Toyota is recalling 13,390 HiLux utes built with a genuine bull bar, nudge bar or light bar fitted, after finding a wiring fault that can cut power steering assistance with no warning.
What is affected
The recall covers HiLux utes built between 28 August 2025 and 24 February 2026 that have a genuine Toyota bull bar, nudge bar or light bar fitted. Toyota says the earth wire for the electric power steering system can be incorrectly connected during fitment of those accessories.
What can go wrong
If the earth wire connection fails, the power steering loses assistance instantly, with no dashboard warning light to tell the driver beforehand. Steering still works, it just becomes far heavier without notice, which is a bigger risk at low speed manoeuvring or when towing.
The fix
Toyota dealers will inspect and correct the wiring for free, and the job takes about 30 minutes. Owners of affected HiLux utes are being contacted directly, but anyone who has fitted a genuine bull bar, nudge bar or light bar to a HiLux built in that window should book a check now rather than wait for the letter.
Cartell Assessment
This is a small fix for a fault that removes a safety net drivers rely on without knowing it is gone. No warning light is the part that matters here: most drivers would not notice reduced assistance until they needed it. Thirty minutes at a dealer is a low price for peace of mind on Australia's best selling vehicle.
AU Outlook
Expect Toyota to keep tightening quality control on dealer fitted accessories, since this is a fitment fault rather than a design fault in the HiLux itself. If you are chasing a genuine bar for a new HiLux, ask the dealer to confirm the earth wire check is done as part of fitment, not left for a later recall.
