Nearly 40,000 Toyota models recalled in Canada due to improper manufacturing

A Toyota vehicle logo is pictured at an automotive dealership in Ottawa on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Toyota is recalling nearly 40,000 of its Highlander models as a result of improper manufacturing.

A notice on the Government of Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database states that on certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for second-row seats “may not lock in position and could move in a crash.”

“A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash,” the notice, first posted on March 5 and updated 10 days later, reads.

The models affected by the recall are as follow:

• Toyota Highlander: 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 2021, 2022 and 2023

The release advises anyone with the recalled model not use the second-row seats to drive passengers until repairs have been done.

The car company will reach out by mail to owners impacted by the recall. They will be advised to take the vehicle to a dealership to replace the spring in the affected seat’s recliner assemblies.

To learn more about if your vehicle is part of the recall, visit the Toyota Canada recall website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number.

Since the beginning of 2026, Toyota has recalled several of its models for various issues.

In January, it published a recall notice for 12,179 Toyota Tundra trucks from the years 2024 and 2025, as a result of an issue that could affect the vehicle’s rear-view camera.

In February, the popular car company put out a recall notice for nearly 20,000 of its Prius model, due to a risk of its rear doors opening while driving.