Toyota recently announced the recall of 45,683 of its top models released in Australia due to faulty fuel pumps. Back in January 2020, around 700,000 Toyota and Lexus models were also recalled in North America for the same reason.
Which Toyota models are affected?
In the country, the recall includes model years 2013 to 2019 of the following models.
- Camry – 1,436 units, model code GSV70 (MY 2017-2019)
- Corolla – 6,947 units, model code ZRE172 (MY 2017-2019)
- FJ Cruiser – 2,948 units, model code GSJ15 (MY 2013-2015)
- Kluger – 22,982 units, model codes GSU50 and GSU55 (MY 2017-2019)
- HiLux – 10,771 units, model code TGN121 (MY 2017-2019)
- Prado – 483 units, model code GRJ150 (MY 2013-2015)
- LandCruiser – 116 units, model code URJ202 (MY 2013-2015)
These models were released between the 11th of October 2013 and the 3rd of April 2020.
Are these the same models recalled earlier in other markets?
The recall campaign issued by the automaker in January included Toyota 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander (aka Kluger), LandCruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra.
From its luxury brand Lexus, the following models (MY 2018-2019) also used this faulty part and, thus, subject to the recall as well.
- ES 350
- GS 300 – MY 2019 only
- GS 350
- GX 460
- IS 300
- LC 500
- LS 500
- LX 570
- NX 300 – MY 2019 only
- RC 300
- RC 350
- RX 350
- RX 350L – MY 2019
What’s the problem with the fuel pump?
The mentioned models (for the specified model years) use a fuel pump that could possibly fail and cause engine issues, like stalling, failure to restart after stalling, and power loss while driving. Fortunately, in the country, there had been no reports so far of these models getting into accidents due to malfunctioning fuel pumps.
If and when this car part stops working, a driver will have fair warning. There will be warning lights and notifications on the instrument panel, but that’s a huge problem if the failure occurs while you’re driving at high speeds. So if you think your car is among those mentioned, don’t wait for these warnings, engine issues, or worse, a road accident to happen before taking action.
What can you do if you suspect your car has this flawed fuel pump?
The automaker will contact the owners of these 45,683 vehicles, including you if your vehicle belongs in this lot. Inspection of your car and replacement of the part (free of charge) is slated in June 2020, but with the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, that schedule could change. In the meantime, be extra careful in driving and don’t engage your car in high-speed chases yet.
To be sure, you may visit Toyota Australia’s website www.toyota.com.au/find-a-dealer or call them at 1800 987 366. They are available from Monday to Friday during normal working hours. If your address, phone number, or other contact details have changed since you’ve bought your car, you should contact Toyota directly and provide them with your new contact info.
What agency handles this recall and other issues that may arise?
The federal government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is responsible for regulating this recall and issues on non-compliance.
This particular recall was lodged with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and published on the 6th of April 2020 with PRA number 2020/18242 and campaign number VGG17.
If for any reason, you can't confirm whether or not your vehicle is included in this campaign, you may check your car's VIN against the VIN lists issued by Toyota. Oh, and in case you don’t know where to find your car’s VIN, here’s an article about what a VIN is and why you need to know about it. For similar articles, such as the one on the Takata airbag recall, you may visit Carpart.com.au and check out the blog section.
By JMSL