Toyota is launching a major recall in the U.S. that covers two hybrid models due to a defect that, in the worst case, can cause both a loss of power and a short circuit. According to media reports, the campaign involves 51,644 Toyota Camry vehicles from the 2025–2026 model years and 3,761 Corolla Cross units from the 2026 model year—a sizable action touching brand-new model years.

The source of the problem is described with unusual specificity: the inverter that channels energy from the hybrid battery to the electric motor. A mounting bolt inside the unit can loosen, leading to an open circuit. The car may then drop into a fail-safe mode or lose propulsion, with a warning lighting up on the dash. Under certain conditions, the same defect can trigger a short circuit, which carries a risk of fire. For power electronics, a loose fastener is more than an annoyance—it strikes at the heart of reliability.

Toyota says that by the time it decided to initiate the recall, 34 cases related to this issue had been recorded, along with 15 warranty claims, after which the company announced a voluntary campaign. The exact remedy had not been officially specified at the time of publication, but owners will be notified, and any repair costs will be covered under warranty. The absence of a defined fix suggests the engineering solution is still being finalized, yet the commitment to warranty coverage should keep owners from paying out of pocket.