Recall 25V872 covers 39 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles for a third-row seat belt anchor defect. Franchised Toyota dealer repair is free.
Toyota is recalling 39 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles after the third row center seat belt roof anchor was found installed at an incorrect angle. An anchor at that angle can keep the belt from properly restraining an occupant in a crash, increasing injury risk; Toyota dealers will correct the anchor free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The third row center seat belt in the 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid uses a roof-mounted anchor to hold the shoulder belt in position. That anchor is secured by a flange bolt, which clamps the belt hardware to the roof structure so the belt can restrain the center passenger during a crash.
On affected vehicles, the anchor bolt was installed at an incorrect angle. When a bolt goes in at the wrong angle, some tightening force is lost to thread resistance instead of clamping the anchor firmly. Toyota found that this condition can let the anchor slip or loosen over time, so the belt does not hold the occupant as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The anchor is above the seating area and hidden by trim, so an owner is not expected to see looseness during normal use. If the VIN is included, have a Toyota dealer inspect and repair the anchor system.
Who's affected?
Covers both Highlander and Highlander Hybrid versions across the 2024-2025 model years, all tied to the rear seat belt anchor bolt.
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Highlander | seat belt |
| 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | seat belt |
| 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | seat belt |
| Units affected | 39 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A seat belt anchor installed incorrectly can keep the belt from restraining an occupant properly in a crash. That raises the risk of injury for the person in that seat. Schedule the Toyota dealer repair soon so the anchor can be reinstalled with a new bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free third row center seat belt anchor repair with a new bolt, which restores proper restraint for that seat.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V872 when you call.
- Avoid using the third row center seating position until the repair is complete.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with scheduling questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician reinstalls the third row center seat belt roof anchor with a new bolt so the belt anchor sits correctly. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Toyota is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the owner letters went out during the active Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, and involved owners were eligible for a no cost repair under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V872?
Recall 25V872 covers 39 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles with a third row center seat belt roof anchor installed at the wrong angle. The belt can fail to properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing injury risk. Toyota dealers will reinstall the anchor with a new bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V872. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and schedule the seat belt anchor repair. Reference recall number 25V872 and Toyota recall 25TA16 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 reinstall the third row center seat belt anchor with a new bolt free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper occupant restraint in a crash. The third row center seat belt roof anchor was installed at the wrong angle, which can stop the belt from restraining the occupant correctly and increase the risk of injury. Toyota's free repair corrects the anchor installation.
When did Toyota notify owners about this recall?
Toyota mailed owner notification letters on January 27, 2026. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your Highlander or Highlander Hybrid is included. Used vehicles and address changes can keep a recall letter from reaching the current owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V872000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V872 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V872000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →