Toyota China recall Highlander and Crown Kluger over seat safety defect

Safety concerns around rear passenger seating have triggered a large-scale Toyota China recall involving two major joint ventures. Authorities confirmed that multiple SUV models manufactured over recent years require corrective action due to a design flaw impacting occupant protection during collisions. The recall highlights the growing scrutiny on vehicle safety systems as regulators intensify oversight across the automotive sector.

Recall Details and Affected Models

The recall was officially announced by the China State Administration for Market Regulation, covering vehicles produced under two joint ventures: GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. and FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.. The issue affects a significant number of units across different production timelines, reflecting a widespread component-level concern rather than isolated defects.

GAC Toyota will recall 317,990 Highlander vehicles manufactured between August 7, 2021, and September 22, 2025. Meanwhile, FAW Toyota will recall 242,170 Crown Kluger units produced between July 27, 2021, and January 20, 2026. Both recall campaigns will begin simultaneously starting April 1, 2026, ensuring a coordinated response across affected regions.

Root Cause of the Safety Defect

The issue originates from a design defect in the second-row seat backrest adjuster mechanism. Excessive reset spring force has been identified as the primary cause, which can interfere with proper locking of the seat backrest. Under normal conditions, this may not be noticeable, but during a collision, the compromised locking system can fail to restrain passengers effectively.

This malfunction increases the risk of injury by reducing the seat’s ability to absorb impact forces and maintain occupant positioning. The defect falls under critical vehicle safety systems, making it a high-priority recall due to its direct implications on passenger protection.

Corrective Measures and Customer Impact

Both GAC Toyota and FAW Toyota have confirmed that corrective actions will involve replacing the faulty reset springs with improved components. These repairs will be carried out free of charge, ensuring that customers are not financially impacted by the defect. The companies are expected to notify affected vehicle owners and coordinate service appointments through authorized dealerships.

This recall also reflects the increasing importance of automotive quality control and proactive defect management. By addressing the issue before widespread incidents occur, manufacturers aim to maintain consumer trust and comply with regulatory expectations in one of the world’s largest automotive markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason behind the Toyota China recall?
The recall is due to a defect in the second-row seat backrest adjuster that can compromise passenger safety during a collision. The issue stems from excessive spring force affecting seat locking performance. In crash scenarios, the backrest may fail to hold occupants securely, increasing injury risks. Toyota identified this as a critical safety concern and initiated a recall to replace the faulty components. The fix involves installing improved reset springs to ensure proper seat function and restore intended safety performance.