Major Recall: Over 680,000 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Vehicles Affected by HVAC and Infotainment Issues
A significant recall has been issued, impacting over 680,000 vehicles from Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru. The recalls stem from issues with both heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and the infotainment systems. These recalls affect a range of models from 2023 to 2025.
HVAC System Recall: Defroster Malfunction
Approximately 94,000 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru electric vehicles are being recalled due to a potential defect in their HVAC systems. The specific issue relates to the electrical compressor which could fail, rendering the defroster or defogger inoperative. This poses a safety risk, particularly in inclement weather, as it could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Affected Models: 2023-2025 Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra
- Problem: Electrical compressor failure affecting defroster/defogger
- Risk: Reduced visibility, increased crash risk
Infotainment System Recall: Display Malfunction
A larger recall, impacting around 591,000 vehicles in the U.S., is related to a glitch with the infotainment system. The 12.3″ display screen may fail to turn on after starting the vehicle, or worse, go blank while driving. This affects select Toyota and Lexus models.
- Affected Models: Select Toyota Venza, Crown, Crown Signia, RAV4, GR Corolla, 4Runner, Camry, Grand Highlander, Tacoma, Highlander, Lexus LS, RX, and TX vehicles.
- Problem: Infotainment system display may fail to turn on or go blank while driving.
- Notification: Toyota will begin notifying those with impacted vehicles by mid-November 2025.
Remedy and Customer Information
For the HVAC system recall, owners of affected vehicles should bring their car to a Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru dealer to have the HVAC control software updated free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's electrical compressor and replace it if necessary. For the infotainment recall, Toyota will likely provide a software update to correct the display issues.
Toyota plans to mail notification letters to owners regarding the HVAC recall by October 20, 2025. For the infotainment recall, notification will begin in mid-November 2025.
Customers can also contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331 and mention the following recall numbers: 25TB07 and 25TA07 for the bZ4X, 25LB04 and 25LA04 for the Lexus RZ and WRD-25 for the Subaru Solterra.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
To check the status of recalls on your vehicle, you can search your car's make or model on the NHTSA recall database or USA TODAY's car and motor vehicle recall database. Direct searching is also available on the NHTSA website by inputting your vehicle's license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN). You can also contact the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the website NHTSA.gov for more information.
