Toyota is recalling approximately 73,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States. The recall, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involves a problem with the cars’ pedestrian warning sound system.
The Core Problem
According to documents filed with the NHTSA, a software error can cause the system to fail. This system, known as the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), is designed to emit a sound at low speeds to warn pedestrians of an approaching quiet hybrid or electric vehicle. The defect may cause the sound to stop working.
Also read: Shooting at New Jersey Chick-fil-A Injures Multiple
“In the event of a failure, the required sound may not be emitted while the vehicle is operating under certain low-speed conditions,” the NHTSA filing states. This increases the risk of a collision with pedestrians, cyclists, or others who may not hear the vehicle approaching.
Affected Models
The recall covers specific 2023 and 2024 model year vehicles. Data from Toyota’s filings shows the affected models include:
Also read: Bissell Recalls Steam Cleaners Over Burn Injury Risk
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid
- Toyota Venza
- Lexus NX 350h
- Lexus NX 450h+
Owners of these vehicles will be notified by mail starting in late May 2026. Toyota has stated it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition.
Repair Process and Broader Context
The fix is a software update. Dealers will reprogram the vehicle’s alert control unit free of charge. Owners can also check their vehicle’s status by visiting the NHTSA recalls website and entering their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
This recall is part of a larger pattern for automakers. As hybrid and electric vehicles become more common, regulators have placed greater emphasis on the functionality of mandatory warning sounds. A similar issue prompted a recall of over 40,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles in 2024 for a related software glitch.
Industry watchers note that software-related recalls are becoming more frequent. What this means for consumers is a shift from purely mechanical fixes to updates that often require a dealership visit. For Toyota, the financial impact is likely minimal, but it adds to the company’s recall tally for the year.
What Owners Should Do
Owners of the affected vehicles should wait for official notification from Toyota. The company advises that until the repair is made, drivers should operate their vehicles with extra caution at low speeds, especially in areas with pedestrian traffic.
For more information, owners can contact Toyota customer service or visit the official Toyota recall information page.
This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
