Toyota RAV4 PHEV Recall R/2023/040: The Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV-ECU) Contains Software That Could Cause The Hybrid…, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 13 Feb 2023
- Launched
- 686
- vehicles in the UK
- XGG88 (22SD-003)
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Toyota recalled RAV4 PHEV vehicles built between 26 November 2019 and 17 June 2021. The Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV-ECU) contains software that could cause the hybrid system to shut down after driving continuously in ,EV mode, in cold temperatures and when the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle. The dealer will reprogram the HEV ECU. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV-ECU) contains software that could cause the hybrid system to shut down after driving continuously in ,EV mode, in cold temperatures and when the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle. This could result in a loss of drive and an increased risk of a crash.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: The Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV-ECU) contains software that could cause the hybrid system to shut down after driving continuously in EV mode in cold temperatures and when the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle. This could result in a loss of drive and an increased risk of a crash. Defect: The Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU (HEV-ECU) contains software that could cause the hybrid system to shut down after driving continuously in �EV mode� in cold temperatures and when the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle. This could result in a loss of drive and an increased risk of a crash. Remedy: Reprogram the HEV ECU.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the hybrid system to shut down after driving continuously in ,EV mode, in cold temperatures and when the accelerator pedal is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogram the HEV ECU. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
RAV4 PHEV built between 26 November 2019 and 17 June 2021 may be included. Toyota estimates 686 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
- Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the campaign code XGG88 (22SD-003) or the DVSA reference R/2023/040. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-HR, C-HR Plug IN, Corolla, Corolla Cross and 6 moreCombination meter reprogramming on multiple models | Low | R/2025/270 | |
| RAV4 PHEVDC-DC converter may have been damaged during production | Urgent | R/2023/206 | |
| Proace, Proace CityWater pump replacement on certain Toyota Proace and Proace City | Urgent | R/2026/200 | |
| Proace, Proace City, Proace City EV, Proace City Verso EV and 2 moreIn-Vehicle Infotainment ECU software update via OTA on certain Toyota Proace and Proace City | Low | R/2025/552 | |
| BZ4X, C-HR, Highlander, Landcruiser and 3 moreParking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models | Low | R/2025/466 |
This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2023/006 on 13 Feb 2023, for there is an error in the specific software calibration of the traction battery control…. The one launched after it was R/2023/059 on 24 Apr 2023, for certain transmission front suspension and battery terminal fixings may not be tightened…. You can also see every Toyota recall, the Toyota RAV4 recall history, all recalls launched in 2023 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2023/040, launched 13 February 2023. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.