Toyota Recall - Information & Updates

Toyota is recalling about 310,000 of its FJ Cruiser SUVs from the 2007 through 2013 model years because of a problem involving seat belt retractors. The recall could affect close to 5300 Toyota FJ Cruisers sold in Australia since it launched here in 2011. Toyota's US website says the seat belts for the driver and front passenger are mounted on the rear doors of the FJ Cruiser. Because of the insufficient strength of the rear door panel, cracks could develop over “an extended period of time,” especially if the rear doors are “repeatedly and forcefully” closed. In the event that cracks appear around the FJ Cruiser's lower seat belt retractor anchor, the retractor could loosen and detach. Toyota said it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries due to the problem. Owners will be notified by mail “soon” and instructed to bring their vehicles to Toyota dealers for a free repair. In the meantime, owners can find more information online at www.toyota.com/recall. www.thecarconnection.com  

Toyota is recalling the 6000 FJ Cruisers in Australia as part of a global recall of about 310,000 of the SUVs from the 2007 through 2013 model years because of a problem involving seat belt retractors. The seat belts for the driver and front passenger are mounted on the rear doors of the FJ Cruiser. Because of the insufficient strength of the rear door panel, cracks could develop over “an extended period of time,” especially if the rear doors are “repeatedly and forcefully” closed. The recall notice says cracks may develop in the lower inner panel of the rear car doors (around the B-pillar) where the front seat belt retractor is anchored. If the cracks occur in the panel, the seat belt retractor could become detached in a collision. Toyota said it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries due to the problem.   Owners will be notified by mail to take their vehicles to Toyota dealers for a free repair.  

Toyota has issued a recall of the 2008-09 ZW30 third-generation Prius hybrid. The recall affects some 1,652 Australian models, and relates to a potentially faulty Brake Booster Pump Assembly --a key element of the car’s braking system. The potential fault can result in a fatigue crack to the accumulator within the system, which could cause nitrogen gas to leak and result in a spongy or longer travel to the brake pedal. This could in turn increase stopping distances and the risk of collision. The recall includes all Prius models within the VIN number range: JTDKN36U# 01000031 – 01092008 and JTDKN36U# 05000003 – 05076028, produced between October 2008 and October 2009. Toyota will alert owners of the recall via mail, advising they visit their Toyota dealer for a free inspection of the relevant system. If necessary, the assembly will be replaced free of charge.  

In another humiliating setback for the world's biggest carmaker, Toyota has recalled 2.77 million cars due to a fault that could result in the loss of steering. The recall applies to 12,710 Prius hybrids imported to Australia between 2003 and 2009, and a range of other models around the world -- including the popular Corolla.  Toyota said in a statement the steering intermediate extension shaft may not have been adequately hardened, allowing the splines that connect the extension shaft to the steering box to deform and wear out if the steering wheel is "frequently and forcefully turned into full lock while driving at a slow speed". Toyota Australia spokesman Mike Breen said in the "worst case scenario a motorist continuing to drive under the conditions may cause the shaft to wear out, resulting in loss of control". He said there have been three reported cases in Australia so far, none of which has resulted in incidents. The Prius is affected by an additional recall for a defective water pump. It is news Toyota does not need as it tries to retain its global primacy ahead of General Motors. Only last month Toyota was forced to recall more than 7.4 million vehicles worldwide to fix faulty power window switches. The auto giant had barely recovered from the record 10 million vehicle pull back in 2009.  

The company admits there is a potential problem with the rear suspension of the popular SUV but says it has no plans for a safety-related recall. Instead, it intends to notify owners of more than 65,000 cars by letter, advising an inspection at a Toyota dealership. In the USA, the RAV is the subject of a major recall involving more than 778,000 vehicles -- the others are the Lexus HS250h sedan not sold here -- that continues a long string of safety scares for the world's best selling carmaker. Toyota recalled more than 3 million vehicles last year in the USA, including a group of RAVs built in 2007 and 2008, because there was potential for their airbags to fire without warning. The RAV is also being investigated by the Federal government over door fires potentially linked to electric-window switches. In Australia, there was a recall in November involving 21,792 locally-made Camrys over a steering issue. In the latest case involving the RAV4, the problem has been traced to insufficient tightening of rear-suspension nuts after a wheel alignment. This can lead to wear and potential failure of a rear-suspension arm. Six case of failure have been reported in Australia but company spokesman Beck Angel says there have been no crashes attributable to the problem. Even so, owners of 66,377 RAVs built between October 2005 and November 2010 will be contacted by Toyota Australia. “The rest of the regions -- Japan, Oceania, Europe, Asia and others -- will conduct a customer review,'' she says. ``North American dealers conduct a rear wheel alignment before the cars go to the customers. Other regions don't do that. So the problem is more likely in North America. “In Australia, the customer review is more precautionary.'' Toyota says the problem is attributed to insufficient tightening of the rear suspension bolts. No accidents attributable to the problem have been reported to Toyota. Ms Angel says in Australia, 66,377 RAV4s, built from October 2005 to November 2010, are affected. Toyota will notify owners by letter and request a vehicle inspection at a Toyota service centre. There is concern that some vehicles have changed owners and may not be able to be contacted by Toyota. ``We will notify all automotive groups and associations to capture those cars that are no longer on our records,'' Ms Angel says.

Toyota has issued a recall on 19,099 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion sedans over a fire risk. The recall says an incorrectly manufactured fuel hose could leak and result in a potential fire hazard.  “There is a possibility the hose that connects the main fuel supply line to the engine may have become wrinkled, and in some cases this could result in a small hole in the fuel hose which may allow fuel to leak,” Toyota spokesperson Beck Angel said. The recall is for 19,099 cars built at Toyota’s Altona plant in Victoria between October 2011 and July 2012. Toyota is sending letters to owners, urging them to contact a dealership for a 30-minute inspection and – if deemed necessary -- a free replacement of the hose that will take about an hour. Angel said no incidents related to the fuel hose have been reported.  "There have been no fires, there is potential for a fire hazard but because of the location of the fuel and the distance from the ignition source, it's a relatively low risk,'' she said. In November last year Toyota Australia recalled almost 22,000 of its Avalon, Camry and Kluger models from June 2004 to March 2005 over concerns about the crankshaft pulley belts and potential loss of power steering assistance. The previous-generation Camry was also involved in a vehicle recall in the US in late 2009 and early 2010 involving more than five million US-made vehicles over problems with accelerator pedals and floor mats, a campaign which did not include Australian-built vehicles. For more information, Camry and Aurion owners should call 1800 643 242.  

Toyota Australia says the recall -- from a 7.4 million global batch -- affects Corolla, Kluger, RAV4, Yaris, Aurion and Camry vehicles built between 2006 and 2010. The recall is to replace the electric window master switch, located on the driver's armrest. There have been six cases reported in Australia from a total of 297,931 vehicles specified by Toyota Australia. Globally 7.4 million vehicles are impacted. It says the problem is that the switch doesn't operate smoothly and has a "sticky feel". "This is due to the non-uniform application of lubricating grease resulting in wear to the internal sliding contact points,'' it says in a recall notice. "In some instances, the switch may become inoperative.'' In a further warning, Toyota Australia spokesperson Beck Angel says if a lubricant has been applied to the switch in an attempt to rectify this operation, "the switch assembly may overheat and melt''. "This recall is a precautionary measure,'' she says. "The switch will be checked mechanically and electrically for correct operation and specialised electrical grease will then be applied to ensure it operates smoothly when pressed.'' Only a small number of vehicles will require the window's electrical circuit board to be replaced. "The inspection and any required repairs will take approximately one hour to complete and will be at no cost to the owner,'' Ms Angel says. "Depending on the dealer's work schedule however, the car may need to be available for a longer period of time. "Should Toyota owners experience sticking operation of the power window master switch, we recommend that the switch is no longer used prior to vehicle inspection and repair.'' Ms Angel would not put a figure on the cost of the recall to Toyota. Toyota will start a mailout to owners of affected vehicles at their last known address from mid-November asking them to make an appointment with their preferred Toyota dealer. For further information about the recall, customers can call Toyota on 1800 987 366. The recall is not Toyota's for 2012 - fears over fuel leaks and potential fire risk has forced a recall in August of nearly 20,000 Australian-built Camry and Aurion vehicles to fix a wrinkled fuel line in the engine bay.