Toyota Australia Recalls Kluger Vehicles Due To Second Row Seat

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall campaign involving certain Kluger vehicles produced between 31 March 2021– 10 November 2023 (inclusive). There are approximately 34,377 vehicles involved in the Australian market.

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. 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.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the seat back return springs in the recliner assembly, free of charge to owners.

Replacement will take approximately 1 hour. 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 Australia.

Q&A

Q1. What models are involved in Australia?
A1. There are approximately 34,377 Toyota Kluger vehicles involved in the Australian market within the following VIN range.

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. 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. 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.

SQ1. Are there any symptoms/warnings before the problem can occur?
A. No.

Q3. What does the remedy involve?
A3. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the seat back return springs in the recliner assembly, free of charge to owners.

SQ2. What if there are child seats fitted to the second row?
A. The removal of child seats is required prior to visiting your local dealer.

Q4. How long will the remedy take?
A4. Replacement will take approximately 1 hour. 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.

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 8.00am-6.00pm AEDT).

Q6. Does this condition affect other Toyota models in Australia?
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 AEDT). 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.