Toyota Highlander recall hits 550,007 vehicles over second-row seat-back lock defect

toyota highlander owners are now part of a large U. S. safety recall as Toyota moves to address a second-row seat-back locking problem. Federal regulators said the issue involves seat backs that may fail to lock into position during seat-back adjustment. The action covers 550, 007 vehicles and includes multiple model years, with owner notifications expected to begin in April.

Recall scope and the safety issue

The recall involves 550, 007 vehicles tied to a seat-back locking issue, federal regulators said. The affected vehicles include 420, 771 Highlander and 129, 236 Highlander Hybrid units from model years 2021 through 2024, based on a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The notice stated that “second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment. ” Regulators warned 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.

Toyota Highlander fix: dealer replacement, free of charge

NHTSA said all owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and directed to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. Dealers will replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies with improved ones, free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in April. NHTSA’s guidance to drivers centers on completing the dealer repair once notified, since the recall remedy is designed to address the seat-back locking concern identified in the filing.

Immediate reactions from regulators

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency overseeing vehicle safety defects and recalls, described the defect and the potential occupant-risk scenario tied to improper seat-back restraint in a crash. The agency also outlined the remedy process, stating that owners will be notified and that repairs will be performed by Toyota dealers at no cost to the customer.

Quick context: recent recall activity

Toyota also recalled around 141, 000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles last month after discovering rear doors can unexpectedly open while the car is moving. That separate action underscores a continued focus on safety-related fixes across multiple models.

What’s next for toyota highlander owners

Next steps now hinge on the April mailing of owner notification letters and the scheduling of dealer service appointments for the recall repair. Until those letters arrive, owners can prepare by confirming their vehicle details and watching for official communication tied to the toyota highlander recall remedy and instructions for free service at Toyota dealers.