Toyota recalls bZ4X over concerns wheels may fall off while driving
Toyota is to recall 2,700 of its first electric car over concerns that the wheels of the bZ4X may come loose while driving.
The Japanese manufacturer issued the recall after it learned that sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen, raising the risk of a wheel coming off the vehicle. Although no accidents have been reported as a result of the defect, Japan’s safety regulator has encouraged drivers to stop using the vehicle until a permanent repair measure is found.
Toyota submitted the recall notice to Japan’s transportation ministry, with the intention to call back 2,700 vehicles. Of the 2,700, 2,200 were for Europe, 260 for the United States, 10 for Canada and 110 for Japan.
According to Reuters, cars recalled in Japan had not yet been delivered to customers and were instead meant for test drives and display. It also reported that a spokesperson from Toyota said not every model would be recalled but declined to say how many it has built overall.
The recall comes just two months after the release of the bZ4X, Toyota’s first first mass-produced electric vehicle for the global market.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this causes you,” Toyota said on its website. “We would have repaired it as soon as possible, but we are investigating the details.”
Subaru also said it was going to recall 2,600 models of its Solterra EV for the same reason. The Solterra is Subaru’s first electric car and was jointly developed with Toyota.
