Safety concerns spark recalls of Toyota vehicles and Kmart Anko Smart Tag
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There have been recent safety concerns that have resulted in nationwide recalls from a top car manufacturer and a well-known tech product.
If you or someone you know own one or both of these, it's crucial to pay attention to the information provided in this article.
Toyota has recently issued an urgent recall for nearly 30,000 vehicles sold in Australia.
The recall, which affects certain models of the LandCruiser 300, Tundra, and luxury Lexus, is due to a design issue that could potentially increase the risk of serious injury or even death.
The Australian Department of Transport, which listed the SUVs for recall on Tuesday, February 28, has identified a flaw in the transmission control module of these vehicles.
The regulator stated: ‘If this occurs, the automatic transmission may continue to transfer engine power to the wheels when shifted to the neutral position.’
‘If the brake pedal or park brake are not applied, it may result in unintended vehicle movement if [the] shift lever is not moved to [the] park position,’ they continued.
‘An unintended movement of the vehicle may increase the risk of an accident causing serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.’
The design fault is common across the affected vehicles, which include the LX500d (FJA310) and LX600 (VJA310) Lexus models and the LandCruiser 300 (FJA300) and Tundra (VXKH75) Toyota models.
The specific variants affected are the LX500d, LX500d F Sport, LX500d Sports Luxury, LX600, LX600 F Sport, LX600 Sports Luxury, LX600 Ultra Luxury, LandCruiser Wagon GR-S, LandCruiser Wagon GX, LandCruiser Wagon GXL, LandCruiser Wagon Sahara, LandCruiser Wagon Sahara ZX, LandCruiser Wagon VX, and Tundra Limited.
Toyota owners may also check these lists of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for LandCruiser, Tundra, and Lexus for identification.
The recall affects a total of 28,491 LandCruiser and Tundra vehicles and 1,360 Lexus vehicles manufactured from 2021 to 2024.
Toyota and Lexus will be contacting owners of the affected vehicles and asking them to make an appointment to update the transmission control module software, free of charge.
In the meantime, owners are encouraged to use the shift lever's park position rather than neutral to prevent any unintended movement.
For more information about the Toyota recall, you may visit the Department of Transport’s website or call the manufacturer at the Toyota Recall Assist Support Line 1800 987 366 and the Lexus Customer Assistance Centre 1800 023 009.
The manufacturers can also be reached via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
In similar news, Kmart has issued an urgent nationwide recall for one of its tech products, the Anko Smart Tag.
This Bluetooth GPS smart tracker, compatible with Apple devices using the Apple Find My app, has been identified as a potential safety hazard, particularly for young children.
The Anko Smart Tag was sold both in-store and online from December 28 last year until January 16 this year.
According to reports, it was quietly removed from shelves last month due to a significant compliance issue.
The product does not meet the mandatory information standard for products containing button or coin batteries, as it lacks the required warning.
Why is this so important? Button or coin batteries, if swallowed or inserted into the body, can cause choking, severe internal burn injuries, or even death.
The danger is particularly acute for young children who might gain access to these small, shiny objects and mistake them for toys or sweets.
The severity of the injuries can escalate rapidly, with fatal consequences possible within two hours or less.
The absence of the necessary warning on the Anko Smart Tag means consumers may not be aware that the product contains a button battery, thereby unknowingly exposing themselves or their children to potential harm.
In light of this, Kmart is urging consumers to keep the product out of children’s reach and to contact them for relevant warning information.
For more information, consumers can reach out to Kmart Customer Service on 1800 124 125 from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm AEST, or visit Kmart’s website.
You can also visit Product Safety Australia’s website for more information about this recall.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re affected by these recalls, make sure to follow the safety precautions or repair instructions given by the manufacturer.
Have you experienced similar issues with other products? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
If you or someone you know own one or both of these, it's crucial to pay attention to the information provided in this article.
Toyota has recently issued an urgent recall for nearly 30,000 vehicles sold in Australia.
The recall, which affects certain models of the LandCruiser 300, Tundra, and luxury Lexus, is due to a design issue that could potentially increase the risk of serious injury or even death.
Toyota recalled nearly 30,000 of its vehicles due to a design flaw. Image source: Toyota Australia
The Australian Department of Transport, which listed the SUVs for recall on Tuesday, February 28, has identified a flaw in the transmission control module of these vehicles.
The regulator stated: ‘If this occurs, the automatic transmission may continue to transfer engine power to the wheels when shifted to the neutral position.’
‘If the brake pedal or park brake are not applied, it may result in unintended vehicle movement if [the] shift lever is not moved to [the] park position,’ they continued.
‘An unintended movement of the vehicle may increase the risk of an accident causing serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.’
The design fault is common across the affected vehicles, which include the LX500d (FJA310) and LX600 (VJA310) Lexus models and the LandCruiser 300 (FJA300) and Tundra (VXKH75) Toyota models.
The specific variants affected are the LX500d, LX500d F Sport, LX500d Sports Luxury, LX600, LX600 F Sport, LX600 Sports Luxury, LX600 Ultra Luxury, LandCruiser Wagon GR-S, LandCruiser Wagon GX, LandCruiser Wagon GXL, LandCruiser Wagon Sahara, LandCruiser Wagon Sahara ZX, LandCruiser Wagon VX, and Tundra Limited.
Toyota owners may also check these lists of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for LandCruiser, Tundra, and Lexus for identification.
The recall affects a total of 28,491 LandCruiser and Tundra vehicles and 1,360 Lexus vehicles manufactured from 2021 to 2024.
Toyota and Lexus will be contacting owners of the affected vehicles and asking them to make an appointment to update the transmission control module software, free of charge.
In the meantime, owners are encouraged to use the shift lever's park position rather than neutral to prevent any unintended movement.
For more information about the Toyota recall, you may visit the Department of Transport’s website or call the manufacturer at the Toyota Recall Assist Support Line 1800 987 366 and the Lexus Customer Assistance Centre 1800 023 009.
The manufacturers can also be reached via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
In similar news, Kmart has issued an urgent nationwide recall for one of its tech products, the Anko Smart Tag.
This Bluetooth GPS smart tracker, compatible with Apple devices using the Apple Find My app, has been identified as a potential safety hazard, particularly for young children.
Kmart recalled the Anko Smart Tag. Image source: Product Safety Australia
The Anko Smart Tag was sold both in-store and online from December 28 last year until January 16 this year.
According to reports, it was quietly removed from shelves last month due to a significant compliance issue.
The product does not meet the mandatory information standard for products containing button or coin batteries, as it lacks the required warning.
Why is this so important? Button or coin batteries, if swallowed or inserted into the body, can cause choking, severe internal burn injuries, or even death.
The danger is particularly acute for young children who might gain access to these small, shiny objects and mistake them for toys or sweets.
The severity of the injuries can escalate rapidly, with fatal consequences possible within two hours or less.
The absence of the necessary warning on the Anko Smart Tag means consumers may not be aware that the product contains a button battery, thereby unknowingly exposing themselves or their children to potential harm.
In light of this, Kmart is urging consumers to keep the product out of children’s reach and to contact them for relevant warning information.
For more information, consumers can reach out to Kmart Customer Service on 1800 124 125 from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm AEST, or visit Kmart’s website.
You can also visit Product Safety Australia’s website for more information about this recall.
Have you experienced similar issues with other products? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
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