Toyota has just announced a major recall of their RAV4 model, an event set to impact hundreds of thousands of vehicles throughout Canada. The recall is due to a discrepancy in the correct size and placement of the 12-volt batteries installed in the cars that can lead to a fire risk when the vehicle is being driven.
The car manufacturer confirmed that 249,416 vehicles, dating from the years 2013 to 2018, will be implicated in this recall.
The root of the issue lies in a design flaw in the replacement 12-volt batteries. Some installed batteries have smaller top dimensions than what is required, an error which is at the center of this safety concern.
Toyota explained that if these smaller-top batteries are used and the hold-down clamp is not appropriately tightened, the battery may shift during heavy or forceful vehicle manoeuvres. Should the battery move whilst the car is in motion, the positive battery terminal has the potential to engage with the hold-down clamp and as a result, cause a short circuit. This, according to Toyota, could lead to the dangerous outcome of a vehicle fire.
Whilst working tirelessly to find a solution, Toyota pledged to undertake the replacement of the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and the positive terminal cover free of charge upon its availability.
The company further announced its plans to alert all affected owners by late December 2023.
To understand if their vehicle is affected by this recall, RAV4 owners are advised to search the recall database using their vehicle identification number (VIN). This will provide them with all relevant information in relation to this current safety concern.
