More than 600 new Toyota Klugers recalled in Australia for faulty airbag wiring

More than 600 brand-new Toyota Kluger family SUVs have been recalled in Australia over concerns certain airbags might not deploy in a crash.

Toyota has recalled 625 examples of the 2023 Toyota Kluger – including petrol and hybrid variants – after it was discovered the driver's side-airbag wiring harness could become loose over time.

If the wiring harness loses its connection, an airbag warning light will illuminate on the dashboard and the driver-side airbag may not deploy.

The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: "The driver side-airbag wiring harness connection may become loose over time. As a result, the airbag warning light will illuminate and the driver side airbag will not deploy.

The notice says if an affected vehicle is in an accident "an airbag not deploying as intended could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants".

The defect impacts a variety of Toyota Kluger variants, including the two-wheel-drive 2.4-litre petrol, the all-wheel-drive 2.4-litre petrol, and the 2.5-litre petrol Toyota Kluger Hybrid.

Toyota Kluger owners can check their vehicle's VIN against the full list of affected cars here or check with their local Toyota dealer.

There have been no reported cases of this occurring in Australia with a Toyota spokesperson telling Drive "We have had no reports of this condition in the Australian market."

A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 625 vehicles involved in the recall can be found here.

Toyota Australia says "when parts become available" it will contact owners of affected vehicles in writing to set up an appointment to have the vehicle inspected at a Toyota service centre.

If rectification work is required, the fault will be fixed free of charge.

Toyota Kluger owners who require further information have been urged to contact the Toyota Recall Assist helpline on 1800 987 366.