Recall 14V272 affects 48,840 2014 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles for incorrect air bag ECU software. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 48,840 2014 Highlander Hybrid and Highlander SUVs because air bag ECU software can set the front passenger seat belt force limiter for a smaller occupant regardless of who is seated there. In a crash, a larger front passenger can be improperly restrained and face a higher injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
In the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Highlander, the air bag electronic control unit, or ECU, is the computer that manages parts of the restraint system during a crash. One of the parts it controls is the front passenger seat belt force limiter, which helps manage how much belt force is applied to the passenger's body.
On affected vehicles, the ECU has improper software for the passenger seat belt force limiter. The software uses a restraint setting designed for small occupants, including occupants around 110 pounds, for every front passenger regardless of size. That means a larger passenger gets a belt-force setting that does not match the intended occupant protection setup under FMVSS 208.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the restraint-control software, so the driver will not notice a sound, light, or change in normal seat belt operation before a crash.
Who's affected?
Highlander and Highlander Hybrid share the same listed components: electrical system software and seat belt.
| 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | seat belt |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | electrical system software |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | seat belt |
| Units affected | 48,840 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant can be improperly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. This is an air bag control software issue. Confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange the recall service once the dealer can perform it. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Highlander is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free air bag ECU software update that corrects the front passenger seat belt force limiter setting.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V272 when you call.
- Use caution with the front passenger seat until the repair is complete, especially for larger occupants.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician installs a software update in the air bag electronic control unit. The update corrects the front passenger seat belt force limiter logic so the restraint setting is not treated as the small occupant setting for every occupant. Toyota says the recall began on June 27, 2014, and the software update is free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered.
Timeline
| May 22, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 27, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V272?
Recall 14V272 covers 48,840 2014 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles with improper air bag ECU software for the front passenger seat belt force limiter. In a crash, a larger front passenger occupant can be improperly restrained and face higher injury risk.
What should I do if my 2014 Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V272. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the air bag ECU software update. Reference recall number 14V272 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota dealers will install the air bag ECU software update free of charge. Toyota customer service is also available at 1-800-331-4331.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V272?
The risk is improper restraint for a larger front passenger during a crash. The software can use the seat belt force limiter setting meant for smaller occupants, which increases injury risk for a larger passenger. Toyota's dealer repair corrects the air bag ECU software.
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 2014 Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 14V272.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V272000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V272 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V272000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →