Recall 14V148 affects 46,757 2013 Toyota Highlander SUVs for a second-row left seat that can fail to lock. Repair is free at a franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 46,757 2013 Highlander SUVs because the second row left-hand seat does not always lock when moved into the forward front or second adjusting position. If the seat is not locked into the track, an occupant faces a higher injury risk in a crash, and the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected part is the second-row left-side seat in the 2013 Toyota Highlander. That seat is supposed to slide to its selected position, then lock to the seat track so it stays fixed while the vehicle moves. The lock is what keeps the seat from shifting when a passenger sits there or when the vehicle stops hard.
In the recalled Highlanders, that seat does not lock correctly when it is set in the forward front position or the second adjustment position. The problem is not the cushion or upholstery; it is the seat's ability to latch securely to the track at those settings. A seat that is not locked in place can move out of position instead of staying anchored as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Before anyone rides there, check that the seat clicks into place and tug it firmly to confirm it is locked.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 46,757 |
Not every 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the second row left hand seat is not locked into its track, an occupant faces a higher injury risk in a crash. Avoid using that seating position until Toyota checks it. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Toyota Highlander is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Toyota dealer and ask about the free second-row left-hand seat modification that locks the seat into the track.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V148 when you call.
- Avoid using the second-row left-hand seat until the dealer confirms the seat locks into the track.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's listed repair is for a Toyota technician to modify the second row left hand seat so the seat locks into the seat track instead of shifting out of position. The final dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN. When you call the Toyota service desk, describe recall 14V148 and ask whether the seat track modification can be completed during your appointment. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 27, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V148?
Recall 14V148 covers 46,757 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles with a second-row left seat that can fail to lock in the seat track in certain forward positions. That defect can increase injury risk in a crash. Toyota dealers modify the seat so it locks properly for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Toyota Highlander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Highlander is included in recall 14V148. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the second-row left seat recall repair. Reference recall number 14V148 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Toyota will modify the second-row left seat free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the second-row left seat can fail to lock into the seat track. If a crash happens, an unlocked seat increases the risk of injury to the occupant sitting there.
What if I bought my Toyota Highlander used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Highlander is included, then contact a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 14V148.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V148000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V148 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V148000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →