Toyota Recalls 1.8 Million RAV4 SUVs in US over Fire Risk

The voluntary recall covers 1.85 million vehicles from model years 2013 to 2018, the company said. Some of the vehicles may be equipped with replacement 12-volt batteries that have smaller top dimensions, it said, The New York Times reported.

“If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns,” it said.

Movement from a strong turn could create a short circuit that could ignite a fire, the company said.

It was unclear if there had been any fires or accidents related to the recalled batteries. An inquiry sent to Toyota was not immediately returned.

The company’s recall filings with the US’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which usually contain information about such incidents, were not yet available in the agency’s recall listings on Wednesday night.

Toyota said it expected to notify affected owners by late December, adding that dealers would replace the hold-down clamp, the battery tray and the positive terminal cover for free.

It asked owners to visit the highway traffic agency’s website or Toyota’s recall website to check if their cars were under recall by providing their vehicle identification numbers.

The RAV4 recall announced on Wednesday was the second one announced by Toyota in a week.

On Oct 26, the company recalled 814,000 Highlander SUVs because the front bumper could fall off.