DETROIT — Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling approximately 550,000 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs in the United States because of a defect in the second-row seat-back locking mechanism that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the voluntary recall March 11, 2026, after Toyota filed the notice on March 5. The action covers certain model-year 2021 through 2024 Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids, totaling 550,007 vehicles. Of those, 420,771 are standard Highlanders and 129,236 are hybrids.
The issue involves the recliner assemblies in the second-row seats, which may not fully lock after adjustment. A seat back that fails to secure properly “may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash at higher speeds,” according to Toyota’s defect report filed with NHTSA.
Toyota discovered the problem during a routine quality inspection at the factory in October 2023, when one newly built Highlander’s second-row seatback skipped its first recline position and locked into the second. Investigators traced the issue to an unannounced design change by a supplier in April 2021 that altered the reclining mechanism.
The defect recurred in October 2024 during further testing. Toyota built 20 test seats, five of which exhibited the same failure. Field testing of 343 vehicles found 12 with the problem, and the company identified 18 related warranty claims, though not all matched the exact defect.
Toyota estimates that about 1 percent of the affected vehicles actually have the issue, but the recall covers all potentially impacted models as a precaution.
To fix the problem, Toyota dealers will replace the return springs in the seat-back recliner assemblies free of charge. The repair is expected to take about one hour, though exact times may vary by dealer.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing in early May 2026. Owners can check if their vehicle is included by entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number on Toyota’s recall website at toyota.com/recall or NHTSA’s site at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The recall carries NHTSA campaign numbers 26V128000, 26TB06 and 26TA06.
The Highlander, Toyota’s popular three-row midsize SUV, has long been a bestseller for families seeking reliability, space and efficiency — especially in hybrid form. The 2021 redesign introduced updated styling, improved interior materials and enhanced technology, contributing to strong sales. However, this marks the latest in a series of safety actions for the model.
No crashes, injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with this specific defect, according to Toyota and NHTSA records.
The announcement comes amid broader scrutiny of vehicle seating systems industrywide. Similar second-row seat issues have prompted recalls for other manufacturers in recent years, highlighting the critical role of proper restraint in crash protection.
Toyota emphasized that the recall is precautionary and urged owners to schedule the free repair promptly once notifications arrive. Customers with questions can contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Owners are advised not to attempt DIY fixes, as improper repairs could compromise safety further.
This recall affects only U.S. vehicles sold or registered in the country. International markets may have separate actions.
The Highlander remains one of Toyota’s top sellers, with hybrid variants gaining popularity amid rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. The 2026 model year, not included in this recall, continues production without reported similar issues so far.
NHTSA continues to monitor the situation and encourages owners to report any related problems through its complaint portal.
As details emerge, affected owners should monitor mail and online tools for updates. Toyota has committed to covering all costs associated with the remedy, underscoring its long-standing emphasis on customer safety.
The recall underscores the importance of routine maintenance and prompt response to manufacturer notifications in an era of complex vehicle systems.
For the latest information, visit the official Toyota recall page or NHTSA’s database. Early action can help ensure continued safe operation of these family-oriented SUVs.
