If you are behind the wheel of one of Toyota’s newest electric models, you may be in for an unexpected trip to the dealer. Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru are recalling roughly 21,000 model-year 2026 electric vehicles after automakers and federal filings flagged a problem in the battery electronic control unit that can cut power to the drive system while the car is moving. Dealers say they will fix the issue by reprogramming the battery ECU software at no charge, and owners are being urged to schedule the update as soon as it becomes available. The recall centers on the 2026 Toyota bZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra, which share a common EV architecture, and was filed with regulators in mid June.
Federal records show the campaign was logged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as number 26V393 and, combined across brands, covers about 20,991 vehicles: roughly 11,495 Toyota bZs, 4,739 Lexus RZs, and 4,757 Subaru Solterras, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manufacturer recall identifiers include Toyota's 26TA11 and 26LA07 and Subaru's WRG26, and the government filing warns that the battery ECU may experience a memory fault that can shut down the electric drive system at higher speeds.
What can go wrong
The issue is not a loose part or a leaky hose. It is software. The NHTSA filing describes a memory error in the battery electronic control unit, noting that "the battery electronic control unit (ECU) could experience a fault that causes the vehicle to lose drive power while traveling at higher speeds." The recall notes that power steering and power-assisted braking should remain available if the drive system shuts down, but regulators and manufacturers alike point out that suddenly losing propulsion on a highway still presents a clear safety risk.
How dealers will fix it
Toyota says dealers will update the battery ECU software free of charge and that owners of affected bZ and RZ models will be notified by mid August, according to Toyota. Subaru is directing Solterra owners to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the company's recall lookup for details and says dealers will apply the same software remedy to Subaru vehicles.
What owners should do now
If you own one of the affected EVs, the first stop is a VIN check. Use Toyota's recall lookup or the tool on Subaru, and then schedule a dealer appointment to get the ECU reprogrammed. If your car suddenly loses propulsion while driving, move safely to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and call roadside assistance. Suspected safety incidents can be reported to the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline.
Why this matters
As automakers push deeper into EVs, software and electronic control issues are increasingly behind recall campaigns, a trend that has shifted a lot of repair work from parts swapping to rapid firmware fixes. Industry coverage has flagged this Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru campaign as part of that broader pattern, with many traditional recalls now handled through over-the-air updates or quick dealer programming sessions, according to MotorBiscuit.
Toyota owners with questions can call the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 or visit Toyota's recall portal for updates, and Subaru owners are advised to contact their local dealer or use the manufacturer's recall lookup. Dealer repairs are being offered at no cost, and owners who think their vehicle may already be showing signs of trouble should get in touch with their retailer as soon as possible.
