Toyota is issuing a recall for 2,700 units of its first mass-produced battery electric vehicle, the bZ4X crossover.
Sharp turns or abrupt braking can loosen the wheel bolt, risking the detachment of the wheel and causing an accident, Japan’s safety regulators determined. The recall does not apply to every bZ4X crossover produced, and the reason for the loose bolt is under investigation, Reuters reported.
SHIFTING GEARS: FORD RECALLS 2.9 MILLION CARS OVER DEFECT
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes you,” Toyota said, per the outlet. “We would have repaired it as soon as possible, but we are investigating the details.”
It is unclear how many bZ4X crossovers have been built, but the recall applies to 2,200 cars destined for Europe, 260 cars for the United States, 110 cars for Japan, and 10 cars for Canada, according to Toyota. None of the vehicles in Japan were distributed to customers, according to the report. So far, no accidents have been reported due to the loose bolt defect.
“No remedy is available at this time. Until the remedy is available, any authorized Toyota dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loaner vehicle FREE OF CHARGE to the owner,” the company said in a statement.
Roughly 2,600 Solterras, an electric vehicle jointly created by Subaru and Totoya, are also being recalled for the same defect.
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Toyota began notifying customers about the recall Thursday. Regulators have advised users not to drive the vehicle until an adequate repair is made.
Toyota began rolling out the bZ4X crossover in Japan as a lease-only option in May. The largest automaker by sales, Toyota has been slower than some of its peers to enter the electric vehicle market, but it is now aiming to produce 30 electric vehicle models by 2030 and is investing over $17.6 billion in research on batteries, per the Associated Press. The company has made a name for itself in its development of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, both of which have been touted as environmentally friendly in comparison to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
