Daihatsu, a unit of Toyota, have been known to produce a number of stylish family vehicles, vans, pick-ups and accessible vehicles, typically in Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. However, there are still 16,797 Daihatsu vehicles in the UK, making them more common on the roads than you might think. If you are a Daihatsu owner or thinking about buying a new or used one, we have compiled some of the most common issues to be aware of, so you can know what to expect, and what to look out for when choosing your vehicle.

Engine Misfiring and Slow Acceleration

The Daihatsu Terios is an SUV known for it’s affordability and usability, however it has been reported as experiencing issues with the engine. According to BreakerYard, the Terios can be “slower to accelerate, and the engine occasionally misfires”, often as a result of an exhaust that is “prone to excessive wear” (https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/daihatsu/terios/common-problems). This is seemingly a particular problem for Terios owners who only use the car for shorter trips, and can lead to issues with rusting, cracks and breakages. Replacing this part can often resolve the problem.

Odd Squealing Noises

Daihatsu owners have been reporting issues with a strange squealing sound coming from the front of their car. This issue has been reported as being due to “front wheel bearings [being] very prone to rapid and premature wear.” Generally, this issue can be repaired by replacing the bearings with new ones. Our team are well-versed in these repairs, and can conduct full diagnostics to ensure that they are the cause of the issue, getting you back on the road safely.

Airbag Recall

Daihatsu has also been plagued by the Takata airbag recall that has affected a number of manufacturers across the globe. The issue has seen the airbags deploying with a fault that sends shrapnel and debris into the vehicle, potentially posing a risk for further injury. The recall has affected millions of cars, and some Daihatsu vehicles may also be a part of this recall. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32732354). If your model is affected by this recall, the problem can be repaired through the replacement of the airbags. It’s worth noting, however, that this recall has been a precautionary measure as only a few models among other manufacturers have actually seen the issue occur. 

Halted Production

In December 2023, Daihatsu was hit by an issue with falsifying safety test results on 64 of their models, with the issue spanning back “more than three decades”. According to The Guardian, the issue first came to light in April 2023, with the firm admitting it had “manipulated data on four models manufactured in Thailand and Malaysia from 2022 until this year” and that they have since acknowledged similar issues spanning back to 1989 (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/daihatsu-suspends-production-in-japan-after-safety-test-scandal). As a result, the manufacturer stated they would halt shipments of all models while the issue is being investigated. Daihatsu identified that doors can be difficult to open from the outside after an accident and while there have been no associated injuries, this issue could prove dangerous and therefore is under investigation. 

Daihatsu vehicles may have had a few hiccups and concerns over the years, but they are still a brand we see on the roads today. They are often thought to be convenient and affordable, which is why are team remain experts in repairing these models. For more information or to book your Daihatsu in for repair, simply get in touch with a member of our team, today.