Toyota Avensis, Lexus GS, Previa Recall R/2012/102: Tow Ball May Fracture, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 26 Oct 2012
- Launched
- 901
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2012/102
- DVSA reference
Toyota recalled Avensis, Lexus GS, Previa vehicles built between 8 February 2000 and 2 November 2011. On Toyota Avensis Previa and Lexus GS fitted with a Toyota or Lexus genuine or Brink branded (only on Avensis) detachable towing hitch the possibility exists that the detachable towing ball in some exceptional cases (under severe mechanical stress) might develop a crack. The recall notice describes the fix as: lexus/Toyota dealers will replace the detachable towing ball and housing at no cost to vehicle owners. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On Toyota Avensis Previa and Lexus GS fitted with a Toyota or Lexus genuine or Brink branded (only on Avensis) detachable towing hitch the possibility exists that the detachable towing ball in some exceptional cases (under severe mechanical stress) might develop a crack. In a worst case the detachable towing ball might fracture and/or fail.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: TOW BALL MAY FRACTURE Defect: On Toyota Avensis Previa and Lexus GS fitted with a Toyota or Lexus genuine or Brink branded (only on Avensis) detachable towing hitch the possibility exists that the detachable towing ball in some exceptional cases (under severe mechanical stress) might develop a crack. In a worst case the detachable towing ball might fracture and/or fail. Remedy: Lexus/Toyota dealers will replace the detachable towing ball and housing at no cost to vehicle owners.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: tow ball may fracture.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: lexus/Toyota dealers will replace the detachable towing ball and housing at no cost to vehicle owners.
Are You Affected?
Avensis, Lexus GS, Previa built between 8 February 2000 and 2 November 2011 may be included. Toyota estimates 901 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
- Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2012/102. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AvensisDriver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment | Urgent | R/2022/346 | |
| Auris, Avensis, Corolla, RAV4There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak | Low | R/2021/104 | |
| Auris, Avensis, RAV4, VersoIncorrect tightening torque was possibly applied during previous injector removal or replacement | Low | R/2018/378 | |
| Auris, Avensis, CorollaA potential crack could develop in the fuel evaporative emission control unit mounted in the fuel tank | Urgent | R/2018/340 | |
| Avensis, Avensis Verso, Corolla, YarisFront passenger air bag inflators containing degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture | Urgent | R/2018/307 |
This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2012/085 on 12 Sep 2012, for rear suspension arm may separate. The one launched after it was R/2012/118 on 26 Oct 2012, for fire may occur. You can also see every Toyota recall and all recalls launched in 2012.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/102, launched 26 October 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.