The automotive giant, Toyota, has announced a sweeping recall for their RAV4 model across Canada. This move stems from concerns surrounding the allocation and sizing of its 12-volt batteries, the company confirmed. Discrepancies in these parameters could influence a fire risk when the vehicle is set into motion.
This pressing recall encompasses a noticeable 249,416 Toyota vehicles traversing across Canada, manufactured between the period 2013 to 2018.
The issue centered on the replacement of the 12-volt batteries that the vehicles employed. It appeared that these components intermittently displayed smaller top dimensions compared to their counterparts. This irregularity ignited the spark of necessity that ultimately led towards this expansive recall.
Toyota has elucidated on the potential risks associated with this flaw. If such a small-topped battery is used as a replacement and the corresponding hold-down clamp is not secured with meticulous regard, the battery could shift during forceful turns of the vehicle. This movement might allow the positive battery terminal to touch the hold-down clamp, causing a short circuit and subsequently, a fire risk.
The company is diligently striving to forge a sturdy solution to this pressing issue. When this solution comes to fruition, Toyota dealers will spearhead the replacement of the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover. The company guarantees that vehicle owners will not bear any financial burden for these replacements.
Looking forward, Toyota has committed to notify those owners whose vehicles harbor these sensitive components by late December 2023.
Owners seeking clarity on whether their vehicle falls under the ambit of this recall can arm themselves with their vehicle identification number (VIN) and scour the recall announcements accordingly.