Toyota is recalling 617 vehicles from the 2026 model year because forged-aluminum front steering knuckles may fracture after a significant impact, potentially reducing or eliminating steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
New Toyota Recall Involves Front Steering Knuckles
The latest recall, identified as 26V598, involves forged-aluminum front steering knuckles supplied by North Carolina-based Bharat Forge Aluminum USA. One batch of the parts skipped the required aging furnace process, leaving the components prone to fracture under a large impact, such as hitting a pothole or curb.
The issue is similar to an earlier Toyota recall issued this year. Recall 26V437 involved forged-aluminum rear axle carriers used on larger vehicles, including the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX.
Those rear axle carriers were also supplied by Bharat Forge Aluminum USA. Some did not undergo the aging furnace process, leaving their strength below specification and potentially allowing cracks to develop.
Which Vehicles Are Included?
The latest recall covers 617 vehicles produced between June 18 and June 26, 2026. Toyota cannot estimate what percentage of the vehicles contain the defective parts.
The affected vehicles include:
- 196 Lexus RX 350s
- 127 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrids
- 126 Toyota Grand Highlanders
- 83 Lexus RX 350hs
- 61 Lexus TX 350s
- 23 Lexus TX 500hs
- One Lexus RX 500h
Supplier Discovered the Manufacturing Defect
The supplier identified the defect in late June 2026 during a standard quality audit. Toyota was contacted after the affected batch had already been shipped.
Toyota subsequently investigated the issue and decided to issue a voluntary safety recall on September 11. As of September 9, the automaker said it had received no U.S. warranty claims or Field Technical Reports related or potentially related to the problem.
Although the manufacturing lapse occurred at the supplier, Toyota is responsible for ensuring the parts installed in its vehicles meet the required condition. The company’s name appears in the NHTSA recall database, where Ford currently leads by a wide margin.
Toyota and Lexus Dealers Will Replace Defective Parts
Affected owners will be notified between November 2 and November 16, 2026. Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicles and, when necessary, replace the front steering knuckles at no cost to owners.
Toyota Has Issued 24 Recalls This Year
Toyota has issued 24 recalls so far this year, placing it third behind Ford, with 75 recalls, and Stellantis, with 35.
Recent Toyota safety campaigns have included a stability control defect affecting 407 bZ Woodlands and a driver’s display problem involving more than 500,000 Camrys.
