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Toyota Recalls 1.9 Million RAV4 SUVs Over Battery-Related Fire Risk; Denies Advising Owners to Park Outdoors

Recall occurs amid ongoing NHTSA investigation into 17 prior complaints about "thermal events" including fires tied to potentially faulty 12-volt batteries; remedial actions for 2013-2018 RAV4 models anticipated by late December.

Overview

  • Toyota has announced a recall of 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs from the 2013 to 2018 model years, citing a risk of battery-related fires.
  • The recall was initiated due to concerns that replacement batteries with smaller top dimensions can move during forceful turns, possibly causing the positive pole to touch a clamp and trigger an electrical short.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating 17 cases of 'thermal events,' incidents that involve fires, melting, or smoke, which are potentially linked to faulty 12-volt batteries installed in these vehicles.
  • Despite four reports of thermal events occurring with the vehicles' ignitions turned off, Toyota has contradicted speculations directing owners to park their recalled RAV4s outdoors.
  • Toyota is currently preparing a fix, which will involve replacing the hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved versions; the company aims to notify owners and begin these improvements by late December.