Toyota recalls more than 13,000 of its most popular utes over technical issue that could cause DEATH

By MATT JONES, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 04:09, 8 April 2026 | Updated: 04:23, 8 April 2026 Toyota has recalled more than 10,000 HiLux utes over a technical issue that could trigger a sudden loss of power steering assistance - and potentially cause death. The recall affects 13,390 Toyota HiLux 2025-2026 models fitted with a Toyota Genuine bull bar or nudge bar combined with a light bar. The problem is an installation error in the electric power steering (EPS) system. Specialists say a flawed positioning of a ground (earth) terminal during accessory fitting is to blame, not a fault in the factory wiring.  This misalignment could cause an unexpected loss of power steering assistance while driving. Toyota says there are no warning lights or prior signs before the loss of power steering assistance occurs, which makes the vehicle much heavier to steer.  A recall notice warned that the defect could increase the risk of a crash, with the potential for serious injury or death. The affected vehicles were built between August 28, 2025, and February 24, 2026, spanning both 4x2 and 4x4 variants, including WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X grades. The recall affects 13,390 Toyota HiLux 2025-2026 models Does this recall shake YOUR confidence in major car brands? What's your view?Toyota is contacting owners directly, urging them to book into a dealership for inspection so technicians can check and correct the issue if required.  The repair will be carried out free of charge.  Last month Toyota recalled thousands of LandCruiser 300 four-wheel drives due to a transmission fault. More than 11,000 vehicles were affected by the issue. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.