Like it did with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Toyota has dragged its feet on developing and shipping new EVs. It offers several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, and there’s even a hydrogen fuel cell model for sale in California, but Toyota did not offer an EV in the United States until just a few months ago. That should have been cause for celebration at Toyota, but a recall just a month into being on sale likely squashed any excitement. Now, the automaker says it has fixed the problems and restarted production. 

Toyota recalled 2,700 SUVS globally and stopped sales of the new bZ4X over concerns that a hub bolt could come loose during sharp turns and sudden braking, which increases the chances that a wheel could fall off. It took the automaker three months to develop and implement a fix for the problem, and Toyota also made fixes to some SUVs’ airbags to reduce the chance of premature failure. The airbag issue was not a previously known problem. 

Interestingly, Subaru, another slowpoke in the EV world, just released the electric Solterra, which it developed jointly with Toyota and the bZ4X project. The two are so closely related that Subaru had to recall 2,600 units of its SUV for the same issue. 

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Looks like a less ugly Lexus.

Better check the photo at the top -- this is a Toyota story and that's clearly a Subaru.

Is there a difference nowadays?

Some jokes are overplayed at this point, but I (obviously) think this one still has some life left in it.

Toyota owners want a reliable vehicle. Subaru owners want to drive on gravel.

Toyota driver's greatest fear: Being stuck on the side of the road.

Subaru driver's greatest fear: Being stuck inside a Toyota.

Was anyone really clamoring to buy one?

I still think the name Bzzzzzzzzzzt! would have been better.