Toyota has issued a safety recall for approximately 42,199 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles in the United States due to a software problem with the skid control electronic control unit (ECU). Recalled models are: RV and CUV vehicles of 2023 and 2024 calendar years, manufactured between June 1, 2022, and September 10, 2024.
This arises from a particular brake actuator assembly by Bosch that carries faulty software for the skid control ECU. In some cases, during cornering and an application of the brake pedal, the brake fluid pressure may vary as controlled. This can lead to drivers having to put the brake pedal hard for sometime and thus experience low brake force that may lead to an accident.
No Replacement Required, Software Update Offered
Toyota has said that dealers have been made to recall the vehicles and reinstall the free skid control ECU software to the customers. These brake actuator assemblies are 44050-0A200, 44050-0A201 and although the numbers may indicate they should be changed, they do not have to be. Owner notice letters will be sent between November 5, 2024 and November 19,2024.
It was after a Japanese market report of a hard pedal that the problem reached Toyota’s awareness in May 2024. But until now, there are no such bugs observed in any company in the United States.
Corolla Cross Hybrid Production and Pricing
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models affected by the recall were assembled at the MTMUS plant in Huntsville, Alabama, a joint venture between Toyota and Mazda. Even though the Corolla Cross shares many elements with the Corolla, the new SUV is built on the Toyota Global Architecture – C, which also underpins the Toyota C-HR and Lexus UX.
Prices for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid start at $28,220, excluding destination and options. The electrified version comes bundled with AWD, while the regular Corolla Cross, on which the hybrid is based, starts at $23,860 and sends power to the front wheels by default.
Hybrid Powertrain and Sales Figures
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features three electric motors, with one driving the rear wheels, producing 40 horsepower and 62 pound-feet (84 Nm) of torque. It is integrated with a gasoline engine and the capacity of the hybrid system is rated at 196 Horse power.
In the first half of 2024, Toyota USA sold 45,167 units of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, a significant increase from the 28,336 units sold in the same period in 2023. Only the hybrid version sold 17,129 vehicles in the first half of 2024, while it sold but 530 vehicles in the year 2023.
Ensuring Customer Safety and Satisfaction
Toyota’s proactive approach to addressing the skid control ECU software issue in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. To reduce the exposure of risks in the said vehicles, Toyota wastes no time in recalling the units and offering a free software update.
With the increase in the use of hybrid and electric vehicles, care must be taken to point out new problems that may be experienced by manufacturers. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid recall serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and quality control in the automotive industry.
The Future of the Corolla Cross Hybrid
Despite the recall, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid remains a compelling choice for consumers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical compact SUV. Thus, with proper all-wheel drive, a hybrid powertrain, and relatively affordable price range, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has all the potential to expand its sales in the following years.
As Toyota works to resolve the skid control ECU software issue, owners of affected Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles can rest assured that the company is taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and maintain the quality and reliability for which Toyota is known.
