Australia’s favourite car brand has been forced to issue a safety recall on one of its most popular vehicles that could have serious consequences.
Australia’s most popular car brand has issued an urgent safety recall for its Kluger big family SUV.
More than 30,000 vehicles sold between 2021 and 2023 are affected, including hybrid and petrol versions.
Toyota has recalled more than 30,000 Klugers for a potential safety issue.
A recall notice issued by the Federal Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts says part of the vehicle may fall off when in motion.
It says the lower resin bumper cover may detach if damaged during driving and if it does detach then it could be a potential road hazard and increase the risk of an accident, serious injury or even death to the vehicle occupants and other road users.
The Kluger is one of the most popular seven-seat SUVs on sale.
Toyota Australia will contact all affected owners in writing and urge them to make an appointment with their nearest dealer for a free inspection and repair.
Owners can make an appointment at https://www.toyota.com.au/owners/service/online-service-booking or call Toyota’s recall helpline on 1800 987 366.
The Toyota Kluger is one of the best selling seven-seat family SUVs on the market, outselling other high selling models such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Large SUVs are proving popular with Aussie buyers, with more than 100,000 finding a new home this year already. The segment is up more than 5 per cent compared to 2022.
Kluger prices start at about $56,000 drive-away and rise to more than $86,000.
It uses turbopetrol or hybrid power.
It can be had with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine or petrol-electric hybrid power. Both power options can be had in front- or all-wheel drive.
The recall is the fifth in the past five months for Australia’s top-selling brand.
In June it recalled almost 1000 units of its new Corolla Cross compact SUV due to a problem with the vehicle’s electronic handbrake.
That same month it recalled more than 7500 Yaris hatchbacks over potential cracks in the front lower suspension arms that could cause the suspension to collapse, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control.
It had also issued a warning for more than 600 Kluger large SUVs with a potentially faulty airbag wiring harness that could result in the airbag not deploying.
The spate of recalls is embarrassing for the brand, which has built a well-earned reputation for quality, durability and reliability.
Mercedes-Benz also recalled a small number of its high-powered SL 63 AMG.
Only 82 examples of the circa-$400,000 machine were affected by a manufacturing fault that could lead to the alternator wiring harness coming into contact with the transmission shaft.
Mercedes-Benz also issued a recall for its potent $400,000 SL 63.
If this does happen the twin-turbocharged V8-powered convertible could lose power while driving or it could catch fire. Both pose a substantial risk of serious injury or death to the occupants or other road users.
Keyword: 2021-2023 Toyota Kluger recall