Thousands of popular Toyota models have been recalled amid fears a manufacturing defect could result in the vehicle’s suspension collapsing or detaching.

The cars affected are the Yaris petrol and hybrid models manufactured between 2020 and 2023.

Variants, including the Ascent Sport 1.5L Petrol Auto Hatch and Ascent Sport 1.5L Petrol Manual Hatch, have also been affected.

In total, the recall affects 7,633 cars with drivers warned to get their vehicles serviced immediately.

‘During the manufacturing process, the ball joint insertion portion of the front lower suspension arm may have developed minor cracking,’ the recall read.

‘If the vehicle is repeatedly driven on bumpy and/or uneven road surfaces, the cracks may spread, and the front lower suspension arm may break allowing the ball joint to dislodge.

‘In the worst-case scenario, vehicle stability may be compromised increasing the risk of a crash.’The recall was lodged through the Department of Infrastructure warning ‘small cracks may form in the front lower suspension arms when driving on rough (corrugated) roads.’  ‘A loss of steering control could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.

Customers with cars impacted by the defect will be contacted directly by Toyota Australia to organize an inspection.

If a replacement is deemed necessary, it will be done free of charge.