Toyota Recalls Nearly 600,000 Vehicles Over Potential Display Malfunction

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is initiating a voluntary safety recall for approximately 591,377 light vehicles due to a potential defect with the combination meter’s 12.3-inch display. This issue could cause the monitor to go blank at ignition, potentially leading to a missed indication of critical vehicle malfunctions. The affected vehicles include various model years of the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, RAV4, Camry, Grand Highlander, GR Corolla, Tacoma, Crown, Venza, Crown Signia, as well as the Lexus RX and TX.

The defect stems from improper programming of the combination meter’s software. This programming can lead to the memory device within the system deteriorating prematurely, causing the 12.3-inch display to fail to illuminate upon starting the vehicle. While many of these vehicles have redundant warning systems on the central multimedia screen, the recall addresses the possibility that drivers might miss crucial alerts for issues such as brake system malfunctions or tire pressure problems if the primary display is inoperable. In certain circumstances, failing to address these malfunctions could increase the risk of a crash or injury. The supplier for the affected component is DENSO Corporation, based in Japan.

The recall covers a wide range of production dates for the affected models. For instance, the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander models were manufactured between June 6, 2022, and November 13, 2024. The 2023-2025 Toyota RAV4 models have a production window from June 20, 2022, to February 28, 2025. Other affected models have specific, though overlapping, production dates within the broader recall period. It is important to note that not all vehicles produced within these ranges were sold in the U.S. The issue specifically involves vehicles equipped with a 12.3-inch monitor combination meter that uses specific software from a particular supplier.

Toyota began investigating the issue in February 2024 after receiving a dealer technical report. The investigation revealed that the software was writing unnecessary data to the memory device at an unusually high rate, leading to its accelerated wear and potential failure. While initial assessments in July 2025 indicated that the risk to safety was not unreasonable due to redundant warning systems, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall in September 2025 following discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As of September 5, 2025, Toyota reported 14 field technical reports and 381 warranty claims in the U.S. related to this condition.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting between October 27 and November 10, 2025. Dealers will update the software programming of the combination meter free of charge for non-PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) models. For involved PHEV models, dealers will inspect the combination meter and, if necessary, update the software or replace the unit at no cost to the owner. Information regarding the recall will be available to search by VIN on a designated date, which has not yet been specified. Owners can contact Toyota customer service or their local Toyota or Lexus dealer for further information.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

---