Toyota Australia recalls Prius vehicles due to pre-collision software

July 7, 2021

Toyota corporate logo

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall involving Prius vehicles produced between July 2020 – May 2021 (inclusive). The total number of vehicles involved in Australia is 48.

The subject vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) to assist drivers in the event of a fast-approaching collision risk. Under certain driving conditions, the software programming of the PCS may cause a delayed application of the pre-crash brake assist function, resulting in a lower overall vehicle speed reduction than intended. Other features of the PCS in subject vehicles (including Pre-Collision Warning and Pre-Collision Braking) and the vehicles braking system continue to function as designed.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will update the software programming of the PCS free of charge to vehicle owners.

It is expected that it will take approximately 45 minutes to update the software. However, depending upon the Dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Toyota Australia will provide all owners of involved vehicles details of this safety recall campaign by SMS, email and/or mail to their last known address and phone number. Owners are asked to keep their contact details up to date with Toyota so future communications can be received.

Owners with additional questions are asked to please contact their local/preferred Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEST). Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q&A

Q1. What models are involved in Australia?
A1. A1. A total of 48 Prius vehicles are involved in Australia. The involved vehicles are:

(i)Note: Although the involved vehicles are within the above VIN ranges, not all vehicles in these VIN ranges were sold in the Australian market. (#) indicates additional check digit (alpha or numeric). (/i)

Q2. What is the condition?
A2. A2. The subject vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) to assist drivers in the event of a fast-approaching collision risk. Under certain driving conditions, the software programming of the PCS may cause a delayed application of the pre-crash brake assist function, resulting in a lower overall vehicle speed reduction than intended. Other features of the PCS in subject vehicles (including Pre-Collision Warning and Pre-Collision Braking) and the vehicles braking system continue to function as designed.

Q3. What are the Pre-Collision System (PCS) functions?
A3. A3. The Pre-Collision System includes Pre-Collision warning, Pre-Collision Brake Assist and Pre-Collision Braking, as outlined below.
a. Pre-Collision Warning: When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high, a buzzer will sound, and a warning message will be displayed on the multi-information display to urge the driver to take evasive action. b. Pre-Collision Brake Assist: When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high, the system applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed. c. Pre-Collision Braking: If the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid the collision or reduce the impact of the collision.

Q4. What does the remedy involve?
A4. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will update the Pre-Collision System software free of charge to vehicle owners.

Q5. How long will the remedy take?
A5. It will take approximately 45 minutes to update the software. However, depending upon the Dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q6. Can I continue to drive my vehicle until repairs are completed?
A6. Yes, you can continue to drive your vehicle, however we request owners to get in contact with their local/preferred Toyota dealership to arrange the software update. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact your local/preferred Toyota dealership or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-6.00pm AEST).

Q7. Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A7. Only models mentioned in the VIN range in the table at question 1 are involved in the Australian market.

Q8. My vehicle is in the affected production range. What should I do?
A8. Please contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer to verify if your vehicle is affected. Alternatively, please contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEST). Please quote your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q9. Where can I find my VIN?
A9. VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search “vehicle identification number” in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner’s Manual.

Q10. I’m reluctant to visit a Dealership due to COVID-19. How can you help?
A10. You can be assured that Toyota dealers are well-positioned to assist you in ways that prioritise your well-being and that of our dealership staff. For your peace of mind, our dealers have implemented intensive cleaning, hygiene and social-distancing measures, based on best-practice advice from governments and health authorities. Your preferred/local dealer will be able to assist in addressing your specific concern as well as any other questions you may have.