Recall wrap: Toyota Prius short circuits

Toyota Australia has announced a recall of its Prius hybrid passenger car, over a potential fault that could cause a fire hazard.

Certain models of the Prius (ZVW50) built between November 27, 2015, and May 14, 2018, are prone to an engine wire harness wearing out over time, causing an electrical short circuit. The engine wire harness connects the Power Control Unit within the engine compartment, and can contact with the connector cover.

Toyota says it will reach out to affected owners and ask them to contact their nearest dealership for rectification of the engine wire harness. In all, 791 vehicles are affected.

Concerned owners can call Toyota’s Recall Assist Helpline on 1800 987 366. The full VIN list of affected models is here.

Meantime, Volkswagen Australia has recalled the new Tiguan Allspace for two separate issues. Firstly, some variants have been recalled due to an incorrect weld on the lower securing eye around the rear shock absorber. The car-maker says the lower shock absorber attachment can come loose and affect vehicle handling, posing an incident risk.

The recall affects about 40 2018-plated Tiguan Allspace models.

There is a separate recall for dozens of MY18 Tiguan AllSpace models over concerns the airbag may not have been packed correctly. Volkswagen says the fault is not related to the Takata airbag recall, and is isolated to the passenger airbag.

Volkswagen will reach out to known owners of affected vehicles for customers to arrange an inspection and repair of both issues. The car-maker offers a hotline number (1800 504 076) for concerned customers.

Over at Mercedes-Benz, several thousand ML, GL, GLE and GLS SUVs have been recalled over concerns oil could escape via ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir.

“Oil foam may develop in the system's oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions if the oil is below the minimum level. This may cause oil to escape via the ventilation bores in the cap of the reservoir,” the car-maker says.

The issue could potentially result in escaping oil spraying onto hot component parts of the exhaust system, causing a fire.

About 4000 vehicles are affected, Mercedes-Benz says.

“Consumers should contact their nearest Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealer to arrange an inspection and repair of the vehicle free of charge.”

has recalled its new Equinox SUV over a problem that may reduce rear braking performance. The car-maker says the rear-brake caliper pistons may contain trapped hydrogen gas that could be released into the vehicle’s brake system.

About 50 vehicles are affected. Holden will reach out to owners affected owners.

Concerned customers can call 1800 632 826.

And still on the SUV front, Ford has recalled Everest models built between March 9 and March 13, 2018, over concerns the seat cushion frame may not be up to specification.

The Blue Oval says failure of one of the frame welds may cause noise between separated components, displacement/deformation of the seat cushion frame and irregular seat adjustment.

About 50 vehicles are affected. Ford will contact affected owners to organise rectification works, and offers a hotline for concerned customers (1800 503 672).

For all recall information and current campaigns, visit the Federal Government’s ACCC website: www.productsafety.gov.au.