Toyota Australia has issued a nationwide product safety recall for almost 35,000 examples of its popular Kluger large SUV due to the possibility their rear second-row seatbacks may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a collision.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with second row seats that use recliner assemblies to unlock the seat backs, allow for seat back angle adjustment, and lock the seat back in place once adjustment is complete,” said Toyota in its recall notice.
“Due to a failure to consider the force balance between the locking spring and the return spring during a design change made by the supplier, a combination of recliner return spring orientation and outer clearance between the recliner guide and ratchet may cause the recliner teeth to not fully engage during seat back adjustment.
“This may lead to the seat back not remaining in a locked position. A seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision at higher speeds.”
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- A total of 34,377 vehicles produced between March 31, 2021 and November 10, 2023 are affected
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
- The original recall notice is attached here
Toyota says it will replace the seatback return springs in the recliner assembly of all affected vehicle, free of charge. This process will take approximately one hour, but some owners may be required to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time depending on the dealer’s work schedule.
Toyota Australia will contact the owners of all affected vehicles, but for further information you can contact your local/preferred Toyota dealer, or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEDT) with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).