Australia's most popular SUV recalled

The popular Toyota RAV4 has been recalled due to the potential for cracks to appear in its lower front suspension arms, which could lead to separation of the front wheel assembly.

The safety recall affects the latest MY20 version of the new fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 released in Australia in May 2019.

Just over 1550 examples – built between October 21, 2019 and April 24, 2020 – are involved (check if your VIN is listed here).

Toyota says the front lower suspension arms in those vehicles may have been affected by “improper production conditions”. It will contact all affected owners but advises that replacement parts will not be available until late July.

“Small cracks may form in the front lower suspension arms and with rapid acceleration and deceleration over the parts' lifetime, these cracks could spread and the suspension arm can eventually separate from the front wheel assembly,” said Toyota in its recall notice.

“If the front lower suspension arm separates from the wheel assembly, this could result in loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash, causing injury or death of vehicle occupants or other road users.”

Concerned owners should contact the Toyota Recall Assist helpline (1800 987 366).

It’s not the first problem for owners of the new Toyota RAV, sales of which are up 43 per cent so far this year with almost 13,000 sold – well ahead of the Mazda CX-5 (7689) – making it Australia’s top-selling SUV and Toyota’s best-seller (ahead of the HiLux 4x4 and Corolla).

In November last year, Toyota Australia ceased sales of the RAV4 Hybrid, demand for which already exceeded supply, for a second time due to braking issues first revealed by carsales last July.