The recall affects over 100 000 units of the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ 450e and Subaru Solterra.
Over 100,000 Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus EVs recalled across North America
Climate control failure can reduce defroster performance in winter driving
Dealers will update HVAC software and inspect the electric compressor
Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus have announced a large-scale recall affecting 94,320 electric vehicles in the United States, with 21,703 in Canada. Sales are also being halted at dealerships. The issue stems from a defective climate control system that can disable the defroster and defogger an especially serious concern for Canadian drivers few months away of facing harsh winter conditions.
Models Affected
The recall covers three key models sold:
- Toyota bZ4X (2023–2025)
- Subaru Solterra (2023–2024)
- Lexus RZ (2023–2025)
The Toyota bZ4X accounts for the majority of recalled vehicles, with more than 50,000 units impacted across North America. The Toyota/Lexus recall touches 16,052 units and 5,651 Subaru Solterra in Canada.
Heightened Risk in Cold Wheather
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada, faulty programming can cause the HVAC system to enter a failsafe mode that suspends both heating and defroster functions. In extremely cold temperatures, common in Quebec, Maritimes, and the Prairies, this failure could prevent the windshield from being cleared of frost or fog, severely reducing visibility and raising the risk of accidents.
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Transport Canada initiated the alert after questioning Toyota on the issue. The automaker initially believed there would be no major risk since the EVs are equipped with two heat sources. However, cold-climate testing revealed that an electric compressor failure can disable both systems simultaneously, contradicting earlier assumptions.
The Fix for Owners
Fortunately, the remedy is straightforward. Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus dealers across Canada will update the HVAC software and, if necessary, inspect and replace the electric compressor free of charge.
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Impact on EV Drivers
This recall comes at a time when Canada’s EV market is struggling and reliability in cold climates remains a factor for consumer trust. Affected owners will receive an official notice and can schedule the update at their local dealership.
Here are the official recalls by Transport Canada:
For Toyota/Lexus: SRC RK1-SRC RK2 and for Subaru: WRD-25
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to enter a failsafe mode. If this happens, the windshield defroster may not work properly.
Note: This problem could cause an “EV System Malfunction” or “Drive Start Control Malfunction” message to display.
Safety Risk: A windshield defroster that doesn’t work properly could cause reduced visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the HVAC system electronic control unit software. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the electrical compressor.
