Al-Futtaim Toyota has announced a major safety recall affecting nearly 29,800 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vehicles in the UAE. The action covers three separate potential faults involving the engine, cooling-fan control system and 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners should check their vehicle identification number, or VIN, with Al-Futtaim Toyota and arrange an inspection as soon as possible.
Although the campaigns concern different components, they are important because the possible outcomes range from reduced engine performance and warning lights to fluid leaks, engine damage and, in a limited set of circumstances, an increased fire risk. All affected repairs are expected to be carried out free of charge by authorised Toyota service centres.
Al-Futtaim Toyota announces a three-part Land Cruiser 300 recall
The recall is split into three campaigns because each addresses a different technical issue. A Land Cruiser 300 may be affected by one campaign, while some vehicles may need checks under more than one campaign depending on their build date, engine and transmission specification.
The Land Cruiser 300 is one of the UAE's most widely used large SUVs, particularly among families, fleet operators and drivers who regularly travel long distances or tow trailers. That makes prompt inspection especially important, even when the vehicle appears to be operating normally.
| Recall campaign | Potential issue | Possible consequence | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine bearing inspection | Manufacturing debris may affect crankshaft bearings | Engine damage, rough running or possible stalling | Book an authorised inspection immediately |
| Cooling-fan software update | Engine control software may not operate cooling fans correctly | Reduced cooling performance and possible overheating | Have the engine control software checked and updated |
| Transmission inspection | A fault may lead to automatic transmission fluid leakage | Warning lights, reduced driveability or fire risk | Do not ignore leaks or transmission warnings |
How many vehicles are affected and why is the recall significant?
The three campaigns together affect nearly 29,800 Land Cruiser 300s in the UAE. This is a substantial number for one model, but owners should not assume that every vehicle has the same fault or requires the same repair. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle's VIN and production information.
A recall is a preventive safety measure, not necessarily evidence that every affected vehicle has failed. Manufacturers issue recalls when a component or software calibration could create a safety or reliability concern under certain operating conditions. In this case, the potential severity of engine and transmission-related faults makes it sensible to act quickly.
Breakdown of the three recall campaigns
The campaigns focus on three areas of the LC300 drivetrain and powertrain management. Toyota workshops will identify the applicable campaign or campaigns from the VIN, then inspect, update or repair the vehicle using the prescribed procedure.
- Engine campaign: checks for manufacturing debris that could affect crankshaft bearings.
- Cooling-fan campaign: corrects an engine control software issue that can affect fan operation.
- Transmission campaign: addresses a possible fault associated with transmission fluid leakage.
Campaign one: manufacturing debris that could damage crankshaft bearings
The first campaign concerns possible manufacturing debris inside the engine. If debris reaches the crankshaft bearing area, it may contribute to abnormal bearing wear or damage over time. Crankshaft bearings are critical parts that allow the engine's rotating assembly to move smoothly.
In a worst-case scenario, bearing damage can lead to abnormal engine noise, reduced performance, warning lights, engine seizure or stalling. Drivers should treat knocking noises, a low oil-pressure warning or sudden changes in engine operation as urgent concerns and should not continue driving if it is unsafe to do so.
Campaign two: engine control software and cooling-fan performance
The second campaign relates to engine control software that may affect cooling-fan performance. Cooling fans help manage engine temperature, particularly in slow-moving traffic, high ambient temperatures, towing conditions and off-road use, all of which are common operating situations in the GCC.
If the fans do not operate as intended, the engine may not receive the cooling support expected under higher thermal load. An authorised Toyota workshop can inspect the vehicle and apply the necessary software update where required. Owners should not wait for an overheating warning before arranging the recall work.
Campaign three: 10-speed transmission fault linked to fluid leaks and fire risk
The third campaign concerns the 10-speed automatic transmission fitted to affected LC300 models. A fault could allow automatic transmission fluid to leak, and fluid contacting hot components can create a potential fire risk in certain circumstances.
Possible signs include fresh red or reddish-brown fluid beneath the vehicle, a burning smell, transmission warning messages, unusual shifting behaviour or reduced response when accelerating. These symptoms do not confirm the recall fault, but they should be checked without delay.
Which Land Cruiser 300 model years are included?
The affected vehicles are Land Cruiser 300 models from the relevant production periods covered by each campaign. Because model year alone is not enough to confirm whether a specific SUV is included, owners should use their 17-character VIN for the final check.
The VIN can usually be found on the registration card, insurance documents, vehicle dashboard near the windscreen, or the driver's door frame. Buyers of used LC300s should check the VIN even if the previous owner says the vehicle has been serviced recently, as recall completion records may vary.
What role does the Ministry of Economy and Tourism play in this recall?
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism monitors and publishes product recall information as part of consumer protection efforts. Its recall notices help owners identify affected products and direct them to the authorised importer or dealer for the appropriate remedy.
For vehicle recalls, the ministry's role is particularly useful for second-hand owners who may not receive a direct dealer notification. Al-Futtaim Toyota remains responsible for carrying out the inspection and repair work, while the ministry provides an official public channel for recall awareness and verification.
What should Land Cruiser 300 owners do next?
Owners should contact Al-Futtaim Toyota or an authorised Toyota service centre and provide their VIN. The service adviser can confirm whether the vehicle is included in any of the three campaigns, explain the required work and arrange a booking.
- Check the VIN against the official recall information.
- Book with an authorised Toyota workshop rather than waiting for a routine service.
- Ask whether more than one campaign applies to the vehicle.
- Keep the recall completion record with the vehicle's service history.
- If there is an oil-pressure warning, overheating warning, fluid leak, burning smell or abnormal drivetrain noise, stop safely and seek assistance.
Recall repairs should be completed at no cost to the owner. If the SUV was imported privately, purchased used or serviced outside the main dealer network, it is still worth checking with Al-Futtaim Toyota because recall eligibility is generally tied to the VIN, not the current owner.
Key takeaways for GCC Land Cruiser 300 owners
The UAE recall is a useful reminder that modern SUVs rely on tightly integrated mechanical systems and software. The LC300's twin-turbo engine, electronic controls and 10-speed transmission are designed for demanding use, but faults involving lubrication, cooling or transmission fluid should always be dealt with promptly.
Owners elsewhere in the GCC should also check with their local Toyota distributor, especially if their vehicle was originally supplied in the UAE or has a similar production date. Recall campaigns can differ by market, so a UAE notice does not automatically confirm inclusion in another country, but the VIN check takes only a few minutes.
Most importantly, this is a free safety and reliability action, not work to postpone until the next major service. Completing it protects the vehicle's mechanical health, helps preserve its service history and may support resale confidence later.
People Also Ask
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 recall repair free in the UAE?
Yes. Safety recall inspections and repairs for affected vehicles are normally completed free of charge by the authorised importer or dealer. Owners should confirm their vehicle's eligibility using the VIN when booking.
How do I know if my Land Cruiser 300 is affected?
Contact Al-Futtaim Toyota or an authorised Toyota service centre with the vehicle's 17-character VIN. The dealer can check whether one or more recall campaigns apply to that specific SUV.
Can I drive my Land Cruiser 300 before the recall appointment?
If the vehicle is operating normally, contact the dealer promptly for guidance and the earliest available appointment. If there are warning lights, oil-pressure concerns, overheating, a burning smell, fluid leakage or unusual engine or transmission noises, stop driving safely and seek assistance.
Does the recall affect used Land Cruiser 300 vehicles?
Yes. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the owner. Used-car buyers and current second-hand owners should check the VIN and ensure all outstanding campaigns have been completed.
Will completing a recall affect the Land Cruiser's resale value?
Completing an official recall should not reduce resale value. In fact, keeping evidence that all recall work was completed can reassure future buyers that the vehicle has been maintained through the authorised network.
