Recalls: Toyota XV40 Aurion
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Toyota XV40 Aurion
2006-10 Toyota XV40 Aurion: driver’s window switch could become defective #1
In October 2012, a recall was issued for Toyota XV40 Aurion vehicles produced prior to 31 May 2010. In these vehicles, a sliding electrical contact module in the driver’s side power window master switch may have a ‘sticky’ feel during operation due to the non-uniform application of lubricant – this could cause wear to the internal sliding contact points. As a result, the switch may become inoperative. If, however, a commercially available lubricant was applied to rectify the operation, the switch assembly could potentially overheat and melt (PRA 2012/13327).
2009-10 Toyota XV40 Aurion: driver’s window switch could become defective #2
In November 2015, a recall was issued for Toyota XV40 Aurion vehicles that were manufactured from April 2009 to December 2010. In these vehicles, the sliding electrical contacts in the driver’s side power window master switch may not have been lubricated with sufficient grease. As a result, wear residue from the electrical contact points could accumulate between the terminals during normal operation. This wear residue could cause a short circuit between the contact points, posing a fire hazard. The recalled Toyota XV40 Aurion vehicles had VINs in the range 6T1 53KK40 # 0X321461 to 6T1 53KK40 # 0X345675 (PRA 2015/14999).
Problems and faults: Toyota XV40 Aurion
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2006-09 Toyota XV40 Aurion: VVT-i oil hose leak
In August 2014, Toyota USA issued its extended ‘Limited Service Campaign’ (LSC) 90K for vehicles that had 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engines. Since LSC 90K was issued for the US market, the Toyota Aurion was not identified by name, but AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the Aurion was affected by VVT-i oil hose leaks since its 2GR-FE engine had the same oil supply hose as other affected vehicles. As such, the affected Toyota Aurion vehicles were manufactured prior to June 2009.
In affected vehicles, the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-i actuator could develop a pinhole and exposure to small amounts of corrosive gases from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system may cause this pinhole to expand and oil to leak. If this occurred, the engine noise may be ‘abnormal’ and the oil pressure light may illuminate.
As part of LSC 90K, the VVT-i oil hose was to be replaced with a ‘newly designed’ hose at no charge to owners. Vehicle owners could participate in the service campaign until 31 December 2021.
2GR-FE engine: oil changes
The Toyota 2GR-FE engine is sensitive to the condition of the oil. Over time, particles of unburnt fuel and combustion by-products cause a build-up of carbon (soot) in the engine oil, forming a jelly-type substance. As per the Aurion warranty and service book, this oil thickening ‘can cause serious engine damage through oil starvation,’ such that it is essential that the engine oil is changed according to the maintenance schedule.
2007-08 Toyota XV40 Aurion: 2GR-FE idler pulley noise
In February 2009, Toyota USA issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0056-09 for 2007-08 Toyota Camry V6 vehicles that had 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engines. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise from the engine compartment while the engine was running due to the no.2 idler pulley. However, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that this bulletin also applies to Toyota XV40 Aurion vehicles since they had the same idler pulley (shared with the XU40 Kluger and XA30 RAV4).
To replace the idler pulley,
- The accessory drive belt was to be loosened;
- The no.2 idler pulley(s) were to be removed;
- The original no.2 idler pulley cover plate was be fitted to the front of each new no.2 idler pulley;
- A new idler pulley cover (part no. 16649-31020) was to be fitted to the rear of each new pulley (part no. 16604-0P011) and the assemblies were to be bolted onto the engine;
- The accessory drive belt was to be re-installed.
U660E: transmission fluid replacement
For the U660E automatic transmission, the Toyota Aurion warranty and service book indicates that the automatic transmission fluid – Toyota Genuine ATF WS (ATF JWS3324 or NWS9638) – is to be inspected every 45,000 kms or 36 months, with the fluid replaced ‘only as necessary’.
Furthermore, the Toyota Aurion owners’ manual states that ‘[g]enerally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under one of the Special Operating Conditions’ (i.e. ‘severe driving conditions’ such as towing), in which case replacement of the automatic transmission fluid is recommended every 90,000 kms or 72 months. To prevent transmission damage and extend the life of the transmission, however, AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that the transmission fluid be replaced every 90,000 kms or 72 months.
Please note that using automatic transmission fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF WS may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmission. For information on checking the transmission fluid level of the U660E transmission, please see the video below.
Toyota Aurion U660E transmission: 3rd to 4th gear shift flare
For 2006-07 Toyota Aurions, owners may experience a sharp increase in engine RPM between the 3rd to 4th gear shift point during the first ten minutes of operation after a cold start. A revised transmission valve body was developed to address this concern.
Toyota XV40 Aurion: drifts or pulls to left when driving straight
When driving in a straight line, some Toyota Aurion vehicles would drift or pull to the left of the road. It has been suggested that this occurs because the suspension has been configured for left-hand drive vehicles (i.e. designed to offset the normal slope of left-hand drive roads which is opposite to that of right-hand drive roads). As such, the left-hand side has less caster and camber.
Since a basic wheel alignment does not fix this problem, there are a number of possible solutions:
- Fitting polyurethane offset bushes;
- Having a thorough wheel alignment by suspension specialists which adjusts camber, caster and toe. Specifically, the upper control arms are aligned to adjust caster and camber, then toe is adjusted; or,
- It is understood that Toyota dealerships were able to fix the problem with a suspension kit, but would insist on performing a wheel alignment first.
2006-11 Toyota Aurion: sticky/melting dashboard
For2006-11 Toyota XV40 Aurion vehicles, the polymer which the dashboard is made from may degrade due to sunlight/heat and humidity. As a result, the dashboard surface may:
- Become sticky to the touch; and,
- Appear shiny and reflect more light, causing increased glare and impaired visibility.
The driver may also experience a ‘chemical’ smell.
Inresponse, Toyota USA initiated Warranty Enhancement Program ZE6 in 2014. The specific condition covered by the Warranty Enhancement Program was a cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboard in a covered (i.e. non-convertible) vehicle as a result of heat or humidity. If the condition was verified, the repair would be performed in accordance with the applicable Technical Service Bulletin (T-SB-0039-15). For the Warranty Enhancement Program,
- The ‘Primary Coverage’ extended the warranty until 31 May 2017 regardless of mileage or date of first use of the vehicle; and,
- The ‘Secondary Coverage’ supplemented the Primary Coverage for some owners by extending the warranty for ten (10) years from the date of first use of the vehicle, regardless of mileage.
Within Australia, there have been instances of owners having had their dashboards replaced free of charge.
Toyota XV40 Aurion: other problems and faults
- Air from the centre rear air conditioning may be warmer than the front – this problem was fixed by revised servo motors and air conditioning amplifiers.
- On early models, the battery could go flat overnight due to the remote start control module failing.
- The check engine light may illuminate due to a problem with the variable valve timing camshaft oil control valve.
- Dashboard rattles were not uncommon, even on new cars. To fix, the dashboard had to be removed and insulating clips installed.
