Toyota has recalled more than 70,000 vehicles in Canada due to a defect in their digital dashboards. The issue highlights how modern vehicles, increasingly dependent on software and digital systems, face new kinds of safety risks when technology fails.
The Problem
At the centre of the recall is a fault in the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. A software glitch may cause the screen to remain blank when the vehicle starts, leaving drivers without critical information such as speed, fuel levels, or warning lights. While the fault may seem minor, the absence of these indicators can create serious safety risks.
Impacted Models
The recall covers a wide range of recent Toyota and Lexus models, including:
- Toyota: Camry (2025), Crown (2023-2025), Crown Signia (2025), GR Corolla (2023-2024), Grand Highlander (2024-2025), Highlander (2023-2024), RAV4 (2023-2025), RAV4 Prime (2023-2024), Tacoma (2024), Venza (2023-2024).
- Lexus: LS (2024-2025), RX 500H (2025), TX (2024).
All affected vehicles feature the same digital dashboard technology.
Why It Matters
The recall raises broader concerns about the growing role of digital dashboards in vehicles. Traditional analogue gauges rarely failed, but software-driven panels depend on flawless coding and reliable startup sequences. A simple software error can render a driver effectively blind to the vehicle’s status, increasing the chance of accidents or delayed responses to mechanical problems.
Toyota’s Response
Toyota has pledged to resolve the issue at no cost to owners. Starting in mid-November 2025, affected customers will receive recall notifications by mail. Dealers will update the instrument panel software, and in some cases replace the hardware entirely.
Guidance for Owners
Until the fix is applied, owners are advised to:
- Watch for recall notifications and schedule service promptly.
- Check the instrument panel at startup to ensure it displays correctly.
- Avoid driving in situations where a lack of dashboard information could create added risk.
