- Japanese automakers are now selling American-made vehicles in their country.
- Nissan and Toyota are warning buyers that the quality of these vehicles may not live up to expectations.
- Both warn buyers about bad paint, misaligned panels, and other potential defects.
In an embarrassing twist of fate, American-made vehicles imported into Japan from Toyota and Nissan come with a warning to buyers – the quality may not be as Japanese buyers expect.
Last year, US President Donald Trump signed a trade deal that opened the island nation to US-made vehicles. Toyota and Nissan are now shipping American-made Tundra, Highlander and Murano to the island nation, but they may have flaws that domestic buyers are not accustomed to seeing.
Photo by: DW Burnett/Motor1
The notice on the Murano states (translated) that “This vehicle is manufactured to specifications for overseas markets and differs in quality standards from those applicable to vehicles destined for the Japanese domestic market.”
Information continues, stating that the SUV’s paint may contain dust particles, traces of sealant residue, or misaligned or uneven panels and gaps. Thankfully, Nissan notes, “These differences do not affect the vehicle’s functionality or performance, so you can use it with confidence.”
Toyota has equal warning on the Tundra and Highlander, stating that the paint finish is “designed for foreign markets” and that customers may notice thinner paint, color variations, polishing marks and dents.
Both automakers also warn buyers that several features may not work in Japan or have not been homologated, such as the Murano’s instrument cluster and infotainment display. Nissan only offers English, Spanish and French. Toyota has features like Traffic sign recognition and maps will not work.
Motor1’s Opinion: It is unclear whether these cosmetic issues will bother Japanese buyers interested in these American-made vehicles. It could also be other issues that deter potential customers, such as the lack of certain country-specific features.
