The 12-volt batteries in 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4s could slide off under certain circumstances, potentially causing them to fall out of place and short circuit. In the event of such an occurrence, there is a risk of a fire starting, so Toyota has initiated a massive recall of 1.85 million vehicles in the U.S.
Apart from the affected RAV4 SUVs in the U.S., an additional 306,000 vehicles in Canada and Mexico may also be impacted, bringing the total potential impact in North America to nearly 2.16 million units.
Toyota has identified the issue as stemming from variations in the measurements of replacement batteries. While a specific battery may be designated as the correct size for the RAV4, it may have a smaller top section, creating room for movement.
If a replacement battery with a smaller top is used, and the hold-down clamp is not properly tightened, it could move under hard cornering. According to Toyota, that “could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.”
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Toyota has not yet revealed how many fires or injuries have occurred as a result of this issue, reports The WSJ. However, in a preliminary evaluation launched by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) in 2021, it reported that it had received 11 complaints from RAV4 owners relating to this issue, including four that took place with the ignition off.
At the time, NHTSA said that some of the drivers experienced stalling before a “thermal event” transpired. However, that only occurred in half of the instances in which the vehicle was in motion at the time of the incident.
Toyota is still preparing its fix for this issue. When it is ready, it will involve dealers replacing the hold-down clamp, the battery tray, and the positive terminal cover with new and improved versions. The automaker says it will start reaching out to owners by late December.
