Wheels falling off Toyota’s first EV

Toyota bZ4X electric SUV recalled globally to stop it wheels falling off

The 2022 Toyota bZ4X, the world’s biggest car-maker’s first electric vehicle, has only just been launched globally and is yet to arrive Down Under, but it’s already been recalled to prevent its wheels falling off (literally).

According to an official safety recall notice issued last week, the mid-size electric SUV’s hub bolts could work loose after “low-mileage use”, ultimately causing the wheels to detach while underway.

Needless to say this poses a serious risk to both vehicle occupants, other road users, pedestrians and even roadside property.

Toyota bZ4X

The exact cause of the fault is still being investigated by Toyota, but a report by Reuters suggested “sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen”.

Whatever the cause, the brand has stipulated in no uncertain terms the vehicles should not be driven until a solution is found.

“No one should drive these vehicles until the remedy is performed,” the Japanese brand’s US arm said in a statement.

Toyota bZ4X

How long the Toyota bZ4X will be off the road for is unclear because according to Toyota USA “no remedy is available at this time”.

“Until the remedy is available, any authorised Toyota dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loaner vehicle free of charge to the owner,” the statement continued.

Of the circa-2700 affected vehicles, 2200 were reportedly sold in Europe, 260 in the US, 110 in Japan and 10 in Canada.

Subaru Solterra

Given the bZ4X is mechanically identical to the upcoming 2023 Subaru Solterra, Subaru has subsequently issued a similar recall for around 2600 examples of its own inaugural, the vast majority of which hadn’t been delivered to customers yet.

It remains to be seen if the recalls effect the Australian launch timing of either model; the Toyota bZ4X’s local release is already expected to be delayed until sometime next year, while Subaru had previously announced the Solterra’s arrival here in the first half of 2023.

When it does eventually land Down Under, Toyota says the bZ4X will be capable of covering up to 516km on a single charge, while the 160kW all-wheel drive version will offer a reduced range of up to 470km due to its extra power and mechanical drag.

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