums set up by the country’s 4×4 fraternity has been sufficient ground for the company to carry out its own investigation and decide upon replacing this tyre as OE fitment.

“It was found that the perceived problem revolves around certain specified tyres for the Fortuner,” said Toyota SA spokesperson Ferdi de Vos. “These tyres were initially chosen for their favourable noise, vibration and harshness properties, but will be replaced from September 2008 with different tyres to address any possible handling concerns.”