Toyota Motor Corporation is recalling more than 550,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that could prevent the rear seat backs from locking properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 550,007 vehicles, including certain 2021–2024 models of the Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Safety regulators said the issue involves the second-row seat-back mechanism. In some vehicles, the seat backs may fail to lock securely when adjusted, which could increase the likelihood of passenger injury during an accident.

To fix the problem, Toyota dealers will replace the return springs in the seat-back recliner assemblies free of charge for vehicle owners.

The recall is part of ongoing safety monitoring by U.S. regulators, who require automakers to address defects that could pose risks to drivers and passengers. Toyota said affected owners will be notified and advised to bring their vehicles to authorised dealerships for repairs.