Toyota Recalls 228,000 Sienna Vans Over Seat Backs That May Unlock In A Crash

Toyota is recalling 228,367 Sienna Hybrid minivans in the United States after crash tests showed that second-row seat backs can come unlocked in a frontal crash.

The campaign covers certain 2022-2026 Sienna Hybrid seven-passenger models built between September 16, 2021, and July 20 of this year.

A seat back that fails to stay upright can't properly restrain whoever is sitting in it, which raises the risk of injury during impact. Toyota found the problem during crash-validation testing.

Dealers will fix it for free, with notification letters scheduled to start going out on December 7, 2026.

Which Sienna Hybrids Are Included In The Recall?

2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Limited

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

The recall is limited to Sienna Hybrid vans built in the seven-passenger configuration, covering model years 2022 through 2026. Other Sienna configurations are not listed in the current recall notice for this second-row seat-back locking issue.

Recent Toyota safety campaigns have also involved seating or restraint concerns on other nameplates, including separate Highlander recalls that covered large volumes of SUVs. Those actions involved different parts and timelines from the Sienna Hybrid campaign.

Owners can confirm whether their van is covered through Toyota's customer service line, 1-800-331-4331, or by running their vehicle identification number through the NHTSA recall database. The campaign carries two internal numbers, 26TB24 and 26TA24.

What Happens To The Second-Row Seat Backs In A Crash?

2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Limited

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

In certain frontal collisions, crash forces can disengage a second-row seat back from its locked position. Once that happens, the seat back can't hold an occupant in place the way it's designed to.

Toyota split the remedy by configuration. Affected Sienna Hybrids will receive a software update to the supplemental restraint system's electronic control unit, which the recall notice lists as the primary fix for the campaign.

About 200 vehicles built between 2022 and 2025 with the Mobility as a Service package get a different remedy. Dealers will replace both second-row seat backs with parts using an updated recliner mechanism.

Either way, the repair costs owners nothing. Dealers won't have parts or final scheduling details sorted until letters start arriving in mailboxes on December 7.

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