Toyota recalls 31,000 RAV4 plug-in hybrids that may shut down at high speeds

Published October 14, 2026 9:20pm EDT The NHTSA warns the defect in certain 2026 RAV4 models could cause the hybrid system to shut down at higher speeds Toyota is recalling nearly 31,000 vehicles over a software issue that could cause the plug-in hybrid system to shut down while driving at high speeds, according to federal regulators. The recall affects 30,978 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).The software issue could cause the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid system to reduce power or shut down when driven at higher speeds. MORE THAN 265K RAM VEHICLES FACING RECALL OVER STEERING DEFECT, REGULATORS SAY Toyota is recalling nearly 31,000 vehicles over a software issue that could cause the plug-in hybrid system to shut down while driving at high speeds. (James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)"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 NHTSA said in its notice.The NHTSA warned that the defect could increase the risk of a crash. The recall affects 30,978 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. (Getty Images / Getty Images)"An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash," the recall notice reads.Toyota dealers will update the affected software free of charge.FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 40,000 TRUCKS AND SUVS OVER VISIBILITY RISK Toyota dealers will update the affected software free of charge. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GOOwner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning Nov. 22, according to NHTSA. Toyota said affected owners will be notified by early December.