Toyota recalls diesel HiAce van

TOYOTA Australia has recalled more than 19,000 HiAce vans to check for two separate hazards – an exhaust gas leak and seeping diesel fuel – that could pose hazards to occupants.

Only one case of the diesel fuel leak has been reported in Australia, while reports of the exhaust gas problem apparently have been confined Japan.

The recall applies to current-model 3.0-litre turbo-diesel HiAce cargo and passenger vans sold between September 2006 and June 2011, when the Toyota workhorse was Australia’s top-selling van.

According to an official recall notice on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website, exhaust gases might enter the cabin due to a fracture in the exhaust gas recirculation system pipe.

Toyota says the pipe might not be able to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by the heat of the gases, causing it to fracture and leak.

Owners are asked to return their vehicle to their dealer to have the pipe replaced with a stronger unit.

The diesel fuel leak is said to have arisen because fuel-injector pipes might have been over-tightened, causing cracking of the injectors.

“In the worst case, diesel fuel may leak from the crack and cause an engine fire or road hazard,” Toyota says.

Both recalls only apply to HiAces fitted with the 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV diesel engine.

Owners will be notified by letter and asked to make an appointment to have the rectification work done at Toyota’s expense.