Toyota has recently announced a recall affecting 167,802 Sienna minivans due to a potential safety concern involving the third-row seat assemblies. Specifically, it appears that a number of bolts that are crucial in securing these seats may not have been properly tightened during the manufacturing process. This recall impacts models from 2021 through 2025, covering all versions of the current-generation Sienna, which underwent its first significant redesign in a decade with the 2021 model.
The 2021 Sienna was quite a departure from its predecessors; it introduced a standard hybrid powertrain, making it more eco-friendly, while sporting a fresh, expressive design that quickly garnered attention. In fact, it was featured as a nominee for one of The Car Connection’s Best Cars to Buy in 2021, reflecting the high hopes and expectations surrounding this minivan as a family-friendly vehicle.
However, Toyota’s excitement about the Sienna’s redesign has been tempered by a manufacturing error linked to a specific supplier’s production site. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was an oversight resulting in the third-row seat bolts not being torqued correctly. These bolts play a critical role because they connect the backrests of the third-row 60/40 split-folding seats to recliner plates on either side. If these bolts are loose, the seats may fail to perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to passengers. That’s a situation no family wants to be in.
Fortunately, Toyota believes that only about 1% of the affected vehicles may actually have this problem, which was identified during a routine inspection at one of their production facilities. It’s worth noting that this kind of oversight, while not ideal, can happen in the complex world of manufacturing, where countless parts must come together precisely.
For those affected, Toyota is taking steps to address the issue without any financial burden on the owners. Dealers will be providing services to tighten the third-row seat-back bolts at no cost. If you’ve already incurred expenses related to this matter, you will be eligible for reimbursement. Starting March 31, Toyota will begin sending notifications to owners, ensuring that everyone is kept well-informed. Should you have any questions or need assistance, their customer service department can be reached at 1-800-331-4331. When contacting them, you may want to reference the recall number 25TA05 for quicker service.
It’s understandable to feel a mix of emotions upon receiving news of a vehicle recall—concern for safety, frustration at the inconvenience, and perhaps relief knowing that Toyota is taking responsibility. Remember, staying in touch with the manufacturer and keeping an eye on any communications can make this process much more seamless for you and your family. Protecting your loved ones on the road is the top priority, after all.
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