TOYOTA AUSTRALIA RECALLS COROLLA AND COROLLA CROSS VEHICLES

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall involving Corolla hybrid and Corolla Cross hybrid and petrol variants produced between 18 July 2023 and 4 September 2023 (inclusive). There are 1,271 vehicles involved in the Australian market.

For involved vehicles, the steering system of the subject vehicles consists of a steering intermediate shaft assembly that connects the steering wheel to the steering rack. There is a possibility that the upper universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft assembly was manufactured with cracks at a supplier. In this condition, the crack may grow over time due to stress created by steering inputs. If the crack grows, this can lead to abnormal noise, abnormal steering feel, and additional play in the steering wheel while turning. Eventually the universal joint can break, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota Dealers will replace the steering intermediate shaft, free of charge to vehicle owners.

Replacement will take approximately 45 minutes; however, depending on the Dealer's work schedule, owners may be required to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Toyota Australia will provide all owners of involved vehicles details of this safety recall campaign by SMS, email and/or mail to their last known address. Customers are asked to keep their contact details up to date with Toyota so future communications can be received.

Customers with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local/preferred Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEDT). Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q&A

Q1 Which and how many models are involved in Australia?
A1. There are 1,271 Corolla hybrid and Corolla Cross hybrid and petrol vehicles involved in the Australian market.

Note:
1. Although the involved vehicles are within the above VIN ranges, not all vehicles in these VIN ranges were sold in the Australian market.
2. (#) indicates additional check digit (alpha or numeric).

Q2: What is the condition?
A2: For involved vehicles, the steering system of the subject vehicles consists of a steering intermediate shaft assembly that connects the steering wheel to the steering rack. There is a possibility that the upper universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft assembly was manufactured with cracks at a supplier. In this condition, the crack may grow over time due to stress created by steering inputs. If the crack grows, this can lead to abnormal noise, abnormal steering feel, and additional play in the steering wheel while turning. Eventually the universal joint can break, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

SQ2. Are there any symptoms/warnings before this condition occurs?
A2: Customers may experience abnormal noise, abnormal steering feel, and additional play in the steering wheel while turning. In the event the customer experiences any of the above, we request they contact their local/preferred Toyota dealership urgently for further advice and to arrange inspection and recall completion.

Q3: What does the remedy involve?
A3: For all involved vehicles, Toyota Dealers will replace the steering intermediate shaft, free of charge to vehicle owners.

Q4: How long will the remedy take?
A4: Replacement will take approximately 45 minutes; however, depending on the Dealer's work schedule, owners may be required to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q5: Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
A5: Yes, customers can continue to drive their vehicle. In the event the customer experiences any of the above (refer to SQ2), we request they contact their local/preferred Toyota dealership urgently for further advice and to arrange inspection and recall completion.

Q6: Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A6: Only models mentioned in the VIN range we identified [refer table at question 1] are involved in the Australian market.

Q7: My vehicle is in the affected production range. What should I do?
A7: Please contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer to verify if your vehicle is affected. Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline.

Q8: Where can I find my VIN?
A8: VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search "vehicle identification number" in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner's Manual.