A dodgy fixture could result in the one-tonner losing its rear number plate.

ALMOST 5000 Kiwi-owned Toyota Hiluxes are being recalled for a 90 minute fix.

The action centres on a problem with the licence plate bracket and is affecting the model in many markets it is sold in.

Vehicles built between March 2015 and November 2020 are implicated. Toyota New Zealand believes that’s 4855 units.

The Palmerston North-based distributor states that the bracket and mounting point for the rear number plate are vulnerable to cracking under regular stress, potentially forcing number plates to ‘become dislodged’. 

One clue to this becoming an issue is the probability of a rattle occurring.

“This is a precautionary measure to replace the original registration bracket due to poor stiffness of the bracket around the single mounting point,” says a statement from TNZ.

“There is a possibility that the vibration of driving on a rough (corrugated) road may lead to metal fatigue and cracking, increasing the risk of the number plate becoming dislodged.

“Vehicles will be inspected and, if required, the licence plate bracket will be replaced free of charge by Toyota stores. This work will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete.”