Toyota recalls more than 74,000 popular models for fuel pump fault

UPDATED Toyota has extended the recall on seven of its most popular models for a potential fuel pump failure that could leave drivers stranded, or in a worst-case scenario see them lose power while driving.

The issue affects the Toyota Camry, the Corolla sedan, Kluger, and petrol-powered Toyota Hilux, Prado, HiAce, and 200-series Landcruisers.

The long-discontinued Toyota FJ Cruiser is also involved in the recall, and all cars affected were built over the period between 2013 and 2019.

Additional models added in December involve 1,957 Corolla and HiLux vehicles produced between September 2017 to September 2018 (inclusive).

The most heavily affected model is the Toyota Kluger large SUV, with more than 37,000 vehicles from that nameplate now subject to the recall making it account for half of the entire recall campaign. The least affected is the 200-series Landcruiser, with just 153 vehicles involved in the recall.

Symptoms of the problem include the engine not running smoothly, the engine being unable to be restarted and the engine possibly stopping while driving. The issue stems from a manufacturing issue with the fuel pump located in the fuel tank, with the pump’s impeller possibly jamming inside the pump’s housing and stopping fuel flow.

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Toyota says it will contact owners to book affected cars in for a free repair, which will take a few hours to affect.

"Depending on the vehicle, it is expected that it will take approximately 2-4 hours to replace the fuel pump. However, based on the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time," reads a statement from Toyota.

The company says vehicles are safe to drive for now, but if any symptoms of a fuel pump issue begin to present themselves owners should stop driving and get in contact with Toyota.

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So far there are no known cases of drivers becoming stranded due to the fuel pump problem.

To see a full list of affected VINs, head to the ACCC’s recall page here.

The fuel pump recall comes not long after another fuel-related recall for the Prado and Hiace - although that was for diesel-engined models - while the company continues to deal with fallout from the diesel particulate filter fault associated with its 2.8-litre turbo diesel vehicles.

The DPF problem (which sees the vehicle's particulate filter clog up and cause large amounts of soot to exit the exhaust) has resulted in a class action lawsuit.

Contributing - Tim Robson