Safety Recall Targets Potential Power Loss in Key Models

Toyota Motor North America has announced a significant safety recall affecting approximately 55,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall centers on a defect within the vehicle's inverter, a critical component responsible for managing electrical power flow, particularly in hybrid and electric systems.

Affected Models and Identified Risk

The recall specifically targets certain model years of the Toyota Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid. According to the company's filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a manufacturing flaw in the intelligent power module within the inverter could cause it to fail.

"In the event of a failure, the vehicle could lose motive power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash," Toyota stated in its official recall notice. The issue is not related to the vehicle's software but stems from a physical component defect.

Remedy and Owner Notification

Toyota dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the faulty inverter at no cost to vehicle owners. Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to registered owners starting in late October.

  • Immediate Action: Owners are advised to wait for official notification but can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Toyota or NHTSA recall websites for immediate status.
  • No Warning Signs: The company noted there may be no advance warning signs before a potential failure occurs.
  • Global Impact: While this recall is for U.S. vehicles, similar actions are being evaluated in other markets.

This marks the latest in a series of recalls for the automotive giant as the industry grapples with supply chain and quality control challenges in the post-pandemic manufacturing environment.