Toyota recalls 550,000 cars over defective seat problem

Toyota issued a safety recall for 550,000 hybrid vehicles related to a faulty seat issue. 

The automaker stated in a March 5 company notice on the recall that the recliner assemblies in the second-row seats may not fully lock after seat back adjustment. 

RELATED: Ford recalls more than 600,000 vehicles over wiper defects; see the affected models

Toyota added in the recall notice that 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."

What Toyota vehicles are being recalled?

Why you should care:

The recall covers certain model year 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.

Are repairs available for the recalled vehicles?

What you can do:

Toyota noted in their letter that the organization is currently working on a remedy, and when it becomes available, Toyota dealers will replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies with improved ones free of charge.

 The company added that owners of affected vehicles will be notified by early May 2026.

Consumers seeking information on if their vehicle is part of safety recall can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. 

And anyone with additional questions can also contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331).