Toyota Recalls ~55,000 Hybrids Vehicles
Toyota has recently issued a major recall affecting approximately 55,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States, including many owned right here in California. This recall — involving select 2025–2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid models and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — stems from a serious manufacturing defect that could lead to sudden power loss or even a fire. Toyota USA Newsroom+1
🔍 What’s Causing the Recall?
The problem centers on the inverter assembly — a critical component of the hybrid powertrain that converts energy between the battery and electric motor. Toyota found that a bolt inside the inverter may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing. This seemingly small defect can have very big consequences:
The loose bolt can interrupt electrical contact, potentially causing the vehicle to suddenly lose power or go into limp mode while driving. NHTSA
In some cases, the bolt could come completely loose and make unintended contact, creating a short circuit that generates heat and raises the risk of a thermal event or fire. NHTSA
These are not just technical issues — they’re serious safety concerns that can put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. Toyota USA Newsroom
⚠️ Toyota’s Strong Advisory: Do Not Drive Affected Cars
Until a final repair solution is ready, Toyota is strongly warning owners to avoid driving these vehicles. While Toyota is developing the official fix, the risk of sudden power loss or fire makes continued use dangerous. Yahoo Autos
Toyota plans to notify affected owners by mid-February 2026, at which point dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. Toyota USA Newsroom
🧠 What California Owners Should Do
If you own one of the affected Toyota hybrid vehicles:
✔️ Check if your VIN is included in the recall
Visit Toyota’s official recall lookup page or the NHTSA recall database and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Toyota USA Newsroom
✔️ Listen for Toyota’s official recall notice
Toyota has said that notifications will begin arriving by mid-February 2026 with instructions on scheduling your free repair. Toyota USA Newsroom
✔️ Avoid driving your car until repaired — if possible
Given the safety risks involved, Toyota’s advisory to avoid use should be taken seriously. Yahoo Autos
⚖️ Does This Qualify as a “Lemon”?
Under the California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Act), vehicles that have a substantial safety defect that impairs their use, value, or safety — especially right off the lot — may qualify for lemon law protection if repeated repair attempts fail or if the defect poses unreasonable danger. A recall of this magnitude raising power loss and fire risks can be one of those scenarios where buyers may have legal recourse.
At Naderi Law Group, we’ve helped many California drivers navigate recalls and lemon law claims to secure compensation, vehicle replacement, or buybacks when manufacturers fail to provide safe, reliable vehicles.
👉 If your hybrid Camry or Corolla Cross is included in this recall and you’ve experienced persistent safety or performance issues, you may have a lemon law case.
🏛️ How Naderi Law Group Can Help
At Naderi Law Group, we focus exclusively on helping consumers in California confront the stress and uncertainty of defective vehicles. Our experienced team can:
Review your vehicle’s repair history and recall status
Assess whether your case qualifies under the California Lemon Law
Handle negotiations with the manufacturer or dealer
Fight for maximum compensation on your behalf
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Phone: (323) 892-1563
Email: ray@naderilawgroup.com
🧾 Final Takeaway
The Toyota hybrid recall — affecting tens of thousands of 2025–2026 Camry and 2026 Corolla Cross models — is a serious safety concern with potential fire and power loss risks due to a loose inverter bolt. Toyota USA Newsroom California owners should take Toyota’s advisory seriously and seek prompt repairs. And if your vehicle continues to malfunction despite recall efforts, you may have strong lemon law options available.