HiLux latest in Toyota recall campaign

Product recalls are par for the course in the manufacturing industry, and therefore not usually covered in our news section, but the recent large-scale recall of Toyota products in the US has prompted us to cover today's announcement by the Japanese manufacturer that it will recall 116,507 of its HiLux 4X4 models sold in Australia between January 2005 and February 2010.

The announcement comes following 19 reported cases of the rear tailshaft centre bearing support brackets giving way when the vehicle is "frequently accelerated or decelerated quickly on rough dirt roads that feature extreme conditions", Toyota says. These conditions include severe corrugations and high numbers of cattle grid crossings.

One incident has been reported as a result of the brackets failing, although it did not result in any injuries to the driver or occupants.

The recall applies to 4X4 petrol and 4X4 turbo-diesel HiLux vehicles. Hilux 4X2 models are not affected.

The recall is a preventative action and owners can continue to drive their vehicles. As part of Toyota's recall program all affected owners will be contacted advising them to make an appointment with their preferred Toyota dealer, the recall activity is conducted free of charge.