Toyota Recalls 550K Highlanders Due to Rear Seat Issue

by Michael Strong

Published: March 16th, 2026

toyota recalls 550k highlanders due to rear seat issue

Toyota is recalling over 550,000 Highlander and Highlander Hybrids from the 2021-2024 model years due to a problem with the rear seat’s recliner mechanism.

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.

#Toyota #ToyotaHighlander #ToyotaRecall #NHTSA #AutomotiveSafety

Michael Strong

Michael Strong has spent more than 25 years writing about the automotive industry. A Detroit-area native, he’s written about everything from local car shows to product reviews to financial news. Currently he writes and edits for a variety of national and local publications. He’s also a longtime member of the Automotive Press Association and the International Motor Press Association, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Hail Southern! Despite a love for ’70s land yachts and BMWs from the late ’80s and early ’90s, his personal vehicle is neither of those.

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EBFlexing on ur mom on Mar 16, 2026

Updated Automaker Recall Power Rankings:

-Ford: 19 (28%)
-General Motors: 8 (12%)
-Toyota: 6 (9%)
-Hyundai 5 (7%)

-FCA: 3 (4%)
.

1 Reply
- Lloyd Bonified on Mar 16, 2026
  
  Honda had better get in on this
  
  1
Mnemic on Mar 16, 2026

One of the worst driving vehicles ever. Using proven (over decades) and reliable components must come at a cost because the ride is straight out of 1991

1 Reply

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