Toyota Issues Massive Recall Affecting Nearly 2 Million Vehicles

A red 2017 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has issued a massive voluntary recall for its RAV4s, ranging from model years 2013 to 2018.

The vehicular giant announced on Nov. 1 that the batteries of approximately 1,854,000 may be at risk of catching fire. According to the company, certain 12-volt battery replacements may have smaller top dimensions than others. If a smaller battery has been installed in the vehicle, the hold-down clamp may not have been tightened correctly. With hard turns, the positive terminal may come into contact with the clamp, causing a short circuit and increasing the risk of ignition.

Toyota is not yet prepared to make the appropriate repairs to these vehicles. When the time comes, dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost to owners.

Toyota plans to notify all owners by late Dec. of this year.

To check if your vehicle is included in the recall, you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information at the Toyota website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Owners with additional questions may contact Toyota customer support at 1-800-331-4331.

The news comes just days after the company issued another recall for 751,000 2020 to 2023 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrids. The affected vehicles have a resin front lower bumper cover which is connected with mounting tabs that may detach from the vehicle during normal operation, increasing the risk of creating a road hazard and/or causing a crash. Owners of these vehicles will also be notified by late Dec., when dealers are ready to replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover and install new retention hardware where necessary.

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