Toyota recalls 550K vehicles over seat-back locking issue

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Toyota has issued a recall for 550,007 vehicles due to a seat-back locking issue, as reported by federal regulators.

The recall involves 420,771 Highlander and 129,236 Highlander Hybrid vehicles spanning model years 2021 to 2024, according to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The notice states that “second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.”

If a seat back is not properly secured in a locked position, it may not adequately restrain occupants in the event of a crash at higher speeds, increasing the risk of injury, the notice explains.

All owners of the affected vehicles will receive notifications to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer.

The dealer will replace the return springs in the recliner assemblies with improved ones at no cost to the owners.

The Toyota recall affects 420,771 Highlander and 129,236 Highlander Hybrid vehicles, all from model years 2021 through 2024. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Owner notification letters are expected to be sent out in April.

Last month, Toyota also recalled approximately 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles after discovering that rear doors could unexpectedly open while the vehicle is in motion.

FOX Business has reached out to Toyota for comments.