Toyota has issued a massive recall of more than 500,000 popular SUVs due to dangerous defects in the seats that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The company is issuing a nationwide recall of some 2021-2024 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles because of a possible locking defect in the rear seats.
“The second-row seat recliner assembly may not fully lock after adjusting the seat backrest,” the recall warns.
“Seat backs that are not secured in the locked position may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a high-speed collision.”
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The recall affects approximately 550,000 vehicles.
As part of the remediation, Toyota dealers will replace the return spring in the seatback recliner assembly with modified parts at no cost to the vehicle owner.
According to official documents submitted by Toyota to NHTSA, the problem was first discovered during a routine factory inspection in October 2023 and was traced to a supplier design change in 2021.
This change affects how the seat locking system works.
Toyota plans to notify affected owners via email when parts become available.
Owners can check if their 2021-2024 Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is affected by visiting the NHTSA or Toyota recall website and entering their VIN.
The VIN is a 17-character code that can be found on the driver’s side dashboard or on the vehicle owner’s registration or insurance card.
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