120 Towbar recall

[johna Member Find all posts View Profile Close johna]

Well that was a waste of time.... Toyota had the prado for 4 hours and ring me to say all's good and come pick it up.
Checked bolts and all OK but replaced them just to make sure. He pointed out that I didn't have a standard toyota tongue (Hayman Reece) fitted and offered to swap... I asked if it was adjustable and able to be used on other vehicles and he just looked at me like DUH!!!!!!

Asked to look at what they would swap it with and he came back with a standard hitch/tongue. Told him I have one and use it all the time except when towing the caravan. Asked him if the HR setup is OK to use and said "yeah don't see why not" even though they put the sticker on the towbar stating that "Toyota take no responsibility if using an aftermarket LDH bla bla bla".
Think I might call in and talk to someone else at a different dealer and see what they say. Failing a definite answer will call insurance company and ask the question. If a bit iffy I'll just go get myself a Hayman Reece towbar to cover my backside incase the unfortunate happens!

It sounds like the best thing anyone can do when talking to TOyota or dealers is the record the conversation for future reference if needed. Wish I had done it 10 years ago when buying the 2003 GXL.
This sticker thing is a bailout by Toyota to stop the liability of faulty OEM equipment supplied and sold by them.
in the market for a new vehicle but maybe time to dump Toyota for something else ?

[johna Member Find all posts View Profile Close johna]

Hi There,
Not sure either?? Not listed here?
http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/in.../itemId/952857

Paul

Was about 6 years ago and was on the 2003 models from memory. There was a leaking seal in the booster on some vehicles, and the checked for any oil getting past seal and then replaced it +++ .
had mine for 3 days as they had to check then order parts. Supplied a loan vehicle free of charge as well for the inconvenience.

[GregB Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GregB]

Hi Paul,
Found myself in same situation (see a couple of pages back).
Made all the same calls as you and have now changed over my tow bar to a Hall Tow Bar (local here in SA I believe) who are happy to guarantee it with my HR setup. I've kept the new tow bar Toyota fitted and now have it on eBay to try and off-set the $400 I am out of pocket. That said I figured it was a small price for piece of mind when we head off on our next trip!
Greg

[GregB Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GregB]

Hi All,

Just got my Toyota tow bar recall done yesterday, The bumper bar was removed and the tow bar was removed and checked on a gauge (apparently) and passed, new bolts were installed and the car is good to go.
Upon receiving the car back i noticed that there is a new supplement for correct towing methods book in the service manual and also a sticker over the previous section in the handbook with updated details and also a sticker on the tow bar stating Toyota recommends using only a Toyota Factory Supplied LDH with the tow bar or it basically voids warranty and liability.

I have been towing with a Drop Hitch HR WDH Kit for the last year and the previous owner has also for the last 4-6 years and no issues.

I rang my insurance company to confer with them as i do not want to be liable in the event of a accident or deemed to be negligent should the tow bar snap and the van run off and clean up someone's else s family. (as now legally I actually know about the issue as i took it to Toyota for the recall)
The Insurance company (CGU) stated they didn't have a problem with it as long as HR didn't as the tow bar was installed from factory and should be fit for purpose, but would not put it in writing. They further stated maybe it was a quick money grab from Toyota and if i was still uncomfortable ring HR and confirm it all.

Me being me, wanting to have all my issues sorted, I then rang HR and told them the issue from the start, they stated since Toyota has advised me personally and updated the car manual book, not to use anything other than a Toyota LDH. A HR WDH system should not be used as i would be deemed to be liable in the event of an accident once a investigation occurs as i am well aware of the issue.

Best situation is to either can the HR WDH or go with Toyota LDH (which does not suit my needs as i need a drop hitch) or change the Tow bar package to a HR system which is fully compatible and fully covered.

So now i am in limbo land, and very annoyed with the extra expense about to be incurred.
My best course of action to ensure my family's safety and anyone else s family is to change the Tow bar to a HR System Part Number 02912R for $410.00 supply only or $540.00 Fitted.

Very tempted to write a letter to MR Toyota, stating that the product supplied is technically not "fit for purpose" and demanding a refund on the factory tow bar.

Wait to see your thoughts on this and whether i am heading down the right path, considering most of you may be in the same situation as this.

Very annoyed with Mr Toyota
Paul

Paul
Found myself in same situation (see a couple of pages back).
Made all the same calls as you and have now changed over my tow bar to a Hall Tow Bar (local here in SA I believe) who are happy to guarantee it with my HR setup. I've kept the new tow bar Toyota fitted and now have it on eBay to try and off-set the $400 I am out of pocket. That said I figured it was a small price for piece of mind when we head off on our next trip!
Greg

[mazpete Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mazpete]

Prado Towbar Saga

Heard on the jungle telegraph about towbar problem so went to local Toyota dealer. To start with What recall? and then blank expressions. Finally after punching the computer for a few minutes while I watch on there was an expression of "oh look there is something going on". Had the vehicle identified as needing to be checked, made an appointment and promptly arrived, towbar checked and found to be faulty/out of spec. had to fit new bar which took about 2 hours. No mention of any other relevant information only that the vehicle was right to go. Arrive home to inspect and find stickers on towbar concerning wdh use. Find a brochure in the glove box about towing and the use of non genuine wdh. My mate down the road has the same Prado model, we bought them 2 days apart, so I tell him to contact Toyota. He does this at the same dealership I went to and is told no recall, no problem. He relates that he knows someone who had his towbar replaced the day before by them. Left his details with them to await further investigation. Two days later "please bring your Prado in for an inspection". Faulty has to be replaced, but no towbars in stock. I relate this partly out of frustration with Toyota and the fact that it does not instil me with any real confidence in them and some dealerships. But the saga continues, eventually track down the controversy with non genuine wdh use, and the possibility that Toyota may now provide a genuine ldh. Back to the local dealership for clarification....talk about stoney faces and an inability to speak......stormed out of reception purely out of a lack of concern for me from them. Got home and rang "recalls" at Toyota Customer Experience Centre for further relevant information. I was fortunate enough to get a wonderful young lady who could explain what the difficulties were and what could also be done to participate in the recall. As far as the new genuine Toyota ldh is concerned, it is a voluntary exchange programme. Give them your hitch and they will give you one of theirs. You will be requested to sign a waiver which is not enforceable, but it will be noted of your refusal to sign. Don't know if this is how it will pan out at all dealers....personally a Hayman Reese towbar at about $600 is starting to look a real alternative

[johna Member Find all posts View Profile Close johna]

It is a pity that the other makers couldn't get their act together and come to the same standard that Toyota used to be then wouldn't support them any more with the lack of service and care re recalls.

[willykj Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close willykj]

I hadn't received any letter yet - but was at my Toyota Dealer yesterday for a Corolla service they confirmed that the Prado tow bar was subject to recall.

Said they would order in all the parts including a Toyota WDH & then get me in for the check. I have a 4 bar distribution system and they confirmed that they would supply a Toyota WDH. Happy with that as my 4 bar system is very very old.

[PradoGXL08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PradoGXL08]

Hi All,

Had my Towbar checked last week.

No Problems with mine at all.

I also brought in my HR Insert / Tongue as that had my DO35 Offroad Coupling on it, and they had no problems with it being used in my Toyota Bar.
Received Booklet in Sealed Clear Bag - Yet to read it)

I guess that I don't Tow a Caravan helps.

Stuart

[ScoticusMaximus Member Find all posts View Profile Close ScoticusMaximus]

Hi All,

Had my Towbar checked last week.

No Problems with mine at all.

I also brought in my HR Insert / Tongue as that had my DO35 Offroad Coupling on it, and they had no problems with it being used in my Toyota Bar.
Received Booklet in Sealed Clear Bag - Yet to read it)

I guess that I don't Tow a Caravan helps.

Stuart

that's interesting, i thought they didnt permit the use of a non-standard tow tongue in the factory receiver....hmmm.
can anyone else confirm please?

[FC_Holden Member Find all posts View Profile Close FC_Holden]

that's interesting, i thought they didnt permit the use of a non-standard tow tongue in the factory receiver....hmmm.
can anyone else confirm please?

All the Toyota paperwork says don't use non standard bits must use Toyota bits or no comeback warranty

[Guest Close Guest]

I thought they just didn't permit the use of non-genuine LDH/WDH... ???

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Nope, OE only, actually has been that way from the start only now there is a big sticker.

Kaymar are the same, they say only use the Kaymar hitch. Of course it is due to the certification requirements but do you want to take the chance...

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Instead of waiting for Toyota to send me a letter I got under the car on the weekend and checked the 6 bolts holding the non-genuine bar on to the car. All as tight as the day they were fitted.

[willykj Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close willykj]

I hadn't received any letter yet - but was at my Toyota Dealer yesterday for a Corolla service they confirmed that the Prado tow bar was subject to recall.

Said they would order in all the parts including a Toyota WDH & then get me in for the check. I have a 4 bar distribution system and they confirmed that they would supply a Toyota WDH. Happy with that as my 4 bar system is very very old.

My 120 went in for checking today. Had a look at the tow bar whilst the rear bumper was off. All the bolts were tight but they still replaced all the 6 bolts with new ones. Also supplied a new Toyota WDH to replace my old 4 bar system. My 120 has towed a caravan for around 80K & the nuts were as tight as new.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Had mine checked while they were look into another issue.
Said all was good and they just checked torque settings etc... when I looked is seems they've actually changed a few bolts in the process as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk