Al-Futtaim Motors, the official distributor and importer of Toyota vehicles in the UAE, has announced the recall of 1,983 Toyota Highlander vehicles over a potential defect in the second-row seat-locking system that could increase the risk of passenger injury in a crash.

According to Emarat Al Youm, the recall is being conducted in coordination with the Consumer Protection and Commercial Control Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. It covers US-made Toyota Highlander VXR and GXR models produced between 2021 and 2023.

Why are Toyota Highlander vehicles being recalled?

According to the recall notice, the identified defect affects the second-row seatback recliner mechanism, which allows passengers to release the seatback, adjust its angle and lock it again in the desired position.

The issue stems from design changes made to the mechanism by the component supplier, which may have disrupted the balance between the locking spring and the return spring.

As a result, the teeth in the seatback recliner mechanism may not fully engage when the angle is adjusted, preventing the seatback from locking securely in the desired position.

The recall notice warns that an improperly locked seatback could reduce passenger protection in a crash, particularly in severe high-speed collisions, increasing the risk of injury.

Free repairs for recalled vehicles

Al-Futtaim Motors said it will contact owners of affected vehicles to inform them of the potential defect and arrange the necessary repairs.

The corrective work will involve replacing the return springs in the second-row seatback recliner mechanism, with all repairs carried out free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles have been asked to take their vehicles to the designated service centres for the required repairs.

The recall is part of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s regulatory efforts to ensure product safety and strengthen consumer rights protection.

According to the notice, the recall applies only to the specified Toyota Highlander models produced between 2021 and 2023 and does not include any other models.