Toyota Highlander Recalls: 550,000 Vehicles Affected by Seat Defect
Toyota is recalling approximately 550,000 Highlander vehicles in the United States due to a defect in the second-row seats that may not fully lock after adjustment. This recall affects certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models, raising concerns about the safety of occupants in the event of a crash.
The defect involves the recliner assemblies in the second-row seats, which may fail to secure properly. According to Toyota’s defect report, “A seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash at higher speeds.” This issue was discovered during a routine quality inspection at the factory in October 2023.
Of the total recalled vehicles, 420,771 are standard Highlanders and 129,236 are Highlander Hybrids. Toyota estimates that only about 1 percent of the affected vehicles actually exhibit the issue, which was traced back to an unannounced design change by a supplier in April 2021. During testing, five seats were found to exhibit the failure, leading to the decision to initiate this recall.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in early May 2026, with Toyota urging owners to schedule the free repair promptly once they receive their notifications. Dealers will replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies at no cost to the vehicle owners. Customers with questions can contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
As of now, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with this specific defect. However, the potential risk associated with unsecured seat backs has prompted Toyota to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its customers.
The Highlander has long been a bestseller for families seeking reliability, space, and efficiency. As Toyota works to address this issue, observers are closely monitoring the situation to see how the recall will impact consumer confidence in the brand.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the defect’s impact on vehicle performance and safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned campaign numbers 26V128000, 26TB06, and 26TA06 to this recall, indicating its seriousness and the need for immediate attention from affected owners.
