Toyota & Lexus recalls 44,191 vehicles over engine defects

Toyota and its luxury car division, Lexus, are recalling 44,191 cars and SUV over engine issues.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is one of the affected vehicles

The recall affects the 2019 and 2020 models and Naijauto learned the affected vehicles have the possibility of overheating, stalling or even catching fire when the engine is running.

The vehicles include:

• 2019 - 2020 Toyota RAV4
• 2019- 2020 RAV4 Hybrid SUV
• 2020 Toyota Camry
• 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
• 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
• 2020 Lexus ES300h

The Japanese automaker said the snag is coming from the engine block, where fuel combustion takes place. The engine block can leak oil or coolant due to a manufacturing defect. And it can cause stalling or fire when it's in use.

The first signs that drivers may notice is the warning light coming on, and chimes. Then, there'll be increased engine smoke or noise.

>>> Toyota has also made plans for other recalls. Here, check it out! Toyota plans to recall 3.4 million vehicles worldwide due to airbag non-deployment

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h has the same engine defect issue with some recalled Toyota models

The written statement released by Toyota disclosed that out of the 44,191 recalled vehicles, 250 will need engine replacements. However, auto dealers would first examine the serial numbers written on the engine blocks of the recalled cars to know if they're among the defective batch.

Reports gathered said the issue began in September 2019, at a factory in Tennessee, owned by Toyota. The factory produces engine blocks for its Toyota and Lexus models.

The automaker, in a written statement, explained,

A water flow meter at the factory failed while some engine blocks were being cast. As a result, these blocks did not cool properly, which caused cracks to develop.

The problem was discovered by the automaker during inspections of newly produced cars on their factories and dealerships, where some vehicles were spotted with coolant leaks. The majority of the defective vehicles have been bought by customers, while those still at the dealership won't be sold until the issue is rectified.

We are yet to find out if there have been any crashes or injuries as a result of the defect.

Toyota stated the recall will commence on April 6, 2020. Toyota customers whose cars were affected by the recall are asked to contact their customer service number 1-888-270-9371, while Lexus owners will use 1-800-255-3987

>>> Check out our news section for other car recall news, gists, and updates