Toyota Recalls Nearly 100,000 Vehicles in Canada Due to Software Glitch

Toyota Canada has initiated a recall affecting nearly 100,000 vehicles across the country due to a software malfunction. On October 30, 2023, Transport Canada confirmed that the recall pertains to various Toyota models, where a software issue in the visual system could lead to critical safety problems.

The recall encompasses a total of 99,178 vehicles, which includes Toyota and Lexus cars, minivans, and SUVs equipped with a panoramic view monitor system. A similar recall has also been announced in the United States, affecting over 1.02 million vehicles.

Under specific conditions, the software glitch may cause the rearview camera image to freeze or display inaccurately. According to the official notice, “If this happens, the rearview image may not display when the transmission is shifted into reverse.” This malfunction poses a significant safety risk, as it may impair a driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Canadian regulations mandate that the rearview image must be visible when the vehicle is in reverse. To rectify the issue, Toyota is reaching out to owners in writing, urging them to visit authorized dealerships for an update to the parking assist ECU software.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, Toyota recommends contacting their customer service at 1 (888) 869-6828 or visiting the company’s dedicated recall website. Vehicle owners can enter their unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a 17-digit alphanumeric code that provides specific details about their vehicle, including its manufacturing information and model. The VIN can typically be found on insurance documents, vehicle registration, or on a metal plate located in the corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side.

This is not the first instance of Toyota Canada addressing software-related recalls. Earlier this month, on October 1, 2023, Transport Canada reported a similar recall affecting 32,733 Toyota vehicles, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of visual systems in their cars.

As Toyota continues to uphold safety standards, vehicle owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing recall notifications.