In case you’ve missed it, Toyota and Subaru have something of a partnership going. If it’s not the near-identical Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, it’s the bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. That does mean, however, that when one Toyota has a recall, it might spill over to brands like Subaru and Lexus. In the latest case, Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru EVs may have inoperative defrosters and defoggers, leading to a higher likelihood of a crash. 

Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru recall 94,320 EVs over an issue that could block drivers’ visibility and ‘increase the risk of a crash’

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an active recall out for 94,320 Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra EVs. According to the NHTSA recall notice No. 25V577000, the issue is a faulty defroster and defogger in affected vehicles.

As a result, drivers may not be able to clear their windshields under specific conditions. The inoperative HVAC defrosting and defogging hardware may then decrease visibility, which could increase the likelihood of a crash.

So, what’s the fix? The NHTSA says, “Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge.” In addition to the software update, Toyota and Subaru technicians will inspect the HVAC compressor. Should they find a fault, the technicians will replace the compressor, also free of charge. 

Should you suspect your bZ4X, RZ, or Solterra is included in the recall, you can use the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool. Beyond that, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing reports that it expects to mail notifications by October 20, 2025.