Toyota NZ recalls over 3600 cars for possible sensor issue

Toyota New Zealand has published a recall notice for over 3,600 vehicles manufactured between May 2020 and July 2021.

Toyota says 3,615 vehicles may have issues with their millimetre wave sensor, which detect objects and warn drivers they might be about to hit them.

It’s not a guarantee that these sensors are faulty. However, Toyota says that a malfunctioning sensor could result in the crash avoidance system not working correctly.

Australia is also experiencing an identical call back notice. Over 18,000 Toyota models across the ditch may also have defective sensors. 

Models affected are later model Yaris, Yaris Cross, GR Yaris and C-HR vehicles. 

Toyota’s New Zealand arm recalled 452 C-HRs last year due to a fuel pump concern. Nearly 400 Yaris Cross’ were also recalled in December 2020 for a rear seatbelt issue.

As for the sensor problem, Toyota says drivers might not be aware of the issue. However, CarExpert says they may notice the following:

• You can’t increase or decrease your adaptive cruise control’s set speed using the cruise control switch.
• The lane centring function doesn’t work, even though the display says it’s active.
• Vehicles ahead aren’t detected and shown in the instrument cluster screen when the adaptive cruise is on.
• The adaptive cruise control doesn’t slow the vehicle down when approaching another car.

Toyota New Zealand will contact owners affected by the recall. The sensor will be inspected and, if needed, replaced for free. Though it will cost you roughly one-and-a-half hours of your time.