500,000 Toyota RAV4, Highlander, and Siennas Have a Stability Recall
Oh no, check on your Toyota model. Nearly 500,000 Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Sienna, and Venza models are facing a significant stability issue. See if your Toyota RAV4, SUV, or minivan needs to go in for maintenance.
Recall Alert: the Toyota RAV4, Sienna, Venza, and Highlander have stability issues
Toyota is facing a significant recall involving 458,000 vehicles. The affected vehicles include:
- 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models
- 2021 – 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hybrid models
- 2021 – 2022 Toyota Venza models
- 2021 – 2022 Toyota Sienna vans
This is the first substantial Toyota safety recall since November, and it’s related to a software issue with the vehicle stability control system.
Basically, the skid control electronic unit software might not turn the vehicle stability control system on. The problem occurs once the vehicle has been restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system, increasing the risk of accidents.
The system is important for providing braking to each individual wheel. This helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system is a crucial safety feature that can prevent a vehicle from sliding out of control during a sharp turn. It can also prevent accidents where vehicles are likely to roll over.
Aaron Fowles from Toyota shared that due to incorrect programming on the Skid Control ECU software, VSC will not reset to the default ON setting during the next ignition cycle.
Unless the precise operating input conditions are followed to prevent the VSC from returning to the default ON setting while the vehicle is started, the VSC will automatically return to the default VSC ON setting during any subsequent ignition cycle.
So, Aaron made things a bit more confusing, but let’s see what you need to do.
What to do if your Toyota Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, or Venza is at risk
If your Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Sienna, or Venza is at risk, you will be notified by the middle of June. You will likely be notified via mail.
But you don’t have to wait that long to see if your Toyota vehicle is at risk. You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site here. Enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your vehicle needs to be serviced.
But this recall isn’t listed by the NHSTA yet, so you can visit Toyota.com/recall to enter your VIN or license plate number or call Toyota at 800-331-4331 to learn more.
To resolve this issue, visit a local Toyota dealership. Technicians will update the skid control ECU software at no cost to you.
How to tell if your Toyota vehicle has this issue
You may notice if your Toyota RAV4, Sienna, Venza, or Highlander is affected by this issue. According to Repairer Drive News, if the ESC is turned off, you might see a steady warning light on the dashboard.
The symbol looks like a car with squiggly lines coming from the rear tires. It may also have the word ‘OFF’ under it. Then you can refer to your owner’s manual to see how to turn the system back on.
We will continue tracking this recall to see if it grows or if another solution emerges. Be sure to check on your Toyota RAV4, Venza, Highlander, or Sienna to see if you need the software update.
