Recall 23V041 affects 16,679 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vehicles for HEV ECU software that can stall. Free repair at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 16,679 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid vehicles because cold-weather EV Mode driving can trigger a hybrid system shutdown when the accelerator is pressed hard for more speed. The stall increases the risk of a crash, and Toyota dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime uses a hybrid vehicle control ECU, a computer that coordinates the plug-in hybrid system. It manages how electric drive, the gasoline engine, battery inputs, and driver acceleration requests work together. In EV Mode, that computer helps the vehicle respond when you press the accelerator.
On affected RAV4 Prime vehicles, the ECU software can react incorrectly during certain cold weather driving conditions. If the vehicle is in EV Mode and the accelerator is pressed rapidly for more acceleration, the software can shut down the hybrid system instead of keeping propulsion active. That shutdown results in a stall while driving.
Before the shutdown, the vehicle will display a warning message. Treat that message as the sign that the hybrid system is no longer operating normally, and use it when describing the problem to a Toyota dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | electric propulsion system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 16,679 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall raises crash risk because propulsion stops while traffic around you keeps moving. If the vehicle displays a warning message, pull over where safe and call a Toyota dealer before continuing. The HEV ECU software update addresses the stall condition. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free HEV ECU software update that fixes the cold-weather EV Mode stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V041 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. In cold weather, avoid rapid acceleration in EV Mode.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician updates the HEV ECU software so the hybrid control system uses the corrected Toyota programming. The recall repair is free, and service labor is covered. If you already paid for a related HEV ECU software repair before the recall notice, Toyota has a general reimbursement plan on file. Ask Toyota customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 2, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 2, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| February 2, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 2, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 27, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 27, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V041?
Recall 23V041 covers 16,679 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In certain cold weather driving conditions, rapid acceleration in EV Mode can cause the hybrid system to shut down and stall. Toyota dealers update the HEV ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V041. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the HEV ECU software update. Reference Toyota recall 23TA01 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to fix this defect at no cost to the owner. A franchised Toyota dealer will update the HEV ECU software free of charge, including parts and labor tied to the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime before the repair?
The official risk is an engine stall, which increases crash risk. Toyota did not issue a do-not-drive instruction for this recall. Until the software update is complete, use extra care in cold weather and schedule the free dealer repair promptly if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 Prime used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RAV4 Prime is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall 23V041 or Toyota recall 23TA01.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V041000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V041 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V041000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →