Automakers occasionally issue recalls when they discover a safety-related defect or compliance issue in their vehicles. Recently, Toyota, its luxury brand Lexus, and Subaru have announced major recalls (over defroster issues) affecting vehicles across the U.S. If you own one of these cars, it’s important to check if yours is affected to keep you and your passengers safe.
Safety Risk Triggers Huge Recall for Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Vehicles
Toyota is recalling about 94,320 vehicles in the U.S. — including certain 2023–2025 models of the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra — because the defroster and defogger system may stop working. If that happens, it could reduce the driver’s visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Let’s break down how to find out quickly and easily.
Owner letters are scheduled to be mailed on October 20, 2025. For assistance, Toyota’s customer service line is 1-800-331-4331.
Step 1: Locate Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Before you can check for recalls, you’ll need your car’s 17-character VIN.
You can find it in several places:
- On the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield
- On the driver’s side door frame (inside the door)
- On your vehicle registration or insurance card
Write it down or snap a photo for convenience.
Step 2: Use the Official NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool
The safest and fastest way to check is through the official government website from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Enter your 17-digit VIN into the search bar
- Click Search
The site will instantly tell you if your Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru has any open recalls that need attention.
Step 3: Visit Your Manufacturer’s Recall Website
You can also double-check through your car brand’s official recall portals:
- Toyota: www.toyota.com/recall
- Lexus: www.lexus.com/recall
- Subaru: www.subaru.com/recalls.html
Just enter your VIN and they’ll display any recalls along with next steps.
Step 4: Contact Your Local Dealership
If your car is listed in a recall:
- Call your nearest authorized dealership
- Provide your VIN and ask about scheduling a free recall repair
Repairs are done at no cost to you. It’s important to get them done quickly to avoid safety risks.
Step 5: Sign Up for Recall Alerts
To stay ahead, sign up for free recall notifications from NHTSA:
- Visit nhtsa.gov/alerts
- Enter your email and vehicle info
You’ll get automatic alerts if a future recall affects your car.
Bottom Line
If you drive a Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru, taking just a few minutes to check your VIN could prevent serious safety issues. Recalls are free to fix and can protect your family on the road. Don’t wait—check today and schedule your repair if needed.
