The recall, which involves 116,507 vehicles, is yet another blow to Toyota's reputation for quality, which is still reeling from recalls affecting more than 10 million vehicles overseas.

All up more than 200,000 utes have been recalled in Australia this year, which is more than double the amount that have been sold for the first eight months of the year.

The HiLux is the second best-selling vehicle in Australia (behind the Holden Commodore) but its reputation for ruggedness and reliability has been dealt a blow by the massive recall to repair a potentially faulty bracket on the drive shaft of four-wheel-drive models built between January 2005 and February 2010.

The recall of petrol and diesel HiLux models is only being conducted in Australia following 19 failures that left the cars potentially stranded and driving only two wheels.

Toyota says the failures have only occurred in rugged conditions and during extreme driving.

"In remote areas in the vehicle is frequently driven at hard acceleration on rough roads that feature conditions such as severe corrugations or high numbers of cattle grid crossings the rear tailshaft centre bearing support brackets may give way," says Toyota Australia media and communications manager Laura Hill.

"This is a rare event, with only 19 cases reported in Australia, however all affected HiLux customers will have their vehicle inspected and repaired free of charge."

The repair involves checking the tailshaft bracket for damage and generally takes about three hours, although cars with more damage could also require replacement of the cross member.

The recall is the largest of its type in Australia this year, eclipsing recalls involving 42,525 Mitsubishi Triton utes, 34,432 Holden Commodore Utes and 30,465 Ford Ranger utes.

The Ranger recall was only announced today to repair a bonnet striker that could lead to the bonnet opening while driving.

The latest HiLux recall is the biggest for Toyota Australia recently, but the company is adamant its is putting customers first.

"Toyota Australia continues to focus on quality as a major priority," says Hill. "Our customers can be assured we will always place customer safety and service first."