Transport Canada has announced a recall affecting 39,897 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles manufactured in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The recall is due to potentially deficient manufacturing of the seatback recliners for the second-row seats, which may fail to lock properly. This defect poses a significant safety risk during a crash, as the unsecured seatbacks could move forward unexpectedly.

Toyota has recommended that owners refrain from using the second-row seats for passenger transport until the necessary repairs can be made, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this safety concern. The manufacturer has assigned recall number SRC RL9 to this issue and has committed to notifying affected owners through mail. The notification will include instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace the faulty spring in the second-row seatback recliner assemblies.

The recall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by automobile manufacturers in maintaining safety standards and the importance of swift action when defects are identified. Transport Canada's prompt update to the recall information underscores the agency's focus on public safety and the need for manufacturers to actively communicate potential hazards to vehicle owners.