Daihatsu Motor Recall: 298,748 Vehicles Recalled Over Battery Terminal Defect

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a recall affecting three vehicle models, including the Hijet Truck, after identifying a defect involving the battery's negative terminal fastening structure. The campaign covers 298,748 vehicles manufactured between December 3, 2021, and July 4, 2025. According to the company, the issue originates from an insufficient design review of the fastening mechanism, which could allow moisture and other contaminants encountered during normal driving to collect around the battery terminal and accelerate corrosion.

Vehicles Included in the Daihatsu Recall

The recall applies to three vehicle models produced during the specified manufacturing period. Daihatsu explained that corrosion may gradually weaken the fastening bolt securing the battery's negative terminal. If deterioration continues over time, the bolt could eventually fracture. Once the fastening bolt breaks, electrical continuity may be lost, preventing the starter motor from operating correctly and making it impossible to start the engine under affected conditions.

Recall Summary by Manufacturing Period

The following table summarizes the key information released by the manufacturer regarding the recall campaign.

Covered Vehicles Under the Daihatsu Recall

Cause of the Battery Terminal Issue

Daihatsu stated that the problem is linked to an insufficient design review of the battery's negative terminal fastening structure. During regular vehicle operation, moisture and road contaminants may accumulate around the fastening area. Over an extended period, these substances can promote premature corrosion of the fastening bolt. Continued vehicle use after corrosion progresses could cause the bolt to break, interrupting the electrical connection required for the starter system to function.

Potential Impact on Vehicle Operation

If the fastening bolt fails because of corrosion, the starter will not engage when the ignition is activated. As a result, the engine cannot be started even though other vehicle systems may remain unaffected. Owners of vehicles covered by the recall are expected to follow the manufacturer's recall procedures to address the identified defect and restore normal vehicle operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Daihatsu recalled nearly 299,000 vehicles?
Daihatsu has recalled 298,748 vehicles because the battery's negative terminal fastening structure may allow moisture and contaminants to accumulate, causing premature corrosion of the fastening bolt. If corrosion progresses and the bolt breaks, the starter cannot engage, preventing the engine from starting. The recall covers three vehicle models, including the Hijet Truck, manufactured between December 3, 2021, and July 4, 2025, to address this identified defect.

What happens if the battery terminal fastening bolt breaks?
If the fastening bolt corrodes and eventually breaks, the electrical connection needed for the starter system is interrupted. Without this connection, the starter motor cannot engage, making it impossible to start the engine. Daihatsu identified this risk during its review and has initiated the recall so affected vehicles can receive the necessary corrective measures before the condition leads to starting failures.