Recall Date: October 7, 2026
NHTSA ID: 26V659
Mfr. Campaign Number: 26TA22
Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Affected Components: Inverter Assy, HEV Motor Control (MG-ECU), Part Number G92A0-42460
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30,978
|
Model |
Model Years |
Units Potentially Involved |
|---|---|---|
|
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid |
2026 |
30,978 |
The affected vehicles were produced between July 22, 2025 and August 19, 2026. Not every vehicle built in that window was sold in the U.S. Toyota estimates that 100% of the vehicles involved have the affected software.
The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid uses a motor generator ECU (MG-ECU) to manage its electric motors. According to Toyota's filing, the MG-ECU may not complete its motor initialization process correctly under certain startup conditions. When that happens, the motor control mode used at higher speeds is unavailable.
Once the vehicle reaches a speed that requires that mode, warning lights illuminate and the plug-in hybrid system either switches to a fail-safe driving mode or shuts down. A shutdown can mean a loss of motive power while driving at higher speed, which increases the risk of a crash.
Between June and August 2026, Toyota received a field report from the Japan market describing warning lights while driving and a vehicle that could only run in front-wheel drive at limited speed. Dealer inspection and vehicle data pointed to a communication malfunction when the rear motor generator moved from low-speed to high-speed control. Bench testing showed the rear motor generator initialization could fail under certain startup conditions.
In mid-August, because the front motor generators use the same control program, Toyota tested the front motor generators without the high-speed control mode. That testing showed the system could either enter fail-safe mode or shut down. Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall on October 1, 2026. As of September 30, 2026, Toyota had received 38 Field Technical Reports and 58 warranty claims from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition.
Toyota dealers will update the software of the affected ECU at no cost to the owner. Dealer notifications were scheduled for October 7, 2026, and owner notifications are planned between November 22 and December 6, 2026, as a phased recall.
With owner letters not due until late November and early December, there is a window where owners may have a vehicle in the affected population and not yet know it. Service departments that identify these RAV4 Plug-In Hybrids in their database, and reach out early, can get owners scheduled for the free software update sooner and show them the dealership is looking out for them.
Recalls like this one create a clear reason to reach out to your customers, and the dealerships that move first build trust and fill service lanes. See how BizzyCar helps you connect with affected owners. Schedule a demo.