Toyota Australia has announced an urgent recall affecting 40,499 examples of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, including both sedan and hatchback models. The recall applies to vehicles manufactured between August 31, 2022, and November 6, 2024, across various trims such as Ascent Sport, SX, and ZR.
The Issue
The recall stems from a software fault in the skid control Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which manages the vehicle's hydraulic and regenerative braking systems. According to Toyota's recall notice:
- Under certain conditions, particularly during cornering, the brake fluid pressure may not be controlled as intended.
- Drivers may experience a hard brake pedal, requiring more pressure to stop the vehicle.
- This could result in reduced braking force and an increased stopping distance, potentially raising the risk of accidents.
The Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure has also noted that this issue could lead to an increased risk of injury or death for vehicle occupants and other road users.
Affected Vehicles
The recall covers 40,499 vehicles, including both sedan and hatchback variants of the Corolla Hybrid. Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by referring to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list provided by Toyota.
Resolution
Toyota is contacting affected owners directly and urging them to book an appointment with their nearest dealership. The fix involves a free software update for the skid control ECU to rectify the issue.For further assistance or inquiries, owners can contact Toyota’s Recall Assist helpline at 1800 987 366.
Recent Recalls
This announcement follows another recent Toyota recall involving the Corolla Cross SUV, which had a potential manufacturing defect that could lead to steering issues. These back-to-back recalls highlight Toyota's commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly.
Toyota's recall of over 40,000 Corolla Hybrids underscores the importance of addressing potential safety risks proactively. Affected owners are advised to act quickly by scheduling their free software update to ensure their vehicle’s braking system operates as designed.
