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 passenger safety.
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.
The recall includes 420,771 standard Highlanders and 129,236 Highlander Hybrids. Toyota estimates that about 1 percent of the affected vehicles actually have the issue, which was traced back to an unannounced design change by a supplier in April 2021. In tests, five out of 343 vehicles field tested exhibited the failure.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing in early May 2026. Toyota emphasized that the recall is precautionary and urged owners to schedule the free repair promptly once notifications arrive. Dealers will replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies at no cost to the owners.
As of now, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with this specific defect. However, the potential risk posed by the faulty seat backs has prompted Toyota to take swift action to ensure the safety of its customers.
Customers with questions can contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331. The company is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that all affected vehicles are repaired as quickly as possible.
Toyota’s Highlander has long been a bestseller for families seeking reliability, space, and efficiency. As the company moves forward with this recall, observers will be watching closely to see how effectively the repairs are implemented and whether any further issues arise.
