The Toyota Sienna Hybrid recall affects 228,367 seven-seat minivans over a potentially dangerous second-row seat defect that could cause seatbacks to become unsecured during a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the recall, identified as 26V690, covers vehicles manufactured between September 16, 2021, and July 20, 2026, across model years 2022-2026. The affected vehicles are limited to specific minivans equipped with seatbelt pretensioners from a particular supplier.
Why Toyota Recalled the Sienna Hybrid
According to the NHTSA recall report, the affected vehicles use integrated seatbelts with pretensioners designed to retract quickly during high-speed frontal crashes to secure passengers. The seatbelt systems also feature an outboard recliner mechanism that uses interlocking teeth to keep the belt secured.
When the pretensioner deploys, it can create oscillation between the cam and pawls inside the recliner mechanism. Under certain conditions, including variations in crash type, seatback position and pretensioner deployment timing, this movement can allow the cam to rotate.
If the cam rotates in this way, the recliner mechanism can disengage from its locked position, potentially preventing the seatback from remaining secured during a crash.
Although the issue affects multiple model years, Toyota discovered the problem last year during testing aimed at improving future seat designs.
How Toyota Discovered the Seatback Defect
From January to November 2025, Toyota conducted sled testing using a modified seatbelt and second-row seat assembly to evaluate potential improvements for future seats. During certain tests, the automaker observed that the rear seatback’s outboard recliner mechanism could disengage.
The discovery prompted an investigation that ran from December 2025 to August of this year. Additional sled testing revealed that internal friction affected the recliner mechanism, leading Toyota to conduct further tests and begin field recoveries to evaluate second-row seat assemblies in Sienna minivans already in everyday use.
During September and October, Toyota conducted crash tests to validate the sled-testing results. Those tests confirmed the issue and led the automaker to begin the process of initiating a voluntary recall.
What Toyota Sienna Hybrid Owners Need to Know
Dealers have already been notified of the Toyota Sienna recall, but owners will not receive information about the remedy until December. Once the repair process is ready, affected vehicles must be taken to a dealership for assessment.
Most recalled minivans will require only an updated software file for the SRS ECU, which is intended to improve control of the seatbelt pretensioner.
However, approximately 200 Toyota Sienna Hybrid minivans from model years 2022-2025 will require replacement of both second-row seatbacks. These vehicles will receive new components equipped with a different recliner mechanism.
Regardless of which repair is required, owners must visit a dealership to have the necessary work completed. Toyota will perform the recall remedy at no cost to vehicle owners.
