Toyota has announced a safety recall affecting over 1.8 million RAV4 vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire risk. The recall covers certain 2013 to 2018 model year RAV4s, and is due to a discrepancy in the dimensions of replacement 12-volt batteries.

According to Toyota, if a smaller-sized battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, there is a risk of the battery moving during forceful turns. This movement can cause the positive battery terminal to come into contact with the hold-down clamp, leading to a short circuit and an increased risk of a fire.

To address the issue, Toyota is currently developing a remedy. As part of the recall, authorized dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost to the vehicle owners.

Owners of the affected RAV4s will be notified by late December. Toyota has also provided additional resources for owners to check if their vehicle is affected. By visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls, RAV4 owners can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information for more specific details about the recall. Alternatively, concerned individuals can reach out to Toyota directly at 800-331-4331 for further assistance.

Ensuring customer safety and satisfaction is a top priority for Toyota. The company is taking proactive steps to address the identified issue promptly and efficiently.