Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, has announced a recall of nearly 1.9 million RAV4 small SUVs in the U.S. due to a problem with batteries that can move during forceful turns and potentially cause a fire. The recall covers certain RAV4s from the 2013 through 2018 model years.
The issue arises from some replacement 12-volt batteries used in the SUVs having smaller top dimensions than others. If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit. This could increase the risk of a fire.
Toyota is currently preparing a fix for this issue. When the remedy is ready, dealers will replace the hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones. The company plans to notify owners by late December.
While Toyota declined to say if the problem had caused any fires, crashes, or injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received nine reports that the 12-volt batteries may have caused fires, loss of electrical power, or engine stalling. The agency also has eight reports of fires that started on the driver’s side of the engine compartment where the battery is located.
Toyota spokesman Aaron Fowles said the company is not advising people to park the RAV4s outdoors. It is asking those who haven’t had their vehicles inspected to take them to a dealer soon so technicians can make sure replacement batteries were installed properly and the holding clamps are tight. They should also get the recall repairs done when they’re available, he said.
“Owners can check to see if their RAV4s are involved by going to http://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering their vehicle identification number,” the company added. “Toyota has also provided a contact number for the Toyota Brand Engagement Center for further queries.”
This recall comes on the heels of other recalls by Toyota. On Oct. 26, Toyota also recalled roughly 751,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with the tabs that secure the vehicles’ front lower bumper covers. In August, Toyota recalled about 168,000 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles from model years 2020-2023 because of a potential fire risk.
The RAV4 recall is a significant development given the popularity of the model. The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., with more than 430,000 units sold in 2022. The RAV4 is also a key player in the growing market for hybrid and electric vehicles, as Toyota offers both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the SUV.
Relevant articles:
– Toyota recalls 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs as batteries can shift, catch fire
– Toyota recalls nearly 1.9M RAV4s to fix batteries that can pose a fire risk
– Toyota recalls nearly 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs in the U.S. over fire risk
– Toyota is not advising people to park recalled RAV4 SUVs outdoors …