Owners of 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime models in the United States may experience a total loss of power due a fault with the software in the ECU.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reveals that software in the Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU used to calculate the hybrid battery output may not limit battery output as required. What this means is that if the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed after the vehicle has been driven in EV mode in cold temperatures, the battery voltage may decrease and drop below a specified threshold. This could cause the hybrid system to shut down completely.
Vehicles that experience the fault will display a warning message. The issue obviously increases the risk of a crash should a loss of power be experienced while the SUV is being driven.
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Toyota’s recall reveals that a total of 16,679 RAV4 Prime models in the United States are included. These vehicles were manufactured between November 25, 2019 and June 24, 2021. All 16,679 examples have the faulty software.
The Japanese automaker informed dealerships of the recall on February 2 and will let owners know between February 27 and April 3. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Toyota dealer where the Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU software will be updated at no cost.
This isn’t the only recall issued for the RAV4 Prime in the last six months. Last year, RAV4 models equipped with the available 8-way front power-adjustable passenger seat were recalled because there was a chance a stopper in the seat frame could interfere with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), causing the OCS sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant load. This could mean that the airbag would not deploy as designed in the event of a crash.
