Toyota and Mercedes-Benz go on a recall rampage

TOYOTA Australia and Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific have gone on something of a recall rampage this month with Toyota recalling more than 23,000 vehicles in one hit while Mercedes has issued six different notices in the past three days.

In Toyota’s case, 23,957 of the 23,960 vehicles being recalled are MY18 HiLux pick-ups or the closely related Fortuner SUV – also MY18 – which have been found to have a potentially faulty brake booster.

Due to incorrect manufacturing, the brake assist system within the booster may fail after repeated use – i.e. in a traffic jam or particularly hilly terrain – and thereby increase the vehicle’s stopping distance.

“This could result in an accident causing injury or death of vehicle occupants or other road users,” the notice reads.

Toyota is reportedly contacting affected owners in writing, requesting them to make an appointment at their preferred authorised dealer for a free inspection and subsequent repair if needed.

The other three vehicles currently being recalled are MY20 GR Supras which may be fitted with a leaky fuel tank.

Once again due to incorrect manufacturing, the resin tank may leak over time and possibly ignite a vehicle fire with obviously lethal risks to occupants and other road users.

Just like with the HiLux and Fortuner recall, owners are encouraged to present their vehicles for a free inspection and repair at an authorised Toyota dealer.

Mercedes meanwhile is recalling 277 MY19 A-Classes, seven MY19-20 C300e and GLC300es, 1564 MY19-20 GLEs, 31 MY19 GLAs, 348 MY20 GLBs and 127 MY20 Sprinters to fix an equally diverse range of defects.

In the A-Class’ case, oil levels in the dual-clutch transmission may be too high, potentially causing the vehicle to stall or even leak transmission oil onto the road.

In the C300e and GLC300e meanwhile, Mercedes says the shielding of the high-voltage wiring harness may not be able to prevent electrical overload which could ultimately short out the vehicles’ entire electrical system.

Things are a little less dire in the bigger GLE which is being recalled to stop the middle seatbelt buckle (rear) from being pushed under the seat cushion.

As for the GLA, the mounting nuts of the control unit box in the engine bay may not be correctly torqued and could come loose, resulting in the electrical connectors separating and potentially causing the vehicle to stall as well as a failure of the power steering, ESP or the Active Brake Assist.

The 380 GLBs meanwhile are being recalled to ensure the upper shell of the roof spoiler has been welded correctly and prevent it from potentially coming off while driving.

Finally, the Sprinter vans are being recalled as the “outer layer of the brake hoses at the front and rear axles may have been damaged during the production process”, potentially resulting in a brake fluid leak and subsequent brake failure.

Every one of these faults has the potential to be lethal and so Mercedes is asking affected owners to contact their nearest dealership for a free inspection and repair.

Other brands to have issued recalls in recent weeks include Volvo, Lamborghini and Nissan.

Volvo’s recall affects 958 MY15-17 V40 and V40CCs four-cylinder diesels which could overheat if the cooling system is refilled due to an air lock within the system.

If the engine overheats it could cause unrepairable damage to components and possibly even ignite a vehicle fire.

As with the other recalls, Volvo is contacting the affected owners in writing to request they present their vehicle for an inspection and subsequent repair if needed.

Lamborghini meanwhile has recalled 147 examples of its MY19-20 Urus SUV to replace a potentially faulty quick connector in the fuel line which may deform and perish over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak.

“Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may cause a fire, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users,” the notice reads.

“Automobili Lamborghini SpA will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange an appointment with an authorised Lamborghini dealer for replacement of the fuel line including the quick connector, free of charge.”

On a smaller scale, Nissan is recalling 11 MY19 Pathfinder hybrids after it was discovered a CVT hose from the radiator to the oil warmer may have been installed backwards and could crack, resulting in a transmission oil leak.

According to the brand, this can result “in loss of power, fluid puddles under the vehicle or smoking when the CVT oil comes into contact with high temperature surfaces” and possibly even ignite a vehicle fire.

“Nissan will contact affected owners in writing. Consumers will be advised to contact their Nissan Dealer to arrange inspection, and if necessary, replacement of the hose assembly,” the notice reads.

“The inspection and replacement will be at no cost to owners.”