Toyota has announced a major recall affecting approximately 591,000 vehicles in the United States, following the discovery of an issue with its digital instrument panels. The problem centers around the 12.3-inch fully digital display, which in some cases may go completely dark when the vehicle is started.
This display isn’t just for speed or fuel levels; it has become a central part of modern cars, giving drivers important information such as safety warnings, vehicle status, and malfunction alerts. If it goes blank, drivers may not receive critical notifications that could help prevent accidents.
What’s Causing the Recall?
According to Toyota, the defect appears at startup. Some vehicles may display a blank screen when the engine is turned on, indicating that no information is displayed to the driver. While Toyota has not confirmed if this issue continues during driving, the possibility raises safety concerns.
Without an active display, drivers might not be able to see warning lights, check their speed, or notice system failures, all of which can increase the risk of an accident.
Models Impacted by the Recall
The recall impacts a wide range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles that use the 12.3-inch digital dashboard, which has been available since at least 2023 on many models.
Toyota models listed include:
- Venza
- Crown Signia
- RAV4
- GR Corolla
- 4Runner
- Camry
- Grand Highlander
- Tacoma
- Highlander
Lexus models include:
- LS
- RX
- TX
While Toyota has not confirmed specific model years or trims, early reports suggest that 2023 and 2024 models may be among those affected.
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What Owners Have Experienced
Some drivers have already reported the issue online, mentioning that the display fails to light up at startup. Unlike other glitches, restarting the vehicle does not seem to temporarily fix the issue.
Toyota Issues Recall bulletin is listed under the number 25TB08. However, at this point, it does not appear to be extremely widespread, though the company is still taking precautionary action to ensure safety.
How Toyota Plans to Fix It
The automaker says that the fix will involve either:
- Updating the software for the display’s combination meter, or
- Replace the entire combination meter unit if necessary.
Dealership service for the repair may take a few hours, depending on the method needed.
Some technicians on forums and social media have suggested that a permanent fix is still in development, which could explain why the recall rollout has been slow in certain areas.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Toyota has confirmed that owners of affected vehicles will be notified by November 2025. At that time, instructions will be provided on how to schedule the repair at authorized dealerships.
In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to remain alert while operating their vehicles and to monitor Toyota’s official safety recall notices for updates.
Why This Recall Matters
As vehicles become increasingly dependent on digital systems, malfunctions like these highlight the risks of full digitization. Traditional analog gauges offered fewer features but rarely failed. Now, with screens controlling everything from speed readouts to maintenance alerts, a simple software glitch can leave drivers without essential information.
Final Thoughts
Nearly 600,000 Toyota and Lexus owners will soon be contacted to fix this dashboard issue. While the problem may not be widespread, Toyota is treating it seriously due to the safety risks involved. The recall is a reminder that while advanced technology brings convenience and new features, it also requires extra attention to reliability.
FAQs
How do I know if my car is part of the recall?
You can check by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official recall website or by waiting for a notice in the mail.
Is it safe to drive with a blank dashboard screen?
It’s risky. Without the screen, you won’t see your speed, warning lights, or system alerts. If this happens to you, contact a dealer as soon as possible.
How much will the dashboard repair cost me?
The recall repair is free. The company covers both parts and labor.
What should I do if my dashboard screen goes black before the recall?
Contact your local dealer. Even if the recall notice hasn’t arrived yet, they can check your car and may be able to apply the fix.
Does restarting the car fix the black screen problem?
No. Drivers have reported that turning the car off and back on does not make the screen come back.
How long does the repair take?
Most fixes will take a few hours, depending on whether your car needs a software update or a full replacement of the dashboard unit.
Which model years are most likely affected?
The issue has been seen mostly in 2023 and 2024 vehicles, though official recall notices will confirm the exact years.
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