Toyota recalls 2021 RAV4 Prime over power loss in cold weather

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Toyota is recalling 16,679 RAV4s that can possibly stall in cold weather, according to documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. In Canada, Transport Canada says 4,545 SUVs are affected. The only affected model is the 2021 RAV4 Prime (the plug-in hybrid) that has a potential problem with its software, the Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV ECU).

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The program protects the battery by calculating output limits and monitoring other parameters related to the battery. The problem occurs in the cold weather, where some limits may not keep to standards that would protect the battery. In this case, specifically in cold weather, if the accelerator is pushed while driving in EV mode “and the HV battery voltage decreases, the voltage may drop rapidly below a specified threshold,” says the document. If this happens, the system can shut down and result in a loss of power, which increases the risk of a crash.

Owners will be notified by mail to take their vehicle to a Toyota dealer where the Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU software will be updated at no cost. 

For more information or to check if your vehicle has been recalled, you can also check online at Transport Canada, using your VIN.