Toyota recalls 228,000 Sienna Hybrid minivans over seat safety defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 228,367 Sienna Hybrid minivans due to a defect in the second-row seat back reclining mechanisms. The recall affects certain seven-passenger models from the 2022–2026 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises when seat belt pretensioners activate during a collision. The forces generated can cause the reclining mechanism to disengage or oscillate, potentially allowing the seat backs to become unsecured. This failure may prevent the seats from providing adequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of injury.

Toyota is offering two remedies at no cost to owners. For most affected vehicles, authorized dealerships will update the software in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU). For vehicles equipped with the Toyota Mobility as a Service (MaaS) package, dealers will replace both second-row seat backs.