November 1, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V734000
Unsecured Battery May Cause Short Circuit
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734
Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 1,853,568
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 17, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Check if your Vehicle has a Recall
SAFETY RECALL 23TA13 (Interim Notice 23TB13)
Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
Potential Vehicle Fire
Model / Years | Production Period | Approximate Total Vehicles | Approximate Stop Sale Dealer Inventory |
2013-2018 RAV4 | Late November 2012 –Mid-November 2018 | 1,854,000 | 0 |
On November 1, 2023, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on 2013- 2018 model year RAV4 vehicles.
Condition
Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. 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. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Toyota is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota estimates the remedy will be available in the middle of 2024 but this is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, owners who have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 should be encouraged to do so.
Covered Vehicles
There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico.
Owner Letter Mailing Date
Toyota will notify customers by late December 2023
Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
Potential Vehicle Fire
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Publication Date: November 1, 2023
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. 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. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Q2: What is Toyota going to do?
A2: Toyota is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE.
Q3: When will the remedy become available?
A3: Toyota is currently preparing the parts and repair instructions for the remedy. At this time, Toyota estimates that the remedy can be available the middle of 2024 but this timing is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, if you have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01, please contact your authorized Toyota dealer. See Q5, below.
Q4: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall?
A4: There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico.
Model Name | Model Year | Production Period |
RAV4 | 2013-2018 | Late November 2012 –Mid-November 2018 |
Q5: Toyota previously announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 for the same subject vehicles. What is 21TG01 and how does it relate to this recall?
A5: Toyota announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on November 18, 2021. Prior to issuing the Advisory, Toyota discovered that aftermarket battery suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to Toyota-published information for the subject vehicles (the specified battery is SAE Group size 35). It was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to the torque specifications provided by Toyota and, in some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. This prompted the Advisory to owners about proper replacement battery selection and installation. Toyota announced the Advisory to provide a free inspection of the battery at authorized Toyota dealers. Owners with additional questions regarding the Consumer Advisory should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
Q5a: Why is Toyota now deciding to initiate a recall for the same subject vehicles?
A5a: After issuing the Consumer Advisory, Toyota learned that some Group size 35 replacement batteries have smaller top dimensions than others. Additional evaluations of these batteries led to the decision to conduct a recall of the subject vehicles.
Q5b: I have not had the free inspection from Consumer Advisory 21TG01 performed yet. Should I have this inspection performed or wait until the recall remedy is available?
A5b: Toyota is encouraging owners who have not had the free inspection under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed to visit an authorized Toyota dealer for the free inspection.
Q5c: I already had Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed on my vehicle. Is there anything I can do now?
A5c: Owners who have further concerns about their vehicle after Consumer Advisory 21TG01 has been completed may visit a Toyota dealer for vehicle diagnosis.
Q6: What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall?
A6: Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter.
Q7: How does Toyota obtain my mailing information?
A7: Toyota uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct.
Q8: What if I have additional questions or concerns?
A8: If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
Percentage of Vehicles Estimated to Actually Contain the Defect:
Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether movement of the battery occurs that will lead to contact between the positive terminal and the hold down bracket depends, in each case, on the variation in force produced on the battery while driving, the installation torque of the battery hold down assembly, the location of installation within the battery tray of the battery, and the top case dimensions of the replacement battery. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”.
Description of Problem:
SAE Group 35 is the specified 12-volt battery size for the subject vehicles. The battery is installed, in accordance with a process containing torque specifications for certain components, on a tray in the engine compartment, and is held in place by a hold down assembly. During driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries. These aftermarket batteries have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery. An oversized tray, together with reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque), can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire.
Chronology of Principal Events:
February 2021 – July 2021
PE 21-005 was opened by NHTSA on February 25, 2021 to investigate allegations of non-crash thermal events originating in the engine compartment. Toyota investigated these allegations and found that aftermarket suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to Toyota-published information for the subject vehicles. Toyota also conducted a review of field data, confirmed the design concept and manufacturing processes, and performed a comprehensive evaluation and performance analysis of the battery and hold down bracket hardware in the subject vehicles. Through these evaluations it was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to meet the torque specifications provided by Toyota. In some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. No defect was found in the vehicles. Toyota issued Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on July 15, 2021 to address the issues of incorrect battery size and incorrect installation.
August 2023 – September 2023
Toyota discussed the status of the investigation and met with NHTSA to discuss static evaluations that NHTSA conducted in relation to various aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries, the size specified by Toyota for the subject vehicles. Some of these batteries had smaller top case dimensions than other Group 35 batteries Toyota had previously evaluated. In light of this additional information, Toyota began further evaluations.
October 2023
Toyota conducted dynamic testing with varying G-forces using Group 35 batteries with smaller top case dimensions that had not been previously evaluated. The dynamic testing accounted for installation of the battery hold down hardware with a torque specification less than the Toyota recommended value. The same dynamic evaluation was also conducted using the proper battery installation process. Toyota confirmed that movement of the battery was only possible during aggressive driving if the battery hold down hardware had not been installed to the specified torque.
However, during driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries that have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery because an oversized tray assembly and the reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque) can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire.
Based on the results of this investigation, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the vehicles identified above on October 26, 2023.
As of October 11, 2023, based on a diligent review of records, Toyota’s best engineering judgment is that there are twenty-two Toyota Field Technical Reports and zero warranty claims that have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition and which were considered in the decision to submit this report.
Description of Corrective Repair Action:
All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones at no cost to owners.
6 Affected Products
Vehicle
MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
TOYOTA | RAV4 | 2013-2018 |
4 Associated Documents
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-23V734-5615.PDF 215.235KB
Toyota – Defect Information Report (Chronology) – November 2023
RMISC-23V734-6685.pdf 32.196KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-23V734-4526.pdf 756.404KB
Toyota – 23TB13 Dealer Packet – November 2023
RCMN-23V734-9460.pdf 276.628KB
Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23V734&docType=RCL
1 Associated Investigation
Fire Originating from 12V Battery Area
NHTSA ID: PE21005
Dated opened: February 25, 2021
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eleven complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data alleging a non-crash thermal event originating in the left side of the engine compartment of the fourth generation (XA40 platform, Model Year 2013-2018) Toyota RAV4 vehicles.
A majority of thermal events occurred during driving conditions, with four taking place with the ignition off. Drivers experienced stalling prior to the thermal event in half of the instances where the vehicle was in motion. The twelve-volt battery was identified as the area of origin in a majority of the incidents reviewed.
Improper battery installation or prior front end collision repair was a factor in the EWR Field Reports. Despite these external influences on the battery retaining method, the overall number of vehicle fire allegations with the battery as the area of origin is larger than its peer population.
This Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to better understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the subject vehicles relative to peer vehicles.
The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11394683, 11378273, 11362502, 11348663, 11327143, 11317639, 11316999, 11315799, 11311546, 11271217, 11034782.
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SEOCONTENT-START
TOYOTA Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Vehicle Safety & Compliance Liaison Office Mail Stop: W4-2D 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 November 1, 2023 DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT 1. Vehicle Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation [“TMC”] 1, Toyota-cho, Toyota-city, Aichi-pref., 471-8571, Japan Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada, Inc. [“TMMC”] 1055 Fountain Street North, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada N3H 5K2 Affiliated U.S. Sales Company: Toyota Motor North America, Inc. [“TMNA”] 6565 Headquarters Drive, Plano, TX 75024 Manufacturer of Battery Clamp Sub-Assembly: Pacific Manufacturing Ohio 8955 Seward Road, Fairfield, OH 45011 Phone: 513-642-0055 Country of Origin: United States Kyoho Machine Works, LTD. 6 Toyota-cho, Toyota-city, Aichi-pref. 471- 8515, JAPAN Phone: +81-565-28-1881 Country of Origin: Japan Manufacturer of Battery Tray: Mitchell Plastics 301 Pike Street, Charlestown, IN 47111 Phone: 812-256-3351 Country of Origin: United States Kojima Industries Corporation 3-30 Shimoichiba-cho, Toyota-city, Aichi-pref., 471-8588, JAPAN Phone: +81-565-34-6868 Country of Origin: Japan 2. Identification of Involved Vehicles and Affected Components: Based on production records, we have determined the involved vehicle population as in the table below. Make/Car Line Model Year Manufacturer Production Period Toyota / RAV4 2013-2018 TMC November 23, 2012 through October 22, 2018 TMMC December 21, 2012 through November 14, 2018 Applicability Part Number Part Name Component Description MY2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 74404-0R030 Clamp Sub-Assy, Battery Battery Clamp Sub- Assembly 74404-42190 Clamp Sub-Assy, Battery Battery Clamp Sub- Assembly 74431-0R040 Tray, Battery Battery Tray 74431-42120 Tray, Battery Battery Tray Note: (1) Although the involved vehicles are within the above production period range, not all vehicles in this range were sold in the U.S. (2) This issue only affects 2013-2018MY RAV4 vehicles utilizing a specific battery hold-down assembly and battery tray described in Section 5 below. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a different design of the battery hold down assembly and battery tray. 3. Total Number of Vehicles Potentially Involved: 1,853,568 4. Percentage of Vehicles Estimated to Actually Contain the Defect: Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether movement of the battery occurs that will lead to contact between the positive terminal and the hold down bracket depends, in each case, on the variation in force produced on the battery while driving, the installation torque of the battery hold down assembly, the location of installation within the battery tray of the battery, and the top case dimensions of the replacement battery. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”. 5. Description of Problem: SAE Group 35 is the specified 12-volt battery size for the subject vehicles. The battery is installed, in accordance with a process containing torque specifications for certain components, on a tray in the engine compartment, and is held in place by a hold down assembly. During driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries. These aftermarket batteries have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery. An oversized tray, together with reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque), can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire. 6. Chronology of Principal Events: February 2021 – July 2021 PE 21-005 was opened by NHTSA on February 25, 2021 to investigate allegations of non-crash thermal events originating in the engine compartment. Toyota investigated these allegations and found that aftermarket suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to Toyota-published information for the subject vehicles. Toyota also conducted a review of field data, confirmed the design concept and manufacturing processes, and performed a comprehensive evaluation and performance analysis of the battery and hold down bracket hardware in the subject vehicles. Through these evaluations it was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to meet the torque specifications provided by Toyota. In some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. No defect was found in the vehicles. Toyota issued Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on July 15, 2021 to address the issues of incorrect battery size and incorrect installation. August 2023 – September 2023 Toyota discussed the status of the investigation and met with NHTSA to discuss static evaluations that NHTSA conducted in relation to various aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries, the size specified by Toyota for the subject vehicles. Some of these batteries had smaller top case dimensions than other Group 35 batteries Toyota had previously evaluated. In light of this additional information, Toyota began further evaluations. October 2023 Toyota conducted dynamic testing with varying G-forces using Group 35 batteries with smaller top case dimensions that had not been previously evaluated. The dynamic testing accounted for installation of the battery hold down hardware with a torque specification less than the Toyota recommended value. The same dynamic evaluation was also conducted using the proper battery installation process. Toyota confirmed that movement of the battery was only possible during aggressive driving if the battery hold down hardware had not been installed to the specified torque. However, during driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries that have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery because an oversized tray assembly and the reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque) can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire. Based on the results of this investigation, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the vehicles identified above on October 26, 2023. As of October 11, 2023, based on a diligent review of records, Toyota’s best engineering judgment is that there are twenty-two Toyota Field Technical Reports and zero warranty claims that have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition and which were considered in the decision to submit this report. 7. Description of Corrective Repair Action: All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones at no cost to owners. Reimbursement Plan for pre-notification remedies The owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan. 8. Recall Schedule: Notifications to owners of the affected vehicles will occur by December 31, 2023. A copy of the draft owner notification will be submitted as soon as it is available. 9. Distributor/Dealer Notification Schedule: Notifications to distributors/dealers will be sent on November 1, 2023. Copies of dealer communications will be submitted as they are issued. 10. Manufacturer’s Campaign Number: [Interim / Remedy]: 23TB13 / 23TA13
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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-734 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Submission Date : NOV 01, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-734 Manufacturer Recall No. : 23TB13 / 23TA13 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Address : 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano TX 75024 Company phone : 1-800-331-4331 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,853,568 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 Vehicle Type : Body Style : Power Train : NR Descriptive Information : Although the involved vehicles are within the above production period range, not all vehicles in this range were sold in the U.S. This issue only affects 2013-2018MY RAV4 vehicles utilizing a specific battery holddown assembly and battery tray described in Section 5 below. Other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with a different design of the battery hold down assembly and battery tray. Unknown. Toyota is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether movement of the battery occurs that will lead to contact between the positive terminal and the hold down bracket depends, in each case, on the variation in force produced on the battery while driving, the installation torque of the battery hold down assembly, the location of installation within the battery tray of the battery, and the top case dimensions of the replacement battery. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, Toyota has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”. Production Dates : NOV 23, 2012 – NOV 14, 2018 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-734 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : SAE Group 35 is the specified 12-volt battery size for the subject vehicles. The battery is installed, in accordance with a process containing torque specifications for certain components, on a tray in the engine compartment, and is held in place by a hold down assembly. During driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries. These aftermarket batteries have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery. An oversized tray, together with reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque), can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire. Description of the Cause : NR Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : NR Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Clamp Sub-Assy, Battery Component Description : Battery Clamp Sub-Assembly Component Part Number : 74404-0R030 Component Name 2 : Clamp Sub-Assy, Battery Component Description : Battery Clamp Sub-Assembly Component Part Number : 74404-42190 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-734 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name 3 : Tray, Battery Component Description : Battery Tray Component Part Number : 74431-0R040 Component Name 4 : Tray, Battery Component Description : Battery Tray Component Part Number : 74431-42120 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : NR Address : NR NR Country : NR Chronology : Please see the attached Part 573 Defect Information Report for the full chronology. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones at no cost to owners. The owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota’s General Reimbursement Plan. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : NR Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-734 Page 4 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Notifications to owners of the affected vehicles will occur by December 31, 2023. A copy of the draft owner notification will be submitted as soon as it is available. Notifications to distributors/dealers will be sent on November 1, 2023. Copies of dealer communications will be submitted as they are issued. Planned Dealer Notification Date : NOV 01, 2023 – NOV 01, 2023 Planned Owner Notification Date : DEC 17, 2023 – DEC 31, 2023 * NR – Not Reported
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© 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 (469) 292-4000 Original Publication Date: November 01, 2023 To: All Toyota Dealer Principals, General Managers, Service Managers, and Parts Managers SAFETY RECALL 23TA13 (Interim Notice 23TB13) Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4 Potential Vehicle Fire Model / Years Production Period Approximate Total Vehicles Approximate Stop Sale Dealer Inventory 2013-2018 RAV4 Late November 2012 –Mid-November 2018 1,854,000 0 On November 1, 2023, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on 2013- 2018 model year RAV4 vehicles. Condition Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. 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. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Remedy Toyota is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota estimates the remedy will be available in the middle of 2024 but this is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, owners who have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 should be encouraged to do so. Covered Vehicles There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico. Owner Letter Mailing Date Toyota will notify customers by late December 2023 Toyota makes significant effort to obtain current customer name and address information from each state through industry resources when mailing owner letters. In the event your dealership receives a notice for a vehicle that was sold prior to the Safety Recall announcement, it is the dealership’s responsibility to forward the owner letter to the customer who purchased the vehicle. Please note that only owners of the covered vehicles will be notified. If you are contacted by an owner who has not yet received a notification, please verify eligibility by confirming through TIS prior to performing repairs. Dealers should perform the repair as outlined in the Technical Instructions found on TIS. S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 3 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 3 ) – P a g e | 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Dealer Inventory Procedures New Vehicles in Dealership Inventory – Reminder Toyota has not identified any new vehicles in dealership inventory that are covered by this Safety Recall. However, below is a reminder of the dealer’s obligations pertaining to Safety Recalls if there are new vehicles in dealership inventory: Under Title 49, Section 30112 of the United States Code, a dealer cannot sell, offer for sale, or introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce a new motor vehicle when it is aware that the vehicle does not comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety. Further, 49 Code of Federal Regulations §577.13 requires us to provide the following advisory: It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Vehicle Safety Recall completion should always be verified through TIS. We request your assistance to ensure involved vehicles are identified and not delivered prior to performing the remedy. NOTE: Dealers can identify if any of their new and used inventory has any open campaigns in the Vehicle Inventory Summary available in Dealer Daily (Non SET and GST dealers: https://dealerdaily.toyota.com/). The Vehicle Inventory Summary may take up to 4 hours to populate information for newly launched campaigns. Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory Toyota typically requests that dealers NOT deliver any pre-owned vehicles in dealer inventory that are covered by a Safety Recall unless the defect has been remedied. In this case, Consumer Advisory 21TG01 must be completed and the battery must be inspected and properly secured, before the delivery of a pre-owned vehicle. It is then acceptable to deliver the vehicle to the pruchaser if disclosed that the vehicle is involved in this Safety Recall and that the remedy is currently being prepared by Toyota. Toyota expects dealers to use the attached Customer Contact and Vehicle Disclosure Form to obtain vehicle buyer information. Dealers are expected to provide a copy of the completed form, along with the most current FAQ, to the vehicle buyer. Toyota and the dealer may use this information to contact the customer when the remedy becomes available. Keep the completed form on file at the dealership and send a copy to quality_compliance@toyota.com. In the subject line of the email, state “Disclosure Form 23TB13” and include the VIN. NOTE: Dealers can identify if any of their new and used inventory has any open campaigns in the Vehicle Inventory Summary available in Dealer Daily (Non SET and GST dealers: https://dealerdaily.toyota.com/). The Vehicle Inventory Summary may take up to 4 hours to populate information for newly launched campaigns. Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) The TCUV policy prohibits the certification of any vehicle with an outstanding Safety Recall, Special Service Campaign, or Limited Service Campaign. Thus, no affected units are to be designated, sold, or delivered as a TCUV until all applicable Safety Recalls, Special Service Campaigns, and Limited Service Campaigns have been completed on that vehicle. Toyota Rent-A-Car (TRAC) & Service Loaners Toyota requests that dealers remove all TRAC and Service Loaner vehicles from service that are covered by a Safety Recall unless the defect has been remedied. Customer Handling, Parts Ordering, and Remedy Procedures Customer Contacts Customers who receive the owner letter may contact your dealership with questions regarding the letter and/or the Safety Recall. Please welcome them to your dealership and answer any questions that they may have. A Q&A is provided to assure a consistent message is communicated. S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 3 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 3 ) – P a g e | 3 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Customers with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-888-270-9371) – Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Salvage Title Vehicles Every attempt should be made to complete an open Safety Recall when circumstances permit, unless noted otherwise in the Safety Recall dealer letter. For complete details on this policy, refer to Toyota Warranty Policy 4.17, “What Is Not Covered by The Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty”. Media Contacts It is imperative that all media contacts (local and national) receive a consistent message. In this regard, all media contacts must be directed to Joshua Burns (469) 292-6449 in Toyota Corporate Communications. Please do not provide this number to customers. Please provide this contact only to media. S a f e t y R e c a l l 2 3 T A 1 3 ( I n t e r i m 2 3 T B 1 3 ) – P a g e | 4 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Warranty Reimbursement Procedures Customer Reimbursement Reimbursement consideration instructions will be included in the owner letter. Campaign Designation / Phase Decoder 2319 = 201920 = 202021 = 202122 = 202223 = 2023Etc…Year Campaignis Launched23TB13TT = ToyotaL = LexusVehicle MakeBA = Safety Recall RemedyB = Safety Recall InterimC = Special Service CampaignD = Limited Service CampaignE = Customer Support ProgramF = Emissions Recall(May use other characters in unique cases)Field Action Category and Phase1301 = 1st Field Action of the year02 = 2nd Field Action of the year03 = 3rd Field Action of the year(The sequence is unique for each Field Action category)(May use other characters in unique cases)Field Action Sequence Examples: 19TA01 = Launched in 2019, Toyota, Safety Recall Remedy Phase, 1st Safety Recall Launched in 2019 20TC02 = Launched in 2020, Special Service Campaign, 2nd Special Service Campaign Launched in 2020 21TE05 = Launched in 2021, Customer Support Program, 5th Customer Support Program Launched in 2021 Please review this entire package with your Service and Parts staff to familiarize them with the proper step-by-step procedures required to implement this Safety Recall. Thank you for your cooperation. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. FAQ Page 1 of 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA SAFETY RECALL 23TA13 (Interim Notice 23TB13) Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4 Potential Vehicle Fire Frequently Asked Questions Original Publication Date: November 1, 2023 Q1: What is the condition? A1: Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. 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. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Q2: What is Toyota going to do? A2: Toyota is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE. Q3: When will the remedy become available? A3: Toyota is currently preparing the parts and repair instructions for the remedy. At this time, Toyota estimates that the remedy can be available the middle of 2024 but this timing is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, if you have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01, please contact your authorized Toyota dealer. See Q5, below. Q4: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall? A4: There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico. Model Name Model Year Production Period RAV4 2013-2018 Late November 2012 –Mid-November 2018 Q5: Toyota previously announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 for the same subject vehicles. What is 21TG01 and how does it relate to this recall? A5: Toyota announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on November 18, 2021. Prior to issuing the Advisory, Toyota discovered that aftermarket battery suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to Toyota-published information for the subject vehicles (the specified battery is SAE Group size 35). It was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to the torque specifications provided by Toyota and, in some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. This prompted the Advisory to owners about proper replacement battery selection and installation. Toyota announced the Advisory to provide a free inspection of the battery at authorized Toyota dealers. Owners with additional questions regarding the Consumer Advisory should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. FAQ Page 2 of 2 © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Q5a: Why is Toyota now deciding to initiate a recall for the same subject vehicles? A5a: After issuing the Consumer Advisory, Toyota learned that some Group size 35 replacement batteries have smaller top dimensions than others. Additional evaluations of these batteries led to the decision to conduct a recall of the subject vehicles. Q5b: I have not had the free inspection from Consumer Advisory 21TG01 performed yet. Should I have this inspection performed or wait until the recall remedy is available? A5b: Toyota is encouraging owners who have not had the free inspection under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed to visit an authorized Toyota dealer for the free inspection. Q5c: I already had Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed on my vehicle. Is there anything I can do now? A5c: Owners who have further concerns about their vehicle after Consumer Advisory 21TG01 has been completed may visit a Toyota dealer for vehicle diagnosis. Q6: What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall? A6: Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter. Q7: How does Toyota obtain my mailing information? A7: Toyota uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct. Q8: What if I have additional questions or concerns? A8: If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. © 2023 Toyota Motor Sales, USA – Version 3a TOYOTA Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 (469) 292-4000 CUSTOMER CONTACT & VEHICLE DISCLOSURE FORM This form is not applicable for new vehicles in dealership inventory and TCUV units. This vehicle is involved in a Safety Recall. At this time, remedy parts are not available and the remedy has NOT been performed. I understand that the vehicle will need to be returned to an authorized Toyota dealer to have the remedy performed at NO CHARGE when the remedy is available. Customer Signature Toyota recommends that you register with the Toyota Owners Community at http://www.toyota.com/owners/. and regularly check recall applicability using www.toyota.com/recall or www.safercar.gov. You will need to input your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Model Model Year Customer Information Customer Name Customer Email Customer Address Home Phone # Mobile Phone # Date Please provide this information so that Toyota or your dealer can notify you when the remedy becomes available. This information will only be used for campaign communications. If you’d like to update your preferred contact information in the future, visit https://www.toyota.com/owners. or contact us at 1-888-270-9371. Dealer Information Dealer Name/Address Dealer Code Dealer Phone Number Dealer Staff Name Dealer Staff Signature VIN Campaign Code
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