Toyota has announced a recall of approximately 550,000 Highlander SUVs due to a defect linked to a supplier issue that might prevent the seat backs from locking securely, posing a heightened risk of injury.

This recall includes both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models from the years 2021 through 2024. These vehicles are equipped with second-row seats featuring recliner technology.

Intended to allow passengers to adjust the seat angle and lock it in place, the recliner’s assembly teeth might not fully engage when the seat back is adjusted, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“If a seat back is not properly locked, it may fail to restrain occupants adequately during a high-speed crash, increasing the likelihood of injury,” stated the recall notice.

The faulty recliner technology was produced by Toyota Boshoku Indiana, a company based in Princeton, Indiana, that specializes in manufacturing automotive interior components for both the Toyota Highlander and Toyota Sienna.

Toyota identified the problem with the second-row seat backs during an inspection at one of its assembly plants in October 2023, as reported by NHTSA. Additionally, in July 2024, Toyota found that the supplier had implemented a design change in the recliner technology, which the automaker had not been informed about, leading to more extensive investigations.

Toyota decided to issue the voluntary safety recall in February. The company is “unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect,” according to the recall notice.

Toyota is planning to send letters to affected car owners on April 20. Customers can bring their vehicle to a dealer, which will replace the defective technology free of charge. Toyota’s numbers for the recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.