Toyota Recalls 7,847 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrids in Canada Over Sudden Power Loss Risk

Toyota has issued a safety recall covering 7,847 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in Canada (part of a global 30,978-vehicle recall) after a software defect in the motor generator ECU (MG-ECU) could cause the plug-in-hybrid system to shut down while driving at higher speeds. The recall, filed under NHTSA number 26V659 (Toyota campaign 26TA22), affects 2026 model-year RAV4 PHEVs produced between July 22, 2025 and August 19, 2026.

What's wrong

Under certain startup conditions, the rear motor generator's initialization process can fail to complete the transition to the higher-speed control mode. When the vehicle reaches a speed that requires that mode, warning lights illuminate and the PHEV system either drops into a fail-safe driving mode (front-wheel drive only, limited speed) or shuts down entirely, resulting in a loss of motive power at speed and an increased crash risk.

The component at fault is the MG-ECU (Inverter Assy, HEV Motor Control, part G92A0-42460) manufactured by Denso Corporation in Japan. 100% of in-scope vehicles carry the affected software.

How Toyota found it

• June–August 2026 — A field report from the Japanese market flagged warning lights and speed-limited FWD. Dealer diagnostics traced the issue to a communication malfunction during the rear MG's mode transition.
• August–September 2026 — Because the front and rear motor generators share the same control program, Toyota ran vehicle tests with the higher-speed mode removed. Results confirmed the same fail-safe or shutdown behavior on the front motors.
• October 1, 2026 — Toyota decided on a voluntary safety recall. As of September 30, the company had logged 38 field technical reports and 58 warranty claims from U.S. sources.

What owners should do

The NHTSA filing carries a "Do Not Drive – Park Outside" consumer advisory. Toyota will update the affected ECU software at no cost. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin November 22, 2026 and continue through December 6, 2026 (phased recall). Dealers were notified on October 7, 2026.

Canadian owners of a 2026 RAV4 PHEV should check their VIN at Transport Canada's recall lookup or contact their Toyota dealer once the TSR number is published.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.