Worried about your brand-new electric SUV? You might want to check this out! Toyota, along with its luxury brand Lexus and partner Subaru, has announced a significant recall impacting over 90,000 electric vehicles (EVs) from the 2023-2025 model years. The good news? It’s a software fix, and it’s absolutely free.
Imagine driving on a chilly morning, and suddenly your windshield fogs up, and the defroster just isn’t working. That’s the core issue behind this recall. A software glitch in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system could lead to an electrical compressor failure. When this happens, your defroster and defogger become inoperative, drastically reducing visibility and, naturally, increasing the risk of an accident. Nobody wants that!
Which Models Are Affected?
This recall specifically targets three popular electric crossover models:
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Toyota bZ4X (2023-2025)
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Lexus RZ (2023-2025)
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Subaru Solterra (2023-2025)
If you own one of these sleek EVs, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check if your specific vehicle is included.
What’s the Fix?
Thankfully, the solution is straightforward and won’t cost you a dime. Dealers will update the HVAC control software in your vehicle. They’ll also give your electrical compressor a thorough inspection and replace it if necessary. Think of it as a quick software update for your car, ensuring your defroster works perfectly when you need it most.
How to Check if Your Car is Part of the Recall
Don’t wait for a letter in the mail (though they are expected to go out by October 20, 2025!). Here’s how you can quickly find out if your EV is affected:
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Find Your VIN: Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code usually found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or on your registration/insurance card.
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Visit NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an easy-to-use tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Just pop in your VIN, and it will tell you instantly if there’s an open recall.
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Check Manufacturer Websites: You can also go directly to Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru’s official recall pages:
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Toyota: www.toyota.com/recall
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Lexus: www.lexus.com/recall
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Subaru: www.subaru.com/recalls.html
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Contact Your Dealership: If your car is on the list, call your local authorized dealer. They’ll schedule your free repair.
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Stay Alert: Consider signing up for recall alerts at nhtsa.gov/alerts to get automatic notifications about any future recalls affecting your vehicle.
You can also contact Toyota customer service directly at 1-800-331-4331 and mention the relevant recall numbers: 25TB07 and 25TA07 for the bZ4X, 25LB04 and 25LA04 for the Lexus RZ, and WRD-25 for the Subaru Solterra.
This recall is a good reminder of how complex modern vehicles, especially EVs, have become, with software playing an increasingly critical role. Taking a few minutes to check your vehicle could save you from a lot of hassle and keep you safer on the road. Don’t delay – check your EV today!