The last thing any vehicle owner wants to hear is that their trusted car is being recalled due to an issue, but Toyota owners should take heed. In late December 2025, Toyota announced a recall of over 51,000 hybrid Camry sedans and nearly 3,800 Corolla Cross Hybrid SUVs due to a faulty power inverter. This issue can lead to sudden power loss on the road, which could increase the risk of a fire, according to recall documentation. Any potentially impacted Toyota drivers should check their VIN immediately and schedule a free dealer repair as soon as possible.

The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses a manufacturing issue that could compromise the hybrid system’s reliability. Affected owners should confirm whether their vehicle is included and schedule a free dealer repair as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to know and what steps to take next.

The Issue Impacting Camry and Corolla Models

The primary issue prompting the recall centers on a loose or improperly secured connection in some models’ power inverters. This crucial component converts electrical energy from the hybrid system into usable power for the drivetrain of the vehicle. If this connection degrades or separates over time, it can cause the vehicle to lose power while driving. In extreme scenarios, faulty inverter assembly can also cause heat buildup at the connection point, which can elevate the risk of a fire.

This isn’t an issue Toyota owners should scoff at simply because hybrid systems rely heavily on precise electrical performance. Even a tiny fault in power delivery can cause warning lights, loss of motive power, reduced acceleration, and more. Early reports from Toyota indicated that the affected vehicle may enter a “fail-safe” mode if impacted, limiting power or even shutting down the entire hybrid system.

Toyota is actively working on a solution to the issue and has mentioned that they will alert drivers by mid-February if they are impacted. In the meantime, they advise taking the following action:

1. Check whether your vehicle is included in the recall via Toyota’s VIN lookup tool or the NHTSA recall database
2. Schedule a dealership inspection promptly if your vehicle is affected
3. Avoid ignoring dashboard warnings related to the hybrid system or powertrain during this time

All recall repairs are being performed free of charge at authorized Toyota dealerships, so don’t hesitate to take your hybrid vehicles into the shop if affected.

Toyota Models Impacted by the Recall

Luckily for Toyota owners, not all models are being impacted by this inverter-related recall. The recall applies only to specific production runs where the inverter connection may not meet manufacturer specifications. Based on recall filings by the NHTSA, the affected vehicles include:

• 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models manufactured from August 27th, 2025, to November 25th, 2025
• 2025-2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid models manufactured from August 26th, 2025, to November 18th, 2025

As indicated, only vehicle models built during the above windows are expected to potentially be impacted by this issue. This is why VIN confirmation is essential. Vehicles outside of those ranges are not expected to be affected, even if they share the same model year and powertrain, but VIN confirmation is recommended.

The Risk of Driving with a Faulty Inverter

From a safety standpoint, the primary concern of driving with an inverter that may fail is the risk of unexpected power loss while driving. Any sudden reduction in propulsion, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic, can increase the risk of a collision. That said, Toyota and regulators have emphasized that incidents appear to be rare so far. Many drivers have been noticing warning indicators before a full power loss occurs, which at least gives you a chance to get to the side of the road before a short circuit.

The secondary concern of the issue is heat buildup from the faulty connection. While fire risk is considered to be low, the recall is designed to eliminate the possibility entirely as well by correcting the underlying issue. Typically, the repair should be quick and easy, involving the following:

1. The dealership will inspect the inverter assembly on your vehicle.
2. The dealership will repair or replace the affected components as needed by securing them properly according to specifications.
3. Your vehicle will be returned after the recall remedy has been completed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.

Until the above is completed, you may receive warning lights, reduced power, and intermittent driving changes, so don’t hesitate to get your vehicle in. Recall repairs are performed at no cost to owners for the specific condition identified in the recall.

It is worth noting, though, that Toyota’s responsibility ends with the corrected issue. Coverage for any future repairs will depend on the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty or any applicable coverage in effect at the time of repair. This is why getting your vehicle repaired as soon as possible is so crucial, so as not to let the issue fester and develop.

Many owners choose to invest in a long-term vehicle service contract, such as one through Endurance, once their factory warranty expires for this exact reason.

What Toyota Owners Should Do Next

If you own a hybrid Camry or Corolla Cross Hybrid, taking a few proactive steps now can help avoid disruption on the road:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit the aforementioned Toyota Recall site or the NHTSA and input your VIN to see if you’re impacted.
2. Contact Your Dealer: If affected, get in contact with your local dealer to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
3. Watch for Warning Signs: In the interim, watch for any warning signs while driving on the road and immediately pull over if you notice symptoms of the issue.
4. Get the Repair and Keep Documentation: Save copies of repair orders and recall completion notes to show you did, in fact, get the issue taken care of for future reference.

Planning for Long-Term Hybrid Protection With Endurance

While Toyota’s recall resolves this specific issue with the inverter, hybrid vehicles remain complex machines with advanced electrical and power-management systems. Over time, components related to the inverter, control modules, and cooling systems can become expensive to repair once factory coverage expires. For owners planning to keep their vehicle for the foreseeable future, investing in hybrid-friendly vehicle service contract coverage may be a good idea. Eligible hybrid vehicles may qualify for certain powertrain and electrical component repairs or replacements (though note that hybrid battery coverage is not included).

This protection isn’t about fear or urgency, but rather proactive planning. As hybrid vehicles age, having coverage in place for high-cost components can help manage certain covered repair costs after factory coverage expires.

Contact an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 to discuss a coverage plan that may suit your needs or shop our eStore to see your plan recommendation and pricing right away!