Nobody expects a reliability problem from a Tundra. Yet Toyota Australia is recalling 1,199 Tundra pickups with the factory code VXKH75, all built during the 2023–2024 model years.
The culprit is insufficient wire insulation inside the relay that controls the rear lamps of both the truck and any trailer attached to it. An exposed terminal pin can short against the cabin back panel — and when that happens, the brake lights simply switch off. Other drivers won't see the Tundra braking, which sharply raises the risk of a rear-end collision and serious injury.
There's a second twist. As long as the engine keeps running, the fault can go completely unnoticed — the truck drives on as if nothing's wrong. But turn the engine off after the defect appears, and the smart start system won't get the brake-pedal signal it needs. The result: the truck won't restart.
Toyota will write to every affected owner and invite them to an official dealer. The fix is free — technicians will rework the relay's terminal pin and re-insulate the wire. Toyota Australia says the job itself takes about an hour, though the truck may need to stay at the dealer longer depending on scheduling.
Owners with questions can call the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (weekdays, 8:00am–7:00pm AEST) or contact their preferred dealer.
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