Toyota Motor Corp’s Chinese joint venture is recalling more than 560,000 sport utility vehicles to fix a defect in the second-row seats that could endanger passengers in a crash.
The Japanese automaker and its local partner Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. will recall 317,990 Highlander vehicles starting April 1, according to a statement The news came from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday. The company said its joint venture with China’s FAW Group will recall 242,170 Crown Kluger SUVs.
The recall affects vehicles produced between July 2021 and January 2026. A Toyota representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Regulators found a problem with the second-row seatback adjusters, where an overly strong return spring prevented the mechanism from locking properly into place, increasing the risk of occupants being inadequately restrained in an accident. The companies will replace the faulty springs with redesigned parts at no cost to vehicle owners.
The recall involves two popular models that are crucial to Toyota’s efforts to defend its market share in China, where the brand is one of the few foreign automakers to regain stability amid fierce competition.
Photo: A Toyota dealership in Beijing. Photo credit: Gilles Sabrié/Bloomberg
Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
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