Toyota is recalling 30,978 2026 RAV4 Plug‑in Hybrid vehicles because a software defect could cause the plug‑in hybrid system to reduce power or shut down while the vehicle is driven at higher speeds, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
According to the NHTSA recall notice, “The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shut down when driven at higher speeds.” The agency warned the defect “could increase the risk of a crash.”
The recall notice also states: “An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.” Toyota has told regulators that dealers will address the problem by updating the affected vehicles’ software at no cost to owners.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning Nov. 22, the NHTSA said. Toyota said it will notify affected owners by early December.
What owners can expect
Owners of the specified 2026 RAV4 Plug‑in Hybrid models will be contacted by Toyota and instructed to bring their vehicles to a dealer for the free software update. The recall covers the plug‑in hybrid system control software managed by the vehicle’s motor generator electronic control unit (ECU), which NHTSA identified as the component that may register an error and trigger reduced power or shutdown at higher speeds.
The NHTSA recall notice and Toyota’s communications to regulators are the sources of these details. Owners with questions should watch for the mailed notification and contact a Toyota dealer for scheduling once they have been notified.
