Toyota has recalled 1,983 units of the Highlander SUV in the UAE over a rear seat reclining issue. The official announcement states that the second row reclining mechanism may face a lock-related issue, which can prove fatal in case of a mishap.

What is the issue with the Toyota Highlander rear seat?

As per the official statement released by Toyota, the rear seat reclining lock mechanism of the Highlander can fail after adjustment once a passenger adjusts the recline angle. This could prove fatal in case of an accident. However, this issue has been found in certain units only.

The brand says that a total of 1,983 units sold in the UAE, which were manufactured in the United States, have been identified with this issue. Toyota says that the primary reason behind this issue could be a supplier modification, which may have created an imbalance between the locking and spring forces, ultimately leading to the failure of the recline lock mechanism.

Which Toyota Highlander models are affected?

The official recall notice has been issued for 1,983 units sold between 2021 and 2023 in the UAE. However, these units are manufactured in the United States, and they include the VXR and GXR variants.

However, the best solution for all Toyota Highlander owners is to contact their nearest Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota dealer to have their VIN checked for this issue.

How will this issue get resolved?

Al-Futtaim Motors has announced that it will replace the recline locking mechanism of all affected units in the UAE free of charge. All affected units will be equipped with a new return spring in the second-row seat recliner assemblies, with improved quality that has been cross-checked by Toyota.

As per the official statement, Al-Futtaim Motors will connect with the affected car owners to reserve time in the service centre as per their availability.

Is the Toyota Highlander rear seat defect a safety concern?

Yes, the failure of the rear seat recline lock mechanism is a safety hazard, as the seat can remain unlocked after adjustment by a passenger. In case of an accident, the transfer of force and momentum will pass through the unlocked seat, eventually seriously injuring the rear passengers. In an extreme case, this issue can also prove fatal for the rear passengers.

Cars24 UAE says

Recalls are a part of every manufacturer’s routine process. Car manufacturers keep checking for issues and recurring problems, and a recall is only issued after a certain issue is found to be affecting the car or leading to any safety hazard. Toyota’s recall in the UAE for the Highlander is one of the same examples.

If you are searching for a used Toyota Highlander car in Dubai, look no further than Cars24 UAE.

Also read: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder arrives in the UAE with new tech