249,000 Toyota RAV4s Recalled in Canada Due to Fire Risk
One of the best-selling vehicles in North America has just been hit with a major recall due to a fire risk. We’re talking about the Toyota RAV4, more specifically the 2013-2018 model years covering all of the previous generation.
According to the automaker, the recall affects over 1.85 million units in the U.S., 249,000 in Canada and 57,000 in Mexico.
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Some replacement 12-volt batteries have smaller top dimensions than others, so if the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota says a remedy is currently in the works. When ready, dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray and positive terminal cover with improved ones at no cost. Affected owners will be notified about this issue by late December.
A previous recall affecting some 2001-2019 RAV4s aimed to address another fire risk, this one caused by certain engine block heater cables that may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures.
Toyota recommends to stop using the engine block heater and take the vehicle to a dealer to have it disabled. Customers can check out Toyota Canada’s recall website for more information.