Toyota Highlander Wrong Seat Covers Block Side Airbags

NHTSA campaign 20V633000 · Reported 2020-10-14 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

high How serious is it? About this label

The problem will not cause a crash, but it can leave you less protected in one, and the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, so keep driving but get the seats checked soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

One or both of the front seats may have the wrong trim cover fitted. Each front seat has an airbag built into its side, and the wrong cover can keep that airbag from opening the way it is supposed to in a crash. If it does not deploy properly, it may not protect the person in the seat, so injuries could be worse. A dealer will inspect both front seats and replace any incorrect covers at no cost.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is included.
2. Contact your Toyota dealer or Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 (recall number 20TB14 / 20TA14) to arrange the inspection.
3. Have the front seats inspected and the seat trim covers replaced if needed — the work is free.

Affected vehicles (2)

2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Who to contact

Toyota — official Toyota recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-331-4331

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Which Toyota and Lexus airbags may not deploy in a crash? · all 10 Toyota recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: AIR BAGS
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.
Safety risk: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.