77 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrids recalled. How to check if yours is one

Toyota South Africa Motors is recalling 77 RAV4 plug-in hybrids because a software fault can make the hybrid system shut down at higher speeds, cutting drive power while you're on the road. The fix is a free software update at any authorised Toyota dealer, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) said on Monday (IOL, TopAuto).

Which RAV4s are affected?

Only the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the new RAV4, built between 2 April and 3 September 2026 and sold in South Africa. The regular RAV4 hybrid and petrol models are not part of this recall, according to the NCC notice (IOL).

Sources: IOL, TopAuto

What goes wrong with the car?

The MG-ECU is the computer that runs the electric motor in the plug-in hybrid system. According to Toyota, in some cars it doesn't finish starting up the motor properly, so the motor control mode needed at higher speeds isn't available (TopAuto).

When the car reaches that speed, warning lights come on and the system either drops into a fail-safe driving mode or shuts down. If it shuts down, the car can lose power while moving fast, which raises the risk of a crash, the NCC said (IOL).

How do I check if my RAV4 is one of the 77?

Have your VIN (vehicle identification number) ready. You'll find it on your licence disc and registration papers. Then:

• Call Toyota South Africa's customer contact centre on 0800 139 111 or email [email protected] (Toyota SA).
• Or contact the service department at your nearest Toyota dealer and ask them to check the VIN for open recalls.

Queries about the recall itself can also go to the NCC at [email protected] (TopAuto).

What should I do if my car is affected?

Book it in at an authorised Toyota dealer to have the MG-ECU reprogrammed. The work is done at no cost to you (TopAuto). The NCC has urged owners to take recall notices seriously and contact the supplier so the fix gets done (IOL).

If a warning light comes on while driving, the plug-in hybrid system may be switching to fail-safe mode, so slow down and get the car to a dealer.

Is this a scam call I should worry about?

Toyota has warned before about scammers phoning or texting owners about a fake recall and offering to collect the car for repairs at a "selected" workshop. Real recall work is done at Toyota dealers, and Toyota says to check any suspicious message with your dealer or on 0800 139 111 (Toyota SA alerts).

Is this recall only in South Africa?

No. In the US, Toyota announced a recall of about 31,000 model-year 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrids on 7 October 2026 for an ECU fault that can shut the system down and cause loss of power at higher speeds. US dealers will also update the software for free (Toyota USA).