NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid recall: The motor generator ECU may encounter an error

Recall published 18 days ago

The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds.

The hazard: Loss of drive power or rollaway

This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

What the notice says: An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Why it matters: The vehicle may stall, lose motive power while being driven, or roll away after being left in park. A stall at speed removes power steering and power braking assistance at the same moment.

Recall details

Recall number
26V659000
Published
October 7, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Toyota
Product type
Engine And Engine Cooling
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V659000

Products covered by this recall

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds.

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Power loss

Toyota — This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

  1. If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.
  2. Until it is repaired, always set the parking brake as well as selecting park, and turn the front wheels towards the kerb on a slope.
  3. Avoid high-speed roads with no hard shoulder if the notice describes a stall while driving.
  4. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • An unrepaired open recall can affect a sale or trade-in. Closing it out costs nothing and protects the value of the vehicle.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA22.

Company contact: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Toyota engine and engine cooling recalled?

The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds. An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA22.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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