Electric Cars

Toyota has recently announced two widespread recalls, impacting a substantial number of vehicles in the United States. These actions underscore the company's commitment to vehicle safety, addressing critical issues ranging from malfunctioning infotainment systems to defective defrosters in electric vehicle models, leading to a temporary suspension of sales for specific EVs.

Toyota Initiates Major Vehicle Recalls and Suspends EV Sales Amid Safety Concerns

In a significant development for the automotive industry, Toyota has initiated two separate recall campaigns in the United States, collectively affecting approximately 686,000 vehicles. These recalls highlight crucial safety and operational issues across a range of their popular models and electric vehicles.

The first recall, issued on a Friday and voluntarily submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), encompasses a staggering 591,000 vehicles. The affected models include select Toyota Venza, Crown, Crown Signia, RAV4, GR Corolla, 4Runner, Camry, Grand Highlander, Tacoma, and Highlander, alongside various Lexus LS, RX, and TX models. The root cause of this extensive recall is identified as a fault within the infotainment system. This defect could lead to the 12.3-inch display screen failing to activate upon vehicle startup or, more critically, going blank while the vehicle is in motion, posing a potential distraction and safety risk to drivers. Toyota plans to commence notification of affected vehicle owners by mid-November 2025.

Adding to these concerns, a second, equally critical recall was announced the previous week, targeting nearly 95,000 electric vehicles. This recall specifically impacts certain 2023 to 2025 models of the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra. The bZ4X constitutes the largest portion of this recall, with around 41,500 units, followed by the Solterra at 32,320, and the Lexus RZ with 20,501 vehicles. All these electric models share a common platform, suggesting a systemic issue. The primary reason for this EV recall is a faulty defroster, a component vital for clear visibility and safe operation, especially in adverse weather conditions. Recognizing the inherent safety implications of this defect, Toyota has instructed dealerships to immediately halt sales of all bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra models produced up to mid-June.

Owners whose vehicles are identified as part of the electric vehicle recall are advised to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealership. There, the HVAC control ECU software will be updated at no cost to the owner, thereby rectifying the defroster issue. Toyota intends to dispatch official notification letters to owners of these electric vehicles by October 20, 2025.

For further assistance, Toyota customers can reach out to the company's customer service hotline at 1-800-331-4331, referencing recall numbers 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus owners should use recall numbers 25LB04 and 25LA04, while Subaru owners should refer to WRD-25. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a website, NHTSA.gov, for more comprehensive information regarding vehicle recalls.

These recalls underscore the dynamic nature of automotive manufacturing and the continuous efforts required to ensure vehicle safety. For consumers, this situation highlights the importance of staying informed about vehicle recalls and promptly addressing any identified issues to maintain optimal safety on the road. For Toyota, these events present an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to quality and customer trust by efficiently resolving the concerns and transparently communicating with their clientele.

Ford's European Shift: From Hatchback to Hybrid Crossover

The End of an Era: Focus Hatchback Production Concludes

After a successful run of four generations, the Ford Focus hatchback, a symbol of practicality and enjoyable driving, is officially ceasing production in Europe this November. Once a top-selling compact car alongside models like the Fiesta, its departure marks a notable shift in Ford's European vehicle strategy.

Emergence of a New Focus-Sized Crossover

Ford is reportedly developing a new crossover of similar dimensions to the Focus, which will feature both electric and hybrid powertrain options. This strategic move aims to fill the void left by the hatchback, with production anticipated to take place at Ford's Valencia plant in Spain, known for assembling the Kuga (Escape in the US).

Platform Strategy: Volkswagen MEB vs. Ford's Own Architecture

While Ford's current European electric SUVs, such as the Explorer EV and the forthcoming Capri, are built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, the new Focus-sized crossover may utilize a modified version of Ford's C2 platform. This platform currently underpins models like the Bronco Sport and Escape, suggesting a potential shift towards Ford's proprietary underpinnings for future European models, distinct from the recently unveiled Universal EV Platform initially slated for US-produced vehicles.

Market Positioning and Design Direction

The upcoming crossover is expected to be priced competitively, positioned between the Puma and the Explorer EV, making it an accessible option for consumers. Unlike typical European Ford designs, it is rumored to adopt a more robust, American-inspired aesthetic, similar to the squared-off appearance of the Explorer, moving away from the more fluid lines seen in models like the Puma.

Leveraging the Legacy: The Focus Nameplate's Potential Return

There is strong speculation that Ford might reintroduce the Focus nameplate for this new hybrid and electric crossover. Given the name's significant brand recognition and positive association among European buyers, reusing it aligns with Ford's strategy of revitalizing iconic names for its crossover models, a tactic previously applied to the Mustang, Capri, and Puma, to ensure a strong market reception for the new vehicle.