Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, on Wednesday recalled more than 1.8 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles from several model years because replacement batteries may pose a fire hazard.
The voluntary recall covers 1.85 million vehicles from model years 2013 to 2018, the company said. Said in a statement. It added that some vehicles may be equipped with replacement 12-volt batteries whose dimensions are much smaller.
It says, “If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery may shake when the vehicle is turned vigorously.”
The company said that shaking from a strong turn could cause a short circuit, potentially causing a fire.
It was unclear whether there were any fires or accidents related to the recalled batteries. An inquiry sent to Toyota was not immediately returned.
With the company’s recall filing National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationwhich usually contains information about such incidents, was not yet available in the agency remember the list Wednesday night.
Toyota said it expected to notify affected owners by the end of December, adding that dealers would replace the hold-down clamp, battery tray and positive terminal cover free of charge. The company asked the owners to visit Highway Traffic Agency website or Toyota’s remember website To check if their cars are being recalled by providing their vehicle identification numbers.
The RAV4 recall announced on Wednesday was the second recall announced by Toyota in a span of a week. On October 26, the company recalled 814,000 Highlander sport utility vehicles because the front bumper could fall off.
