Recall Overview

Toyota has issued a major safety recall affecting approximately 550,000 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs due to a potential defect in the second-row seating system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall applies to certain 2021–2024 model year vehicles across the United States.

The issue centers on the second-row seatbacks, which may not properly lock into position after being adjusted. If the seat fails to lock securely, it may not provide adequate restraint during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

What Is the Problem?

The defect has been traced to the recliner assembly springs within the second-row seats. These components may not function as intended, preventing the seatback from fully engaging in its locked position.

If the seatback is not securely locked, it could move unexpectedly during a collision, reducing its ability to protect passengers. Toyota has stated that while no injuries have been reported so far, the condition presents a clear safety concern that requires immediate attention.

The recall was officially announced on March 12, with regulators emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue to maintain vehicle safety standards.

What Owners Should Do

Toyota dealers will replace the faulty recliner assembly springs with updated components free of charge. The repair is expected to fully resolve the issue and restore proper seat functionality.

Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning April 20, 2026. In the meantime, owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA or Toyota recall websites.

Customers with questions can also contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 for further assistance.

How Toyota Owners Can Take Back Control

While this recall has been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.