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Toyota Motor North America has developed a solution to resolve the airbag issue that caused a stop-sale of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX models. The problem, which led to a recall of over 158,000 vehicles, was identified during a routine audit by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and affected both SUVs, prompting Toyota to halt sales and production. With a fix now in place, the automaker is preparing to resume production and notify owners of the affected vehicles for repairs.
History Behind the Recall
The recall saga began in May 2024 when the NHTSA conducted a crash test on a Toyota Grand Highlander and found a defect in the side curtain airbag. During the test, the front corner of the airbag failed to stay inside the vehicle when the driver’s window was rolled down, raising concerns about occupant safety.
In response, Toyota and Lexus issued an immediate stop-sale and recalled all 2024 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX models, impacting over 154,000 vehicles already in the hands of customers, along with another 4,000 vehicles in dealer inventories.
Toyota engineers worked quickly to understand the issue and determined that the airbag’s anchoring system was the culprit. The brand halted sales in June 2024 while it developed a fix for the problem. Engineers worked closely with suppliers to redesign the anchoring system, ensuring the airbags would remain fully deployed within the cabin, even with the windows rolled down.
Which Models Are Affected?
The following models are affected by the recall and will need to be repaired:
- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- 2024 Lexus TX
Together, these models represent a significant portion of Toyota and Lexus’s sales for the year. Before the recall, Toyota was selling approximately 9,200 Grand Highlanders and 3,500 Lexus TXs per month in the U.S., making them some of the top sellers for their respective brands.
What Owners Need to Do Next
Toyota will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles in October 2024 with instructions to schedule repairs at authorized dealerships. The solution involves replacing the faulty airbag anchoring system, and all repairs will be performed at no cost to owners. Toyota expects the repairs to be completed by the end of October, allowing dealerships to resume sales soon after.
Owners who have questions about the recall or wish to check if their vehicle is affected can contact Toyota or Lexus customer service or use the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN).
How Toyota and Lexus Owners Can Take Back Control
While recalls have been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, just like this—underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.
If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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