Toyota Recalls 31,000 RAV4 Prime SUVs Over Software Defect That Can Cut Power at Highway Speeds

Toyota is recalling 30,978 model-year 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vehicles — marketed as the RAV4 Prime — after federal regulators identified a software flaw that can cause the electrified powertrain to lose power or shut down completely while the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted the recall notice this week, specifying that the motor-generator electronic control unit may encounter an error that triggers an unexpected reduction in drive power. The condition occurs at higher speeds, though the agency did not define a precise threshold. A sudden loss of propulsion on a freeway or expressway can leave a driver unable to maintain speed or accelerate to avoid hazards, creating a significant safety hazard.

Toyota dealers will reprogram the affected control module at no cost to owners. The automaker said it will begin mailing notification letters in late November, with owners expected to receive them by early December. Owners who want to check their vehicle’s status immediately can enter their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or Toyota.com/recall.

The RAV4 Prime is Toyota’s best-selling plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors for a total system output of 302 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 42 miles of electric-only range. The recalled vehicles were built during the early phase of the 2026 model year; Toyota has not indicated whether later production units received a running software fix at the factory.

This marks the second significant recall for the RAV4 Prime in recent years. In 2023, Toyota recalled certain 2021–2022 models for a separate hybrid-system software issue that could also cause a loss of motive power. The current action is unrelated to the larger recall announced the same day covering more than 265,000 Ram heavy-duty trucks for a steering-linkage defect.

NHTSA has not reported any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the RAV4 Prime software defect. The agency encourages owners who experience unexpected power loss before the repair is performed to contact their dealer immediately and, if necessary, have the vehicle towed rather than driven at highway speeds.

Toyota’s recall remedy involves a software reflash that typically takes less than an hour. Loaner vehicles are not guaranteed but may be available upon request. The automaker said it is not aware of any aftermarket modifications that would affect the repair.