Toyota has issued a safety recall for 5,925 examples of its new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid in Australia, all built in 2026. The notice sits on the Government recalls register as REC-006742 and covers two grades, the RAV4 PHEV XSE two-wheel drive and the RAV4 PHEV GR Sport four-wheel drive.
What the fault is
Toyota says a manufacturing issue with the motor generator electronic control unit, the MG-ECU, can stop the motor initialisation process from completing correctly. In practice the electric motor may not work as intended at higher speeds, warning lights can appear, and the vehicle may drop into a fail-safe mode or shut down. A loss of drive power while moving is exactly the sort of fault that earns a prompt recall, even on small numbers.
Cartell Assessment
This reads as a contained, build-related issue rather than a design flaw, and the repair is free, but it is an awkward look on the brand's hottest new car. The RAV4 has been one of Australia's best-selling models all year, so even 5,925 cars reaches a lot of driveways. It also follows the August recall of more than 16,000 Camrys over a software fault.
AU Outlook
Toyota will write to affected owners to book the repair at a dealer. If you have a 2026 RAV4 PHEV in the garage or on order, check your VIN now through Toyota's Recall Assist line on 1800 987 366 or the recalls register, and confirm your car is clear before your next long drive.
