Toyota 70 Series LandCruiser recalled

TOYOTA Australia has issued a recall for 13,800 examples of its rugged 70 Series LandCruiser range after discovering an issue that could affect the vehicle’s brakes.

The recall affects the vehicles built between May 2012 and March 2014 and relates to the 70 Series LandCruiser VDJ7# equipped with ABS brakes in single- or double-cab utility, wagon or Troop Carrier body-styles.

A statement on the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) product recalls website said that under certain conditions, “the flexible brake hose bracket located on the front differential may fracture around the securing bolt and break, possibly resulting in the leakage of brake fluid.”The statement said if the defect occurred, a potential hazard was a reduction in braking effectiveness which could increase the risk of a collision.

Owners are advised that they should avoid driving on corrugated roads at speeds greater than 80km/h.

The Japanese car-maker's local arm said in a statement that there have been 27 reports of the issue in Australia and one low-speed accident but there have been no reported injuries.

Toyota Australia has sent letters to owners at their last known address advising them to book their vehicle in to their local Toyota dealer to fix the issue at no charge.

The recall covers vehicles with the VIN numbers JTE EV73J# 00008761 – 00010163, JTE RV71J# 00005989 – 00006736, JTE RV73J# 09001428 – 09001708, JTE BV71J# 04000001 – 04005420, JTE LV71J# 00028750 – 00033096, and JTE LV73J# 09010556 – 0901421.