Toyota recalls HiLux and Fortuner for potentially faulty brakes

It has been the most popular new vehicle in Australia for years, with a reputation for quality. But some models have a potentially dangerous flaw.

Toyota has issued a safety recall for its most popular vehicle due to potentially faulty brakes.

The Japanese maker is recalling about 24,000 diesel-powered HiLux utes and Fortuner four-wheel drive wagons. The Fortuner shares the same basic structure as the HiLux. The majority of the vehicles recalled will be HiLuxes.

The recall affects vehicles built between June and December 2018.

Toyota says the issue is caused by the degrading of the resin piston in the brake booster, which could break under repeated use. The brake booster reduces the amount of pedal pressure needed for braking.

Toyota has issued a recall for Toyota HiLux built between June 2018 and the end of December the same year.

If the piston does break the vehicle could lose brake assistance, resulting in an increased stopping distance.

Toyota will contact all affected owners and will ask owners to attend their local dealership where the fix will be implemented at no charge. The replacement brake booster will take about three hours to install.

The Toyota HiLux has been the best selling vehicle in Australia for the best part of the past decade, and it is on track to again be the biggest seller in 2020, attracting about 34,000 buyers through the first 10 months of this year.

The Fortuner shares its underpinnings with the HiLux.

Nearly every model is powered by a diesel engine except for the entry level single cab Workmate, which uses a 2.7-litre petrol engine.

Toyota has recently upgraded the HiLux bringing a more powerful engine, increased towing capacity and improved ride and handling.

The HiLux and Fortuner recall follows earlier safety recalls of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 for potentially cracked suspension and Corolla for a potentially faulty reversing light.

Originally published as Toyota recalls HiLux and Fortuner for potentially faulty brakes