Blog · Recall alert · 2026-10-14
[HIGH] RECALL ALERT: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: motor generator ECU error can cut drive power at higher speeds
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Severity: HIGH Severity: HIGH (orange). Why: Toyota told NHTSA that if the plug-in-hybrid system shuts down, “there can be a loss of motive power while the vehicle is being driven at a higher speed, increasing the risk of a crash” (NHTSA campaign 26V659000). Loss of drive power falls under HIGH. Warning lights illuminate and the system may enter a fail-safe mode before a full shutdown; NHTSA’s record does not set a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.
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At a glance
Severity: HIGH
| Severity | Severity: HIGH HIGH |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V659000 |
| Toyota recall number | 26TA22 |
| Vehicles | Certain 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid |
| Units affected | 30,978 (Toyota estimates 100% of the involved population have the MG-ECU software described in the Part 573 report) |
| Production dates | July 22, 2025 – August 19, 2026 |
| Risk | The motor generator ECU (MG-ECU) may not finish motor initialization correctly; the higher-speed motor control mode can be unavailable. At speeds that need that mode, warning lights illuminate and the plug-in-hybrid system may enter a fail-safe driving mode or shut down. A shutdown can cause loss of motive power at higher speed, increasing crash risk |
| Warning to driver | Warning lights illuminate; the system may transition to a fail-safe driving mode (front-wheel drive only with limited speed) or shut down |
| Remedy | Dealers will update the affected ECU software free of charge |
| Manufacturer report date | October 7, 2026 |
| NHTSA acknowledgment | October 13, 2026 |
| Dealer notification | October 7, 2026 |
| Owner notification | Planned November 22, 2026 – December 6, 2026 |
| Component | Inverter Assy, HEV Motor Control (MG-ECU), part G92A0-42460 (supplier: Denso Corporation) |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside | No (neither advisory is set in NHTSA’s record; `parkIt` and `parkOutSide` are false; Part 573 Consumer Advisories unchecked) |
What happened
On October 7, 2026, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing notified NHTSA of safety recall 26V659 (campaign 26V659000, Toyota recall 26TA22), subject: “Motor Generator ECU Error May Cause Loss of Drive Power.”
In its Part 573 Safety Recall Report and accompanying Defect Information Report, Toyota says the subject vehicles have a plug-in-hybrid system that includes a motor generator ECU (MG-ECU). “The MG-ECU in these vehicles may not complete the motor initialization process correctly in some cases, resulting in the motor control mode used for higher speeds being unavailable.” In that condition, “when the vehicle reaches a speed at which the motor control mode for higher speed is required, warning lights will illuminate, and the plug-in-hybrid system will either transition to a fail-safe driving mode or shut down.” “If the system shuts down, there can be a loss of motive power while the vehicle is being driven at a higher speed, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Toyota’s chronology says it first investigated a Japan-market field report (June–August 2026) in which warning lights illuminated and the vehicle could only be operated in front-wheel drive with limited speed. Bench and drive testing showed that under certain startup conditions the rear motor generator initialization could fail, making the higher-speed control mode unavailable. Further testing in August–September 2026 showed that when front motor generators also lack that mode, the plug-in-hybrid system can enter fail-safe mode or shut down at higher speeds. Toyota decided on a voluntary safety recall on October 1, 2026.
As of September 30, 2026, Toyota reports 38 Field Technical Reports and 58 warranty claims from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition.
Which vehicles are included
| Make | Model | Model year | Built (per Part 573) | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid | 2026 | Jul 22, 2025 – Aug 19, 2026 | 30,978 |
Toyota notes that not every vehicle in that production window was sold in the U.S., and that this issue only affects vehicles equipped with an MG-ECU containing the specific software described in the filing. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are not equipped with that MG-ECU or have different software. A VIN check is the way to confirm whether a specific vehicle is included.
What owners should do now
- Check your VIN at assemblyalert.com/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls for campaign 26V659000.
- Watch for warning lights. Toyota says warning lights illuminate when the higher-speed motor control mode is needed but unavailable. The system may enter a fail-safe mode (front-wheel drive only, limited speed) or shut down. If warning lights appear or you lose motive power, pull over safely and contact a Toyota dealer.
- Get the free software update. Dealers will update the software of the affected ECU at no cost.
- Call Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 and mention recall 26TA22.
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026 (through December 6, 2026 per the Part 573 schedule). You don’t need to wait for a letter to check your VIN.
FAQ
Is my Toyota RAV4 included?
This campaign covers certain 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles — 30,978 in the U.S. population Toyota reported. Built July 22, 2025 through August 19, 2026, and only those with the specific MG-ECU software. Use a VIN check to confirm.
What happens at higher speeds?
Toyota says if the higher-speed motor control mode is unavailable, warning lights illuminate and the plug-in-hybrid system may enter a fail-safe driving mode or shut down. A shutdown can cause loss of motive power while driving at a higher speed.
Is it safe to drive?
NHTSA’s record does not set a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory for this campaign. Check your VIN. If warning lights appear or you lose power, pull over safely and contact a Toyota dealer.
When is the fix, and what does it cost?
The ECU software update is free. Owner letters are expected starting November 22, 2026 (through December 6, 2026). Toyota: 1-800-331-4331 (26TA22).
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Disclaimer
Recall facts here come from NHTSA data: NHTSA’s recall API for campaign 26V659000, NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter to Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing dated October 13, 2026, Toyota’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report dated October 7, 2026, and Toyota’s Defect Information Report dated October 7, 2026. Assembly Alert (assemblyalert.com) is operated by Record of Sale, LLC and is not affiliated with NHTSA or Toyota. This page is public safety information only and is not legal advice. Verify your vehicle’s status with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Sources
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