Toyota Recalls 550K Highlanders Due to Rear Seat Issue

The issue is not for every Highlander, nor does it affect other midsize SUVs in the Toyota or Lexus lineup, as the affected part comes from a specific supplier, according to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Because of a problem with the recliner mechanism, the rear seats may not remain in a locked position during a collision, failing to restrain the seat’s occupant or occupants. This would increase the risk of injury during a crash.

“Due to a failure to consider the force balance between the locking spring and the return spring during a design change made by the supplier, a combination of recliner return spring orientation and outer clearance between the recliner guide and ratchet may cause the recliner teeth to not fully engage during seat back adjustment. This could lead to the seat back not remaining in a locked position,” the company noted in a report to NHTSA.

Toyota discovered the problem during an October 2023 inspection at one of its assembly plants. After going through several steps between then and late February, the company determined it was appropriate to initiate a voluntary recall.

As of Feb. 25, the automaker believes there are 10 Toyota Field Technical Reports and 18 warranty claims on the “subject vehicles.” The information comes from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition and are the primary reason the company submitted the report, Toyota said in the NHTSA filing.

Owners will be informed by May 4 about the steps to take to get their vehicle repaired. Recall repairs are performed at no cost the to the vehicle owner.