Toyota bZ4X customers offered refund in US following recall
Toyota is offering refunds in the US to customers affected by the bZ4X recall. According to Electrek, the terms for each purchaser are based on their state of residence and unspecified 'other circumstances'. Eligible customers are expected to receive a letter from Toyota about the refund scheme.
For purchasers who still wish to receive the bZ4X, Toyota has said it will continue to offer a loan car free of charge with free fuel, and storage for the faulty model. Plus, customers will be given a credit of US$5,000 towards the purchase, loan or lease of their new vehicle. The warranty of the EV and free EVgo charging perks timelines have also been extended.
The electric vehicle was recalled in June over fears that the tires could fall off. Volkswagen identified a problem with the hub bolts, which it found could loosen if a driver turned or braked sharply. It is believed that around 260 vehicles were affected in the US, with most recalled vehicles headed to Europe. It remains unclear how Toyota plans to rectify this issue and how much progress has been made.
The all-electric FWD model of the bZ4X can reach a top speed of 100 mph (~161 kph) thanks to a 150 kW 201 bhp motor. A 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 317 miles (~510 km) range, and the EV is fitted with driver-assist features. The electric SUV starts from US$42,000 in the US.