Toyota (TM) is recalling 2,700 of its first mass-produced electric vehicle because the wheels
could come loose while driving.
The world's largest automaker by sales announced that it is recalling 2,200 “bZ4X” electric
SUVs in Europe, 260 in the U.S., 10 in Canada, and 110 in the Japanese market.
Separately, Subaru also announced a global recall of 2,600 Solterra, its first electric vehicle that
was developed in partnership with Toyota, for the same reason.
Japan's safety regulator said sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen,
raising the risk of wheels coming off the Toyota and Subaru vehicles. It said it was not aware of
any accidents being caused by the defect.
The recall comes less than two months after Toyota rolled out the electric SUV, called the
“bZ4X,” as a lease-only option.
Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles remain more popular in Toyota's home market of Japan than
fully electric vehicles, which accounted for only 1% of passenger car sales in Japan last year,
according to industry data.
Toyota stock is down 15% year to date at $157.52 U.S. a share.
