Toyota Kluger seatback recall expanded to almost 50,000 vehicles in Australia

Recall expanded to nearly 50,000 Klugers

Toyota has expanded an Australian recall for the Kluger to include an estimated 15,000 additional vehicles, taking the campaign to a reported total of 46,467 cars. The West Australian reports the expansion was issued earlier this week and extends the build range to Klugers made between 11 November 2023 and 10 June 2025, on top of the vehicles covered by the original notice. ¹

Per CarExpert's report via PerthNow, the original recall, issued in March 2026, covered 34,377 Klugers produced between 31 March 2021 and 10 November 2023 because of the possibility their second-row seatbacks may not properly restrain occupants in a collision. The expanded campaign brings the total to 46,467 vehicles built between 31 March 2021 and 10 June 2025. ²

The recall applies across Kluger 4x2, Kluger AWD and Kluger Hybrid models in GX, GXL and Grande grades, according to the recall notice quoted by CarExpert. ²

The defect explained

In its recall notice, Toyota said a combination of recliner return spring orientation and outer clearance between the recliner guide and ratchet may cause the recliner teeth to not fully engage during seatback adjustment. The company warned this may lead to the seatback not remaining in a locked position and failing to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury. ¹

CarExpert reproduces a more detailed version of the notice, which attributes the issue to a failure to consider the force balance between the locking spring and the return spring during a design change made by the supplier. It states an unsecured seatback may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision at higher speeds. ²

The fix and what owners should do

Toyota says dealers will replace the seatback return springs in the recliner assembly free of charge for all involved vehicles, and owners of affected cars are urged to contact their dealership. ¹

The repair is expected to take approximately one hour, though some vehicles may need to remain with the dealer longer depending on workshop scheduling, according to the recall information reported by CarExpert. Toyota Australia will contact owners directly, and owners can call the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366, weekdays 8:00am to 7:00pm AEST, quoting their vehicle's VIN. ²

Cartell.tv advises Kluger owners who have not received a letter to check their VIN via the recall checkers on toyota.com.au or vehiclerecalls.gov.au, and notes a courtesy car is offered through the recall booking. Cartell.tv also characterises the fault as hard to detect, describing no warning light or obvious driving symptom. ⁵

Background and context

This is the second Kluger-related safety concern reported this year, but a separate Toyota campaign covered in August involved more than 16,000 Camry Ascent and Ascent Sport AXVH80R models built between 2024 and 2026, recalled after a software error was found in the combination meter. The Department of Transport said the meter may fail to illuminate visual and audible warnings including dashboard indicators, the speedometer, turn signals, hazard lamps, seatbelt reminders and the key-in-ignition alert. That issue is also fixed free of charge through Toyota dealers. ⁶

Cartell.tv notes the Kluger recall followed a March Toyota recall covering around 14,000 Hilux utes over an EPS concern, and estimates Australian recall completion rates hover around 85 per cent over the first year of a notice. Cartell.tv also points to the current Kluger generation being replaced by a new model later in 2026, meaning examples may change hands with the recall outstanding, and urges sellers to disclose and buyers to ask. ⁵

About the affected vehicle

The current-generation Kluger went on sale in Australia in early 2021 and is sold in GX, GXL and Grande variants, with CarExpert listing 2026 drive-away pricing from $67,648 for the GX to $91,509 for the Grande (based on a Sydney location, subject to change and excluding some state-specific costs). CarExpert's specification data lists the Kluger Hybrid with a 2.5-litre engine and combined system output of 184kW, all-wheel drive, a 5.6L/100km ADR combined fuel figure, 2000kg braked towing capacity, seven seats and a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, and notes the Kluger is built in the USA. ³

CarExpert's comparison data shows the Kluger GX carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2021 testing, with adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian and safety assist scores of 90, 88, 76 and 82 respectively, tested as the Kluger 2.5 Hybrid GX. ⁴