Toyota Australia has announced a safety recall on Toyota Kluger vehicles because of a potential problem with leaking brake fluid.
It covers models produced from May 2003 to November 2005. As part of a global recall, 17,582 Toyota Kluger vehicles in Australia are affected.
Brake fluids contain polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components, but if the vehicle receives brake fluid that does not contain polymers, or contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear end of the brake master cylinder could become dry and curl.
According to Toyota, if this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder cup, resulting in the illumination of the brake warning light.
There have been 27 cases of the condition reported in Australia for Toyota Kluger vehicles. One "incident" was reported but there were no injuries associated with this incident, Toyota said.
The company will contact affected owners by post, advising them to make an appointment with their Toyota dealer.
Toyota said the safety recall was a preventative action and owners can continue to drive their vehicle when the brake warning light is not illuminated.
If the brake warning light illuminates, the brake master cylinder fluid level should be checked and filled. Vehicles should then be presented to dealers for inspection.