Yes, your Toyota bZ or Lexus RZ can lose power on the highway. Toyota just admitted it. The Toyota bZ Lexus RZ recall covers nearly 21,000 brand-new electric SUVs. The fix isn’t even ready for every owner yet.
If you’re shopping for one of these EVs right now, or you already own one, here’s what actually happened. We’ll cover how serious it really is, and whether it should change your buying decision.
What exactly is the Toyota bZ Lexus RZ recall about?
The recall covers a software glitch in the electronic control unit that manages the high-voltage battery. It can shut the entire electric drive system down while you’re driving. Power steering and brakes still work, but the car simply stops accelerating.
Toyota traces the problem to two integrated circuits inside the battery ECU. They sometimes try to write to the same memory address at the same time. When that happens repeatedly, the system fails its own internal check. It then throws an “EV System Malfunction” warning along with multiple dashboard lights, and shuts down the electric drive system altogether. Toyota’s own bench testing found the glitch gets more likely as CPU load rises. That includes moments when the battery is running low on charge.
Oddly enough, Toyota didn’t even find this bug while testing the bZ or RZ. Engineers stumbled onto it during development work on an unrelated plug-in hybrid.
How many bZ and RZ models are actually affected?
The recall, filed with NHTSA as campaign 26V393, touches close to 21,000 vehicles. It spans three brands that share Toyota’s e-TNGA electric platform. Toyota estimates every single one of the affected vehicles carries the faulty software. This isn’t a “some cars, maybe” situation.
| Model | Units Recalled | Production Window |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota bZ | 11,495 | June 2025 – April 2026 |
| 2026 Lexus RZ | 4,739 | April 2025 – January 2026 |
| 2026 Subaru Solterra | 4,757 | Sept 2025 – April 2026 |
All three are essentially the same EV underneath different badges. That’s exactly why one software bug can knock out all three at once.
Is a sudden power loss on the highway actually dangerous?
Yes — losing propulsion at highway speed is genuinely risky, even with steering and brakes intact. NHTSA’s own filing bluntly states that an unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. That’s not boilerplate language you can wave away.
The scarier part is the timing. Toyota’s engineers found the fault becomes more likely as the battery’s state of charge drops. That means it could hit right when you’re already running low. And that’s exactly when you’re least able to just pull over and wait it out.
When will Toyota actually fix it?
Dealers will reprogram the battery ECU software for free. But the fix wasn’t ready for every affected owner until August 2026. That’s weeks after the recall was announced. That gap matters if you’re currently driving one of these vehicles and haven’t gotten the update yet.
- Cost to owners: $0 (dealer software flash)
- Can it be fixed over-the-air? No — you need to visit a dealer
- Notification timeline: Owners notified by mid-August 2026
- NHTSA campaign number: 26V393
Is the Toyota bZ Lexus RZ recall a dealbreaker for buyers?
No, I wouldn’t walk away from either EV over this. It’s a software bug with a free, known fix. That’s a very different animal from the battery fire recalls we’ve covered on cars like the VW ID.4 or the Rivian R1S.
Software recalls on new Toyota EVs aren’t rare. The automaker’s smaller C-HR EV also had an early recall, and the company has leaned on quick dealer updates rather than expensive hardware replacements. That track record helps. So does Toyota’s generally strong reliability reputation, even on the hybrid side — see its Camry Hybrid recall for another example. Both suggest this gets resolved without lingering damage to resale value.
If you’re actively shopping, just confirm two things before you sign. Make sure the specific VIN has already had the ECU update, and that the dealer can show you proof in writing. If it hasn’t been done yet, don’t drive it hard on the highway until it is.
Should you buy a used bZ or RZ instead of new?
A used bZ or RZ built within that production window carries the exact same recall. It gets the same free fix, too, so age doesn’t make it riskier once the update is applied. If anything, a used one that’s already had the dealer visit is arguably a safer buy than a brand-new unit still sitting on a lot untouched.
Before buying any used EV, it’s worth checking VIN history and open recalls line by line. Our used EV buying guide walks through exactly what to check and how to avoid overpaying.
FAQ
How do I know if my Toyota bZ or Lexus RZ is part of the recall?
Check your VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup tool or call your dealer directly. Toyota says 100% of vehicles built within the listed production windows carry the affected software. So if your build date falls in range, assume it applies.
Can I keep driving my bZ or RZ before the fix is done?
You can, but be aware the fault becomes more likely at a low state of charge and at highway speeds. Keeping the battery topped up and staying alert for warning lights is a smart precaution until your dealer completes the update.
Does this recall affect resale value?
Probably not much, long-term. Software recalls with free, straightforward fixes tend to fade from buyers’ memory fast, especially once dealer records show the update was completed.
Is the Subaru Solterra affected too?
Yes — the Solterra shares the same e-TNGA platform and battery ECU as the bZ and RZ. It’s included in the same recall, with roughly 4,757 units involved.