Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus are recalling 94,320 electric vehicles in the United States for faulty defrosters.
The recall affects 2023-2025 Toyota bZ4X, 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra, and 2023-2025 Lexus RZ, all of which share the same platform. The issue? A glitch in the climate control system that can prevent the defroster and defogger from working properly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a programming error can cause the HVAC system to enter a “failsafe mode.” When this happens, it suspends the heater operation, which can severely impact the defroster’s function.
This problem is particularly concerning in cold conditions. If the system fails, it may not be able to clear frost, ice, or fog from the windshield, which significantly reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The issue was first brought to Toyota’s attention by an inquiry from Transport Canada. While the company initially thought a backup heating system would prevent a major problem, further testing in “extreme cold conditions” proved otherwise. They discovered that a failure in the electric compressor could also cause the second heat source to shut down.
The good news is that the fix is relatively simple. Dealers will update the climate control software and, if needed, replace the electrical compressor. This should resolve the issue and ensure the defroster works as intended, keeping drivers safe on the road.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus’ numbers for this recall are 25LB04 and 25LA04. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRD-25.
