Toyota Calls Back 1.8 Million RAV4s, Citing Fire Risks

Toyota is recalling some 1.8 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles over a defect that poses a serious risk to anyone in the cars or sharing the road with them.

Faulty replacement batteries could cause cars to burst into flames, the automaker recently told federal vehicle safety regulators. Specifically, the dimensions of those batteries may allow them to shift loose in the event the cars make sharp turns.

“In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat,” Toyota said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire.”

The recall covers certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles which were produced between November 2012 and November 2018.

Toyota said it plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the end of December. The company is working on a fix that would replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost to owners.

Owners will be asked to bring their cars to authorized local dealers for inspection and repair at no charge.

Safety Issues for Toyota Drivers

Toyota is no stranger to these kinds of recalls.

The company recently announced that it is calling back roughly 800,000 Highlander sport utility vehicles, for example. Toyota said front bumper covers on the SUVs could fall off, creating a road hazard.

In September, the company announced it was recalling 168,000 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid pickup trucks. The trucks are at risk of fuel leaks that could lead to fires, according to the company.

Toyota also is not alone. Sadly, the world’s largest auto manufacturers call back millions of vehicles around the globe every year because of serious defects that pose real safety risks. These recalls are usually announced long after the cars have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Fortunately, there is some good news for Toyota car owners and lessors in California. You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law forces car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also requires those companies to buy back vehicles that they cannot or will not fix. That includes covering the purchase price, financing fees and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

How Our California Lemon Lawyers Can Help

At Bickel Sannipoli, our California lemon law attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients across the state stuck with defective or malfunctioning vehicles. 

We are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.