Toyota Motors has identified fresh problems with power assist system in about 110,000 units of 2015 Camry, Camry hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid and about 2,500 units of RAV4 vehicles from 2012 – 2015. The company has raised concerns over the safety issue as RAV4 EV vehicles could switch to 'neutral' gear due to a software issue and thereby increase the risk of a crash. The other models could likely be affected issues in power steering electric circuit boards.
The company believes that the issues indeed increase the risk of a crash. With the loss in power steering function, it becomes difficult for the driver to maneuver the vehicle at low speeds, whereas in an event of vehicle switching over to neutral, it may result in all drive power being loosed by the vehicle. The owners of the affected vehicles shall be notified by the dealers and shall be fixed free of cost.
