Toyota Australia Recalls Yaris Vehicles Due to Front Lower Suspension Arm

January 31, 2024

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall involving certain Toyota Yaris vehicles produced between 21^st May 2020 – 19^th January 2024 (inclusive). There are approximately 9,070 vehicles involved in the Australian market.

For involved vehicles, there is a possibility that, the ball joint attachment area of the front lower suspension arm may corrode and cause cracks if the vehicle is frequently exposed to snow-melting chemicals in snowy areas. If the vehicle continues to be driven, cracks may increase. In the worst case. the front lower suspension arm may break allowing the ball joint to dislodge resulting in reduced vehicle stability that may increasing the risk of a crash.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the left and right lower suspension arms with improved ones free of charge to vehicle owners.

Lower suspension arm replacement will take approximately 3 hours. 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 contact all owners of involved vehicles to provide details of this safety recall campaign. Owners are asked to keep their contact details up to date with Toyota so future communications can be received.

Owners 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 AEST). Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q&A

Q1. What models are involved in Australia?
A1. There are approximately 9,070 Toyota Yaris petrol and hybrid vehicles involved in the Australian market.

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

Q2. What is the condition? (Description)
A2: For involved vehicles, there is a possibility that, the ball joint attachment area of the front lower suspension arm may corrode and cause cracks if the vehicle is frequently exposed to snow-melting chemicals in snowy areas. If the vehicle continues to be driven, cracks may increase. In the worst case. the front lower suspension arm may break allowing the ball joint to dislodge resulting in reduced vehicle stability that may increasing the risk of a crash.

SQ1. Are there any symptoms/warnings before the problem can occur?
A: Abnormal noise may be heard from the front of the vehicle whilst driving.

SQ2. What is the insufficient consideration against the environment of usage?
A: The durability of the front lower suspension arm has not been sufficiently examined in an environment where snow-melting chemicals are frequently sprayed.

SQ3. What is the lower suspension arm?
A. It is the foundation of the suspension system, connecting the tyres and body to the suspension system and reducing the impact from the road surface to the tyres.

SQ4. What is the difference between the previous recall and this time?
A: The previous recall was caused by the improper manufacturing process of the ball joint insertion portion. At that stage, the impact on durability of the front lower suspension arm in environments where snow-melting chemical are frequently sprayed was not sufficiently examined.

Q3. What does the remedy involve?
A: For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the left and right lower suspension arms with improved ones free of charge to vehicle owners.

Q4. How long will the remedy take?
A: Lower suspension arm replacement will take approximately 3 hours. 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, you can continue to drive your vehicle, however we request owners contact their local/preferred Toyota dealership to arrange recall completion.

If using your vehicle in an area where snow-melting chemicals are frequently sprayed, please contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer for immediate replacement.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please contact your local/preferred Toyota dealership or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-6.00pm AEST).

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. Alternatively, please contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEST). Please quote your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

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.