More than 5,000 examples of Toyota’s first electric model bZ4X and Subaru’s sister model Solterra are being recalled because of a serious safety problem: During sharp turns and sudden braking, the wheel hub bolts can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle. Because of the problem, the start of deliveries of the Solterra in Europe could also be postponed.
Potentially affected are around 2,700 Toyota bZ4X and 2,600 Subaru Solterra worldwide, according to Reuters news agency. However, most of the electric cars have not yet been delivered to customers. Toyota is warning owners of the bZ4X not to use the car until the problem has been solved. Accidents caused by the problem have not been reported so far. In Toyota’s case, of the 2,700 vehicles, 2,200 are destined for Europe, 260 for the United States, 10 for Canada and 110 for Japan, the company said.
In return, Subaru Germany has said that the start of deliveries of the Solterra is on hold. “In the course of regular quality checks, potential problems with the wheels have been identified. This affects all vehicles produced until 15 June 2022. No Solterra has been delivered in Germany yet, so customers are not affected. The first customers are expected to be able to take delivery of their vehicle in late summer,” it said.
“Safety has always been Subaru’s top priority. This is reflected in the extensive standard equipment of every vehicle – and also in this current precautionary measure,” says Volker Dannath, managing director of Subaru in Germany. “So far, we are not aware of any problems and German customers are definitely not affected. Should there be any delays in vehicle delivery as a result of the checks, our dealers will inform customers accordingly.”
reuters.com, toyota.com, subaru-presse.de (in German)
Keyword: Recall issued for the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra