Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall on 2,640 Toyota Corolla 2.0L petrol engine vehicles (Model No. MZEA12R) produced from August 2018 – October 2018. Approximately 1,100 of these vehicles are currently with Toyota Australia and will be rectified prior to being delivered to guests.
This recall is due to a problem with the torque converter in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly.
There is a possibility that due to a manufacturing error, the blades of the pump impeller in the torque converter may detach, causing damage to the torque converter and potential loss of motive power.
Loss of motive power while driving could increase the risk of crash.
Replacement parts are presently being arranged with anticipated availability in Australia in the first half of 2019.
Toyota dealers will remove and replace the CVT and torque converter on all affected vehicles, which will take approximately 10 hours to complete.
This will be carried out free of charge.
There have been no incidents or injuries in Australia as a result of this condition.
For further information, please contact the Toyota recall campaign helpline in 1800 987 366.
Q1. What Toyota models are involved?
A1. Certain all-new Toyota 2.0L Petrol Engine Corolla hatchback vehicles equipped with the new Direct Shift-CVT are involved.
Q2. How many vehicles are involved?
A2. Approximately 2,640 Toyota vehicles are involved in Australia. See the table below.
| Model Name |
Model Code |
WMI |
VDS |
CD |
VIN Range |
Production Period |
| From |
To |
From |
To |
| Corolla |
MZEA12 |
JTN |
K43BE |
# |
03013727 |
03023629 |
8 August 2018 |
15 October 2018 |
Q3. What was the production period of the involved vehicles?
A3. The involved vehicles were produced between August 2018 and October 2018.
Q4. Are Corolla hatchback hybrid models involved in this recall?
A4. No, Corolla hatchback hybrid models use a different transaxle and are not affected.
Q5. What is the condition?
A5: The vehicles involved are equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly that uses a pump impeller and transmission oil in the torque converter to transfer engine power from the engine to the transmission. There is a possibility that, due to an error in the manufacturing process at the facility where the torque converters were assembled, some of the blades of the pump impeller in the torque converter may have been inadequately assembled to the pump impeller. If the vehicle is frequently operated in higher load conditions, such as under rapid acceleration from a low speed, the blades could detach from the pump impeller, leading to damage to the torque converter and potentially a loss of motive power. Loss of motive power while driving could increase the risk of crash.
SQ. Is a torque converter a unique part to the Direct Shift-CVT?
A: Torque converters in general are used for automatic transmissions (AT) and other CVTs, however, the affected torque converter in this recall is used in the Direct Shift-CVT only.
Q6. Are there any symptoms/warnings before the condition appears in a vehicle?
A6. No. However, if this condition occurs, guests may experience noises from the transmission.
Q7. What does the remedy involve?
A7. For all involved vehicles, Toyota Dealers will replace the CVT and torque converter at no cost.
Q8. What is Toyota going to do?
A8. Toyota Dealers will personally notify owners of affected Toyota vehicles to outline the recall.
Expected commencement timing is the first half of 2019.
Toyota Dealers will perform required rectification FREE OF CHARGE to the vehicle owner.
Q9. How long will the repair take?
A9. Once parts are available, the repair will take approximately 10 hours. However, depending upon the Dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period.
Q10. Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A10. No other Toyota models in the Australian market and involved in this campaign.
Q11. Globally this recall affects C-HR models, is the C-HR affected in Australia?
A11. The C-HR vehicles in Australia are not involved since they are not equipped with the Direct Shift-CVT and therefore do not use the affected torque converter.
Q12. What if an owner has additional questions or concerns?
A12. Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota recall campaign helpline on 1800 987 366. Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Q13. Where can I find my VIN?
A13. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search "vehicle identification number" in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner's Manual.
