Toyota recalls nearly 250,000 RAV4s in Canada due to fire risk

Dorcas Marfo
CTVNews.ca Writer

Toyota has issued a recall for the RAV4 model affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles in Canada due to a lack of proper sizing and placement of its 12-volt batteries, which can cause a fire when the vehicle is driven.

Toyota says the recall involves 249,416 vehicles in Canada from the 2013 to 2018 model years.

According to the notice, some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the vehicles have smaller top dimensions to others.

If the small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp isn't tightened correctly, Toyota said in its recall notice, the battery could move while the vehicle is driven with forceful turns.

Movement could cause the positive battery terminal to make contact with the hold-down clamp and short circuit, causing a risk of fire said Toyota in a news release.

Toyota said it is working on a solution, and when available Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover for owners at no cost.

Toyota said it will notify affected owners by late December 2023.

To check whether a vehicle is impacted, owners can search for a recall using their vehicle identification number (VIN).