The best-selling sedan in America and its smaller crossover sibling are the subject of a new recall. Specifically, we’re talking about the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and more specifically, new models built for the 2025 and 2026 model years. The quick description of this problem is a loose bolt that could pose a fire risk. The detailed explanation is a bit more complicated.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Dynamic Force I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
184 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 RPM
Fuel Economy
53/50/51 mpg (best: LE FWD)
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
53/50/51 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Before we explain that, know that 55,405 vehicles are included in the recall and nearly all – 51,644 to be exact, are Camry Hybrids. The remaining 3,761 vehicles are the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Toyota issued the recall as of December 16 under manufacturer recall numbers 25TB15 and 25TA15. At this time, the automaker doesn’t know what percentage of vehicles actually have a defect. Also, it’s worth noting that, as of now, the Corolla Hybrid sedan is not part of this recall.
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The Problem In A Nutshell
2026 Toyota CamryToyota
The recall only applies to hybrids because, as you’d expect, the issue involves components in the hybrid system. In early November 2025, Toyota became aware of a vehicle that would not turn on. An investigation found that a bolt within the vehicle’s inverter assembly had worked loose and was lying on a circuit board. The inverter takes power from the hybrid battery and converts it for the electric motor to use.
A further investigation found that this may not have been an isolated case. The inverter came from Denso, a Toyota supplier, and the company found an incorrect bolt torque setting in one of its machines used to assemble said inverter. Per a chronology report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Toyota and the supplier confirmed that this torque condition was low enough to allow for the bolt to completely lose contact with the threaded hole and drop into the assembly.”
Where research meets the right deal
The Consequence Of A Loose Inverter Bolt
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross HybridToyota
With the problem established, what can happen if the bolt comes loose? For starters, the loose bolt can lead to a loose connection on the terminal it’s connected to. That can cause the vehicle to not turn on, as mentioned above. It could also cause the car to turn off while moving, or put the car into a limp mode. If this happens, Toyota says a warning light should illuminate to confirm that something is definitely wrong. Losing power in traffic certainly constitutes a safety issue.
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The more concerning issue is that, if it comes off completely and rolls around in the inverter assembly, it could cause a short circuit. Short circuits lead to heat, which leads to the potential for a fire. Per the recall, this could only happen if the ignition is turned on, so that’s at least some good news. Better news is that Toyota makes no mention of any fires or injuries resulting from this problem. But the company is aware of 34 field technical reports and 15 warranty claims that may be related to this problem.
2025 Toyota Camry XSE new hybrid engine.Toyota
There Is No Fix At This Time
Recall documents say owners of affected vehicles will be notified by February 13, 2026. Dealers are already being notified, but there is no clear mention of a remedy at this time. The documents advise that “All known owners of the subject vehicles will be informed that they will be contacted when further information is available about the repair remedy.” When the fix is available, it will be free of charge.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
