Toyota Australia is recalling about 13,390 HiLuxes built between late August 2025 and February 2026 that were fitted with a Toyota Genuine bull bar or nudge bar.
The fault
A wire harness bracket behind the bar may have been installed incorrectly. Over time that can damage the wiring, and the failure mode is serious: the electric power steering can become inoperative while the vehicle is being driven. The steering still works without assistance, but the effort required jumps suddenly, which is exactly what you do not want mid corner or towing.
What to do
If you bought a HiLux since August last year with a genuine bull bar or nudge bar fitted, contact your Toyota dealer. The inspection and any repair are free. You can also check your VIN on the government recalls website.
Cartell Assessment
Credit where due: this is a fault in a genuine accessory, not the ute itself, and Toyota has moved on it. But 13,390 vehicles is a big number, and power steering failure at speed is a genuine safety issue rather than paperwork. The HiLux is one of Australia's best selling vehicles and a huge share of them leave the dealer with a bull bar, so if this sounds like your ute, do not sit on it.
AU Outlook
Owners will be contacted directly, but you do not need to wait for the letter. Book the check now, it costs you nothing but an hour at the dealer.
