Toyota Motor Corporation has issued a recall for its 2021 RAV4 Prime, the company’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, due to concerns about potential stalling in cold weather. The recall affects over 9,500 vehicles in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected RAV4 Primes may experience an issue with their hybrid powertrain system, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving at low speeds or while idling in cold temperatures. The problem is caused by a software error in the vehicle’s hybrid system, which can lead to an overheated inverter.
Toyota has stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, and that it is conducting the recall out of an abundance of caution. The company plans to notify affected customers by mail in early April, and will replace the hybrid system software free of charge.
Customers with affected vehicles are advised to contact their local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment for the software update. In the meantime, Toyota is recommending that RAV4 Prime owners avoid driving their vehicles in EV mode at high speeds, and to keep their vehicle’s battery charged to at least 50 percent.
The RAV4 Prime has been a popular choice for buyers looking for an eco-friendly SUV, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain offering up to 42 miles of all-electric driving and a total range of 600 miles. The vehicle has received positive reviews for its fuel efficiency, sporty handling, and versatile interior.
This is not the first time that Toyota has had to issue a recall for its RAV4 models. In 2019, the company recalled over 700,000 RAV4s due to an issue with the rearview camera, and in 2020, it recalled over 300,000 RAV4s and RAV4 Hybrids due to a problem with the windshield wipers.
Despite these recalls, Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability and safety, and the RAV4 remains one of the company’s best-selling models. The automaker has made a commitment to developing more eco-friendly vehicles, with plans to introduce 15 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2025.
In conclusion, Toyota has issued a recall for over 9,500 of its 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid electric vehicles due to a potential stalling issue in cold weather. The problem is caused by a software error in the vehicle’s hybrid system, which can cause the inverter to overheat. Toyota plans to notify affected customers and replace the hybrid system software free of charge. Despite this recall, Toyota remains a leading automaker with a strong reputation for reliability and safety, and has made a commitment to developing more eco-friendly vehicles in the coming years.