2021-2025 Toyota Highlander, 2021-2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recall: Second-Row Seat Backs May Fail to Lock
Report received by NHTSA: March 5, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- The risk
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Who's affected
686,588 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2021-2025 Toyota Highlander, 2021-2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
- Compared with
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has 28 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 15 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
143 earlier NHTSA recalls by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Feb. 25, 2026 2026 Toyota Corolla recall: Missing Aim Markings on Headlight Assembly/FMVSS 108
- Feb. 18, 2026 2025-2026 Lexus LX recall: Loss of Drive Power from Transmission Damage
- Jan. 28, 2026 2023-2026 Toyota Prius, 2025-2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, 2023-2024 Toyota Prius Prime recall: Unlocked Rear Door May Open Unexpectedly
- Jan. 23, 2026 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra Hybrid recall: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
- Jan. 23, 2026 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing equipment recall: Incorrect Side Marker Lights/FMVSS 108
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Toyota Highlander 2021-2025
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021-2025
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V128000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | SEATS |
| Report received by NHTSA | March 5, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 686,588 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26TB06 / 26TA06 |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record