Toyota hybrid stop-sale lifted

UPDATE 30/07/2019 1:30pm: Toyota Australia has advised that of the 2169 vehicles involved in the sales stop, less than 20 per cent were found to require replacement parts. "The required parts are currently available and we are working with our dealer network to complete the parts replacements as soon as possible, as each dealer’s schedule allows," is said in a statement.

Toyota and Lexus Australia have resumed sales of more than 2000 new hybrid models affected by a brake problem that can lead to a loss of power brake assistance.

However, it won’t say what kind of delays customers should expect for delivery of 2169 Camry, Corolla, Prius and RAV4 hybrid vehicles produced between April and May this year, the majority of which were checked and released after being "found to be consistent with Toyota’s manufacturing standards".

A further 183 vehicles already in the hands of buyers are now subject to a safety recall, and another 10 examples of the Lexus 2019 ES300h and UX250h hybrids produced in May have also been recalled as part of a global action that also affects about 6900 Toyota group vehicles in the US, including the flagship Lexus LC 500 coupe and LS 500/500h sedan.

“Toyota Australia was recently instructed to put a sales stop on 2169 vehicles, as a precautionary measure to understand consistency of manufacturing amongst those vehicles,” said the company in a statement on Wednesday (July 24).

“The majority of vehicles inspected were found to be consistent with Toyota’s manufacturing standards and have since been released. This investigation was conducted to reduce any inconvenience to our customers and was a necessary activity to determine next steps. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“Unfortunately, 183 vehicles had already been delivered when the sales stop was put in place and have therefore not been inspected. Subsequently a recall for these vehicles has been announced.”

According to Toyota’s recall notice, which lists the identification numbers of affected vehicles and can be found here, “there is a possibility components of the electronic brake booster pump assembly may have been manufactured improperly.

“In some cases, the brake booster pump may stop operating. If this occurs, multiple warning lights and messages could illuminate on the instrument panel and audible chimes could sound.

“After several brake pedal applications, power brake assist could be lost completely. A loss of power brake assist while driving could increase the vehicle stopping distance and may increase the risk of an accident.

“Toyota Dealers will notify all involved vehicle owners about this recall personally by telephone, requesting they make an appointment at their preferred/closest Toyota Dealer to have the vehicle inspected. If owners cannot be reached by telephone, a letter will be sent to their last known address.

“Expected commencement timing is July 2019. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the brake booster pump and replace it with a new one if necessary, free of charge.

“For further information, please contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 987 366 (Monday-Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST).”

Toyota says the brake booster fix will take approximately four to seven hours depending on the model, but “it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period depending upon the dealer's schedule”.

The company said there have been no reported incidents or injuries in Australia or worldwide as a result of the problem, which we exposed early this month, but advises owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately if the condition occurs.