Toyota has announced a recall on its genuine auxiliary battery for the HiLux 4×4 and HiLux 4×2 Hi Rider.

TOYOTA AUSTRALIA has issued a recall for its ‘genuine accessory’ auxiliary battery. In a statement, Toyota said: “On vehicles equipped with a Toyota Genuine Accessory auxiliary battery kit, due to the improper fixing structure of the battery kit to the left-hand front fender apron, there is a possibility that the apron could be damaged by vibration when driving on rough roads. 

“If damage occurs, the battery could move and interfere with the surrounding engine wire harness, causing wire damage, resulting in illumination of warning lights and in the worst case, the engine could stall.

Toyota claims around 1500 units were sold – a letter will be sent out to those customers with an affected vehicle and those with a non-affected vehicle. Replacement parts are expected to be available from June.

HiLux genuine accessory auxiliary battery kit recall Q&A:

Q1: What is the condition?

A1: On certain Toyota HiLux vehicles equipped with a Toyota Genuine Accessory auxiliary battery kit, due to improper fixing structure of the battery kit to the left-hand front fender apron, there is a possibility that the fixing portion on the apron could be damaged by vibration when driving on a rough (corrugated) road. If damage occurs, the battery could move and interfere with surrounding engine wire harness, causing the wires to become damaged, resulting in illumination of warning lights, in the worst case, the engine could stall.

Q2: What is the function of the Toyota Genuine Auxiliary Battery Kit?

A2: The Toyota Genuine Auxiliary Battery Kit is designed to provide an additional power source for the vehicle operator allowing auxiliary items to be powered independently from the vehicle main battery.

Q3: Which and how many vehicles are involved?

A3: 1,481 Genuine Auxiliary Battery Kits have been sold nationally. 39,754 vehicles, within the VIN table below, will require inspection for installation of a Toyota Genuine Auxiliary Battery Kit.

Q4: Are there any other Toyota vehicles covered by this recall campaign?

A4: No other Toyota vehicle are covered by this recall campaign.

Q5: Are there any warnings that this condition exists? 

A5: Yes, the vehicle owner may identify a rattle noise when driving on rough road surfaces.

Q6: Have any accidents or injuries been reported as a result of this condition? 

A6: Toyota Australia has not received any reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this condition.

Q7: What is Toyota going to do?

A7: A letter will be mailed out to owners of the involved vehicles on or about 10th May 2017 to ask them to advise if their vehicle is equipped with an Auxiliary Battery Kit, and if so, make an appointment with any authorised Toyota Dealer to have the left-hand front fender apron inspected for cracking. Toyota Dealers will perform inspection and required rectification FREE OF CHARGE to the vehicle owner.

Q8: How long will the inspection take?

A8: This inspection will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Depending upon the Dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q9: Why is Toyota announcing this recall when replacement parts are not available?

A9: Toyota decided to inform owners and conduct an interim inspection as soon as we identified the issue to prevent vehicle owners experiencing a dislodged battery condition.

Q10: Am I able to continue to operate my vehicle until this recall is completed?

A10: Yes you can continue to operate your vehicle.

Toyota recommends to avoid driving on rough (corrugated) road surfaces until inspection and rectification has been completed. 

Q11: When will parts be available to commence correction of vehicles?

A11: Toyota is working with our suppliers to manufacture parts in the shortest possible time frames. We anticipate parts will be available from June 2017.