Hybrid Toyota recall in South Africa — all the details

In mid-December 2024, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) issued a recall notice detailing defects in two hybrid Toyota Corolla models that must be addressed urgently.

The two models in question are the Corolla sedan HEV and the Corolla hatch HEV, both of which have several variants. The recall impacts all variants of the two Corolla HEV models.

“These product recalls are at the time when consumers are preparing for festive holidays and therefore require speedy resolution of the identified defects,” said the acting commissioner at the NCC, Hardin Ratshisusu.

“Whilst the National Consumer Commission welcomes the notification of these product recalls, suppliers of these products are urged to take any and all necessary measures to inform affected consumers to minimise any potential harm that the continued use of these products may cause.”

The defects with the Corolla sedan HEV affect the 1.8 XS and 1.8 XR. However, the NCC didn’t provide details on how many units were affected or when the cars were built.

The recall impacts the 66H, 66L, 66M, and 66N model codes.

These Corolla sedan hybrids have a problem with the upper universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft assembly. According to the NCC, the joint may have been manufactured with cracks at the supplier.

“Eventually, the universal joint can break, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash,” it added.

The defect impacting the hatchback Corolla hybrid relates to a brake actuator and affects several variants built between 7 October 2022 and 2 January 2024.

The model codes include 49U, 49X, 49Y, 66H, 66M, and 66N.

These Corolla hatchbacks are fitted with a brake actuator with a skid control electronic control unit (ECU) responsible for controlling the hydraulic and regenerative brake systems.

“Due to the programming of the skid control ECU software, there is a possibility that the brake fluid pressure may not be controlled as designed in limited situations when the brake pedal is applied during cornering,” the NCC said.

“Operators may temporarily experience a hard brake pedal with reduced braking force, increasing the brake stopping distance more than expected, and potentially increasing the risk of a crash.”

The NCC also highlighted another Toyota Motors South Africa vehicle model facing a recall: Hino 200b Series 310 units built between June and November 2022.

Only one model of the Hino 200b Series 310 is affected by the recall, which relates to over-torqued steering pinch bolts.

“Steering pinch bolts may fracture and break off, causing a loss of steering control,” the NCC said.

In feedback to TopAuto, Toyota South Africa Motors said it would be able to provide further details about the recalls later.

“Toyota South Africa Motors has been consistently proactive when it comes to handling recalls, and we’ve always reached out to customers. We are an organisation that values its customers,” the company stated.