Filed Jun 18, 202620,991 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the high voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Risk. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LA07 and 26TA11. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG26.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 2026TX
SUPPLEMENT TO ODI COMPLAINT 11758090 (filed 8/19/2026). Two corrections, an identified component, and a verified manufacturer remedy. Full narrative attached. CORRECTIONS. (1) The prior 12V battery was replaced 5/29/2026, not June 2026; invoice 569207 is correct. (2) The complaint attributed the drain to an armed charging schedule. That was a proxy, not the cause. The trigger is ANY vehicle wake -- key-fob approach at ~8 ft, end of drive, or converter pulse -- which arms a timer of exactly 180 minutes, after which a 0.87-0.9 A sawtooth discharge runs 4.6-9 hours, consuming up to 12 Ah. Verified 8 of 8 events 8/8-8/23/2026 by amp-hour shunt and independent voltage logger, one pre-registered in advance and correct to the minute. The defect is not avoidable by any owner setting. REMEDY. 8/24/2026, Cavender Toyota, repair order 604263, under Toyota Technical Assistance System case TA262360433: ignition off; vehicle removed from owner's Toyota app garage; ignition on 1 min (pending telematics upload completes); off 1 min; on; vehicle re-added to app garage. No parts, no charge, ~10 minutes. The procedure operates only on the DCM/connected-services registration state, which identifies the component. VERIFICATION. Two deliberate fob wakes 8/24 (19:25, 23:10 CDT): no discharge at 180 minutes or overnight. Twelve days of normal use through 9/5/2026: zero events. TOYOTA'S OWN RECORDS CORROBORATE. The TAS advisory tells the technician to "set up for 3 hours to monitor," matching the mea
Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2026TX
The 12-volt auxiliary battery system repeatedly discharges itself and has twice left the vehicle completely inoperative: 7/24/2026 (5.58 V at the battery, parked unplugged ~46 hours after the last drive) and 7/28/2026 (5.95 V, failure during an attempt to enter READY to drive). The 12V system controls the contactors connecting the high-voltage traction battery to the drive system; when it collapses the vehicle cannot be started or driven even though the traction pack holds charge. The dealer replaced the 12V battery under warranty in June 2026; failures continued, so the battery was not the cause. I instrumented the 12V system with two independent cross-validated meters (precision current/amp-hour shunt; voltage logger sampling every 2 minutes) and measured the mechanism over 12 continuous days (Aug 8-19, 2026). Findings: (1) A drain event begins exactly 3 hours (180 min, within one 2-minute sample, in all six measured events) after the most recent vehicle wake - a READY cycle or the key fob merely coming within detection range of the parked car. Each new wake restarts the 3-hour countdown. (2) The event draws ~0.87 A; four completed events ran 4.6-4.7 hours (~4 Ah each), one ran 9.2 hours (~8 Ah). (3) Events occur with all charging schedules verified off in both vehicle and phone app, the app closed, and the vehicle unplugged. (4) The vehicle never replenishes the 12V from the traction pack while parked, and undercharges it when driven (13.9 V ceiling, single 30-minute windo
Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 2026NC
The 12 volt battery exhibits a consistent parasitic drain. This is intermittent, but results in the vehicle failing to start. The failure to start is an issue because it is happening frequently and could endanger individuals who live in rural areas or areas with cold or hot climate. This issue has happened to us multiple times and Toyota has not recalled or provided guidance to its dealer service network. Many effected owners have a diagnostic data backed theory that links the drain on the 12 volt battery to Toyota digital communication module. That diagnostic can be found here. Toyota should be forced to investigate and fix this as it is a big safety concern for those who are in rural harsh climates! It is impacting a lot of new BZ & CHR owners, but has been a known issue with previous models and even covered by some media outlets. Because this is a parasitic drain there often isnt a low battery warning before the car won't start. Another reason this deserves attention.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2026OH
There is a foul smell emanating from the window areas of the vehicle after rain. The more rain, the more pronounced the odor. It smells similar to cat urine. I have been able to reproduce it many times, after it rains. I was reading online that the smell is caused by mold/mildew which is a huge safety concern. I had also read that this is somewhat of a common issue caused by the type of weatherstripping in use on the vehicle. When I called the dealership they were unaware of any issues concerning an odor around the windows after rain. I will continue to work with the dealership, but this should at least be a Technical Service Bulletin.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2026NY
The vehicle suffers from an overnight parasitic 12V battery drain caused by a continuous cloud activation/software communication loop involving the Data Communication Module (DCM) and telematics system. The vehicle has gone completely dead and required jumping on three separate occasions. The issue was inspected and documented on a service invoice by an authorized dealership, which confirmed the battery itself tested good and recommended disconnecting the mobile application link due to the DCM cloud activation causing battery depletion. The recurring dead 12V battery creates a safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely inoperable and stranded without warning.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2026OH
Vehicle experienced a catastrophic, terminal 12V auxiliary battery parasitic drain that flatlines the system to 0% while parked, creating a severe safety risk by stripping hazard lights and motive power. This is the 3rd identical electrical collapse within 4 weeks; a late June 12V battery replacement failed. The vehicle was in active daily use, not stored.Held out of service at Kings Toyota since July 6, 2026 (26+ days down). Technicians dismantled the cabin and placed the dashboard in the trunk to trace loops. Management confirmed hardware nonconformities in the Data Communication Module (DCM) and Body Control Module (BCM), which fail to enter sleep mode. Observable proof includes continuous, erroneous telemetry alerts stating windows are down/doors unlocked while fully locked and disassembled in the bay.Modules are on indefinite global backorder due to an inherent manufacturing defect. Parts are restricted likely to feed production and the mass rollout for NHTSA Campaign 26V393.DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS:Local tech efforts are directly guided by Toyota Corporate factory engineers who designed the vehicle, as local techs have never encountered this severe issue.Multiple other identical units are grounded on the dealer lot with identical 12V flatline failures.My vehicle (#XXX) is being used instructively by Toyota Corporate to advance understanding and map out repairs for the other units.To capture evading data, I complied with a request to delete the Toyota app from my iPhone so lea
Electrical System
Filed Jul 21, 2026CA
Vehicle purchased late March. Since then, the 12V gets completely drained to 0% over the weekend. This is a biweekly problem. Vehicle taken to dealership, they were not able to replicate problem. Dealership claims battery and vehicle perfectly fine. 12V battery continues to get discharged. This issue puts the customer at risk of being stranded on trips. No warning lamps or symptoms before battery dies making vehicle completely inoperable. Research online and owner forums clearly show a large number of owners having the same issue with this defect with this vehicle. Contacted toyota and they denied vehicle glitch or resolution. Toyota instructed me to take car back to dealership for them to address.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 17, 2026KY
I am writing to formally report an unsafe design feature regarding the automatic headlight cleaner/washer system on the 2026 Toyota bZ.The vehicle is programmed to automatically spray windshield washer fluid onto the headlights when the headlights are active and the windshield washer lever is pulled. As a night-shift worker, I frequently operate this vehicle in complete darkness. When the high-pressure fluid sprays over the active headlight lenses, it immediately diffuses the light beam. This causes the forward headlights to dim drastically, rendering them almost completely unusable for several seconds until the water clears.This sudden, unprompted loss of forward visibility at highway speeds creates an immediate and severe driving hazard.Proposed Remedy Request:There is currently no setting available to the driver to turn off or modify this linked behavior. I request that Toyota issue a software update allowing owners an menu option to disable the automatic, windshield-linked headlight washing function so drivers can maintain constant headlight visibility at night.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2026NY
The 12V battery in my 2026 Toyota bZ unexpectedly went dead, leaving the vehicle completely unresponsive. The vehicle could not be powered on or driven. There was no prior warning. Upon google search, there are several posts on websites like reddit and toyota owner forums with reports of the same exact issue.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 24, 2026TX
Instrument cluster failed to turn on once car is turned on. Speedometer does not display and the electric charge does not display.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2026CA
New car, only 800 miles, 12V battery drained and is dead. Needed to be replaced. Internal process draining battery. Multiple similar complaints online
Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 2026TX
The CarPlay disconnects every 2-3 minutes and connects and the infotainment has problems or need software update.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2026NJ
I am writing to formally advise Toyota Customer Relations of significant, unresolved performance and safety issues regarding my 2026 Toyota bZ, purchased new on February 14, 2026. Despite having only 976 miles on the odometer, this vehicle is currently demonstrating a battery state of health (SOH) of 82.7% and a maximum range of only 140 miles at 100% charge—even in moderate 40-degree temperatures. Description of Technical Failures: Battery & Range: The vehicle provides a maximum range of 140 miles at full charge. On an 80-mile roundtrip commute, I am forced to drive without cabin heat to ensure I can return home without a mid-trip recharge. Internal diagnostics currently show an 82.7% battery health, which is unacceptable for a vehicle less than a month old. Regenerative Braking: The regeneration system is not functioning properly, failing to recoup energy as designed. Infotainment & Safety: I have experienced consistent Bluetooth disconnections, audio drops during calls, map freezing, and—most concerning—the screen blacking out and resetting while the vehicle is in motion. Social Media Documentation & Peer Reports: Due to the persistent nature of these issues, I have documented my experience on the official "Toyota bZ (2026)" Facebook owner groups. My post has received numerous responses from other owners experiencing similar defects, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident.
Backing into the center of my 2-car garage, half-way into the door, the car slammed on the brakes, displayed a large BRAKE warning and, on the 360 degree image, I saw a red "bar" to the immediate left of the driver's door. I thought I'd hit something, although I was still 20 feet from the back wall and there was at least 6 feet completely open on each side of the car. I pulled forward and it immediately slammed on the brakes again. I backed up and it slammed on the brakes again. I pulled forward and it slammed on the brakes again. Finally, I was able to nurse the car back, inches at a time. The car had never done that before, even when I parked closer to the shelves, before I cleared out the garage to be able to park in the center. The only thing I could think of was the 1/2 inch thick dried mud track from the left tires when I parked closer to the side. I scraped and swept out the mud and since then I've backed in twice without incident, with yellow bars on the 360 degree display where wire shelving is against both side walls of the garage, as I previously mentioned, about 6 feet away on each side of the car. The collision avoidance system is dangerously too sensitive in this vehicle and what Toyota calls Safety Sense 3.0 is the most UNSAFE system I've ever had the unfortunate opportunity to experience. I'm not alone. I've read numerous same or similar complaints online in Tundra and Corolla Cross discussion boards. I discussed this with the dealer's service manager and he b
Electrical System
Filed Jan 25, 2026PA
I purchased a new 2026 Toyota bZ4X on December 30, 2025. The dealer represented that the vehicle could charge in approximately 30 minutes at public fast-charging stations. In real-world use, the vehicle cannot be charged as represented and is only usable at one local charging station with a special adapter that was not disclosed or provided at the time of sale. As a result, the vehicle cannot be reasonably used for daily transportation and creates a risk of being stranded or unable to travel when needed. I believe this is a significant vehicle usability concern affecting safe and reliable operation.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 2026WA
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a failure of the high-voltage battery control system (Battery ECU / main battery control module), resulting in loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Toyota dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle shut down while driving, causing an unexpected loss of power and propulsion. This created a dangerous situation due to the inability to safely maintain speed or maneuver in traffic, increasing the risk of a collision or death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An authorized Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the Battery ECU / main battery control module required replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership. The repair and replacement of the Battery ECU was authorized through Toyota’s service process. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning signs prior to the failure. The shutdown occurred suddenly while driving. Warning messages and service alerts appeared after following the failure.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 21, 2026SC
The carplay when i play a music or talk someone after may be 10 to 15 mins it will cut the music or call. This incident happen since i get the car on a dealership ithink its normal but not the car is lessthan 1month
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jun 18, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.