Featured bZ4X already recalled for wheels coming loose

Guess doing a BEV isn't as easy as they said.

 

What is unbelievable about it?

Having some issue with stems, nuts, or torquing is a reveal that Toyota has taken a change... you know, the risk many claim Toyota never takes. It's easy to see how that could have been an attempt to lighten wheel weight that went bad.

The real story is how Toyota addresses the problem, especially since it has nothing whatsoever to do with the EV system itself. Treating owners well makes a huge difference. Look at how poorly GM's response with Bolt turned out.

 

Inspection of vehicles used by reviewers was a great opportunity to collect real-world data in an accelerated manner. Actually finding an issue was obviously a surprise, but sooner is always better. Loose from incorrect torque or new components is realistic and should be just a basic fix. Confirming what's really needed is the challenge. Vehicles will end up waiting at port for the update, then waiting for transport to dealers.

Decades ago, when I had a wheel issue with my new Taurus, it turned out to be a simple stem/nut problem. Something was just loose enough that it squeaked from time to time. I also ended up replacing the lock-nuts with the regular type when one got stuck and had to be cut off. It was a simple swap and the parts were only a few bucks. No big deal. So, I'm not worried about this being much of an issue for delivery of my bZ4X.

From the perspective of others, Toyota is doomed and their first dedicated-platform BEV is already a failure. Ugh.

 

Why would Toyota's ev need to lighten wheel weight, if Toyota chose to NOT make an ev that's especially heavy

If toyota didn't bench all their BZ cars - wouldn't the national highway branch of the gvm't step in & do it for them? How do you see Toyota's decision to address the problem as being any different from what any other manufacturer would do.

so .... benching cars is an example of treating owners well .....

deflection?

 

treating owners well would be dropping off a loaner at their home or place of business. i hate recalls, my time is money, dealers get paid by mfg.

 

Does this sad affair with the recall mean Stealerships will at least reduce their $9,999 price hikes?

yea probably not
.

 

I wonder if, like the GM Bolt, Hyundai and Kia will continue their history of their cars catching fire.

 

Yeah because everybody knows it's only Kia GM etc that go up in smoke, anyone else but Toyota.
U.S. investigates nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4s over fire risks


Whoops - never mind

If we all keep our words soft and sweet - they're much easier to chew & swallow
(our plug-in minivan is on fire risk recall right now. No one manufacturer is exempt)
.

 

Plenty of cars have been recalled over fires started in the 12 volt electrical system before we started putting high powered batteries into them.

With adequate cooling, the battery should be fine. Teslas charge faster than Toyota, and the majority of them wouldn't need a replacement under Toyota's warranty.

 

Is that only for the Tesla in CA or all of Tesla in other states? I am sure bZ4X in CA and other states are warranted for 10yr/150K miles by Toyota, aren't they?

Well, if that's the case, then everyone should buy a VinFast with the battery lease plan. The only thing I don't know is what happens to the car if an owner stops paying for the battery leasing fee? Would they come repo only the battery????

 

So Tuesday, I left Huntsville a little after noon, 12:18 PM, and drove 721 miles to Coffeyville KS to arrive at ~5:30 AM. There were:

• traffic delays to Athens SuperCharger, +30 min
• I-40 construction delays, +60 min
• skip midway motel to reach Ozark SuperCharger, reduced to 50 mph zt one point to reach, +20 min
• cat-nap at Lowell 3:00 AM, +60 min
• round-trip charge for Joplin-to-Coffeyville, +40 min

Posted from motel room in Coffeyville, KS.

Bob Wilson

 

I referring to warranty for battery degradation Toyota was talking about during the release hype for the bZ4X. Turns out what we get in the US isn't better than what the Model 3 RWD has; 70% minimum capacity after 8yrs or 100k miles. Other Tesla models have higher mileage limits.
2023 Toyota Bz4x Manuals & Warranties | Toyota Owners
Vehicle Warranty | Tesla

Hyundai's is 10yrs/100k miles for 70%.
Hyundai Warranty Coverage | America's Best | Hyundai USA

bZ4X in Europe has a 10yr/ million km for 70% capacity retention. If you do the annual testing. I thought it was 90% capacity, but Toyota is saying they expect it have 90% after that time. A lot of Teslas have done 100k miles with less than 10% capacity loss.

The point is, unless fast DC charging is the majority of the car's charging, these cars will easily go 50k miles without needing a new battery.