Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, recalled more than 1.8 million RAV 4 sport utility vehicles from multiple model years on Wednesday because a replacement battery could pose a fire hazard.
The voluntary recall affects 1.85 million vehicles from model years 2013 to 2018, the company said in a statement. Some of the vehicles may be equipped with 12-volt replacement batteries that are too small, it said.
“If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down is not properly tightened, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven in sharp turns,” it said.
Moving out of a sharp curve could cause a short circuit, potentially starting a fire, the company said.
It was unclear whether there had been any fires or accidents associated with the recalled batteries. A query sent to Toyota was not immediately returned.
The company’s recall records with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which typically contain information about such incidents, were not yet available in the agency’s recall records as of Wednesday evening.
Toyota said it expects to notify affected owners by the end of December, adding that dealers will replace the hold-down clamp, battery compartment and positive terminal cover free of charge. The company urged owners to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website or Toyota’s recall website and check vehicle identification numbers to see if their cars were affected by the recall.
The RAV 4 recall announced Wednesday was Toyota’s second in a week. On Oct. 26, the company recalled 814,000 Highlander sport utility vehicles because the front bumper could fall off.