Here’s the problem: the reclining seatbacks in the second row may not lock into position properly, which means they could fail to restrain passengers during an accident. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a parts supplier made a design change that didn’t account for proper weight balance between the locking spring and return spring.
When that balance is off, the ratchet teeth don’t fully engage. Think of it like a seatbelt that only half-clicks into place—you think you’re secure, but you’re not. Toyota confirmed it’s aware of 10 field reports and 18 warranty claims tied to the defect, though the company says it hasn’t received any injury or fatality reports related to this issue.
How Toyota Plans to Fix the Highlander Recall
So what does this mean for owners? You’ll need to take your vehicle to a Toyota dealership, but here’s the good news: the repair is free. The fix itself is straightforward—dealers will inspect the second-row reclining seats and replace the faulty return springs with improved versions. Related: Ford Recalls Backup Camera Ford Recalls 1 7 Millio.
Toyota plans to start notifying owners in April. This isn’t a software update you can download at home. It’s a hardware replacement that requires hands-on work, so you’ll need to schedule an appointment and actually bring your Highlander in. The company hasn’t specified how long the inspection and replacement will take, but it shouldn’t be a major undertaking given what’s involved.
What Owners Should Do Now
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore this either. If you own a 2021-2024 Highlander or Highlander Hybrid, keep an eye on your mailbox starting in April for Toyota’s official recall notice. You can also check the NHTSA’s recall website right now to see if your specific vehicle is included in the 550,007-vehicle recall population.
The VIN (vehicle identification number) on your car will determine whether it’s affected. And while Toyota hasn’t reported any accidents or injuries yet, this is the kind of defect you want handled before it becomes a problem. A seatback that won’t lock in a collision is a serious safety issue, even if it hasn’t caused real-world damage yet. Schedule your dealership appointment as soon as you’re notified rather than waiting until summer or fall.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota’s recalling 550,000 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs (2021-2024) because second-row reclining seats may not lock properly due to a parts supplier’s design flaw.
- The fix is free and requires a dealership visit where technicians will replace faulty return springs with improved versions—expect notification to start in April.
- Check the NHTSA website now using your VIN to confirm if your vehicle is affected, and schedule service promptly when notified rather than delaying.
