Toyota recalls 116,507 vehicles

TOYOTA has announced a safety recall of more than 116,000 four-wheel-drive HiLux vehicles across Australia.

The recall to check support brackets is for 116,507 petrol and turbo-diesel HiLux vehicles produced between January 2005 and February 2010.

Hilux two-wheel-drive vehicles are not affected, Toyota Australia said in a statement on Wednesday.

It said if the vehicles were frequently accelerated or decelerated quickly on rough roads, the rear tailshaft centre bearing support brackets could give way.

Severe corrugations on unsealed roads and constant crossings of cattle grids could promote the problem.

Toyota said 19 cases of the problem had been reported in Australia but only one involved an on-road breakdown of the support brackets and no one was injured.

Toyota spokeswoman Laura Hill said the safety recall was a preventative action and owners could continue to drive their vehicles.

"It's a very rare case only happening under certain conditions; it's very specific," she said.

Toyota would contact affected owners, advising them to make an appointment with their preferred Toyota dealer free of charge.

Ms Hill said dealers would inspect the rear tailshaft area and if there were signs of damage such as cracks or fractures they would install a modified cross member.

If there was no sign of damage, the dealer would install reinforcement brackets, she said.

In February this year Toyota recalled 2378 Prius cars for software upgrades to remedy inconsistent brake feel.

Last year the company's reputation was hurt by massive safety recalls for vehicles in the US and elsewhere.