Toyota Recalls 1.85 Million RAV4 Vehicles Due to Fire Risk
Toyota has announced a major recall of more than 1.85 million RAV4 vehicles due to a loose battery problem that could potentially lead to fires. In a news release on Wednesday, the company stated that the recall would affect 2013-2018 model year RAV4s.
According to Toyota, some of these compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs) may have replacement batteries with smaller top dimensions. This can cause the batteries to move when the car makes forceful turns, leading the positive battery terminal to come into contact with a clamp and potentially short-circuit, thereby increasing the risk of a fire.
The automaker is currently working on a solution and has pledged to replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover for affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. Toyota intends to notify all affected customers by the end of December.
This recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 11 complaints in 2021, alleging fires on the left side of RAV4 engines that were not caused by vehicle crashes. The majority of these incidents occurred while driving, with four taking place when the ignition was off, according to an NHTSA report.
One incident reported in December 2020 involved a RAV4 owner who left their vehicle in a parking lot with the ignition turned off. Upon returning a few minutes later, they discovered the car engulfed in flames. Firefighters were called, but the vehicle was ultimately a total loss.
In another incident in August 2020, the owner of a 2017 RAV4 hybrid said their vehicle was traveling at 50 miles per hour when warning messages appeared on the dashboard screen and white smoke started coming from under the hood. Within moments, flames erupted from the engine compartment, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle.
The NHTSA has noted that the number of vehicle fire allegations related to the battery in these RAV4 models is higher than in similar vehicles. Toyota representatives were not available for comment on the matter.
If you own a 2013-2018 RAV4, it is advised to stay updated on Toyota’s recall and contact your nearest dealer for further instructions. Safety should always be a top priority, and proactive measures must be taken to prevent any potential risks or accidents associated with this issue.