Al-Futtaim Motors and the UAE authorities have announced a recall affecting 1,983 Toyota Highlander SUVs because of a potential issue with the second-row seat recliner mechanism. The concern is that a seatback may not remain securely locked in its intended position, which could increase the chance of injury if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Owners should not assume every Highlander is included. Recall eligibility is normally determined by the vehicle identification number, or VIN, so the most useful next step is to confirm the status of the individual vehicle with Al-Futtaim Motors or through an official Toyota recall channel.
What Al-Futtaim Motors and the UAE announced on October 11, 2026
On October 11, 2026, Al-Futtaim Motors announced a safety recall for selected Toyota Highlander SUVs in the UAE. The campaign is being coordinated with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, which oversees product safety and recall notifications in the country.
The recall relates to the Highlander’s second-row seatback recliner assembly. Affected owners are expected to be contacted through available registration details, but motorists should still check their vehicle proactively, particularly if they bought the SUV used or changed their contact information after purchase.
| Recall detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Toyota Highlander |
| Vehicles affected in the UAE | 1,983 SUVs |
| Issue area | Second-row seat recliner mechanism |
| Potential risk | Seatback may not remain securely locked during a crash |
| Recall coordinator | Al-Futtaim Motors, with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism |
Which Toyota Highlander models and model years are affected?
The campaign applies to selected Toyota Highlander vehicles sold or registered in the UAE, with the final list determined by VIN. A recall can cover only a specific production range, even when vehicles of the same model year look identical or share the same trim level.
Owners should use the VIN rather than relying only on registration year, trim badge, engine type, or date of purchase. The VIN is a 17-character identifier found on the registration card and commonly visible through the lower corner of the windscreen on the driver’s side.
Is my Highlander affected by this recall?
Your Highlander may be affected if its VIN falls within the production range identified by Toyota and the local distributor. The fastest route is to contact an authorised Al-Futtaim Toyota service centre with the VIN, or check an official recall lookup service where available.
- Have the 17-character VIN ready before calling or booking online.
- Confirm that the check covers open safety campaigns, not only routine service requirements.
- Ask whether parts are available and how long the repair appointment is expected to take.
- Keep any recall reference number provided by the service adviser.
What caused the second-row seat recliner defect?
The issue concerns the mechanism that allows the second-row seatback to recline and then lock into position. In normal operation, the recliner must hold the seatback firmly so that it can support an occupant and work correctly with the vehicle’s seat belts and restraint systems.
If the relevant components do not engage or retain the seatback as intended, the seatback could move unexpectedly under heavy force. The recall inspection and repair are intended to confirm that the mechanism operates correctly and, where necessary, replace or correct the affected parts.
Owners should avoid attempting a home repair, lubricating internal seat hardware, or dismantling the seat assembly. Modern seat structures can include wiring, sensors and restraint-related components that should be handled by trained technicians.
Why an unsecured seatback raises injury risk in a crash
A seatback is an important part of the occupant restraint system, not simply a comfort feature. During sudden braking or a collision, it helps keep the passenger in the correct seating position so the seat belt can manage loads across the body as designed.
If a rear seatback reclines or folds unexpectedly, the occupant may move out of position. This can reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury to the passenger, particularly in a frontal impact or when there are other occupants seated behind them.
- The passenger may slide or move forward more than expected.
- The seat belt may not sit across the body in its intended position.
- The seatback may provide less support during a collision.
- Items stored behind the second row could shift differently if the seatback moves.
The risk does not necessarily mean a problem will be visible during everyday driving. A recliner mechanism can appear to work normally when adjusted by hand but still require inspection because the concern relates to how it performs under crash-level loads.
How Al-Futtaim Motors is coordinating with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism
Vehicle recalls in the UAE generally involve the manufacturer’s local distributor working with the relevant government authority to notify customers, arrange repairs and document completion of the safety campaign. In this case, Al-Futtaim Motors is handling the customer-facing inspection and repair process for affected Toyota Highlanders.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism plays a role in consumer safety oversight and public recall communication. This coordination helps ensure that affected vehicles can be identified, owners can be contacted where possible, and the remedy is provided through authorised service facilities.
Safety recall work is normally carried out without charge to the owner. Owners should nevertheless confirm the appointment details with their chosen Toyota service centre, especially if the vehicle was imported, bought pre-owned, or has incomplete local service records.
What Toyota Highlander owners should do next
Owners should arrange a VIN check as soon as practical, even if their Highlander’s second-row seat appears normal. A safety recall is preventive action, and completing it promptly is the best way to ensure the vehicle has received the manufacturer-approved remedy.
Steps to take before your service appointment
- Locate the VIN on the registration card or vehicle.
- Contact Al-Futtaim Motors or an authorised Toyota service centre.
- Ask whether the recall applies to your specific Highlander.
- Book the recommended inspection or repair if the vehicle is included.
- Remove personal items from the second-row seating area before the appointment.
- Retain the job card or service invoice showing that the recall was completed.
Until the vehicle is checked, make sure the second-row seatbacks are returned to an upright position and appear fully latched after they are adjusted. If a seatback feels loose, will not lock, moves unexpectedly, or makes unusual noises when reclined, contact Toyota service support promptly and avoid carrying passengers in that seating position until professional advice is obtained.
How to check if your Highlander is part of the recall
A VIN check is more reliable than searching by model name online because recalls are tied to specific vehicle production details. Your Toyota dealer can confirm whether there is an open campaign against the vehicle and explain the next steps.
When speaking with a service adviser, provide the full VIN exactly as shown on the registration card. It is also helpful to mention if the vehicle was purchased outside the UAE, as eligibility and repair arrangements for imported vehicles may need separate confirmation.
Where can I find the VIN on a Toyota Highlander?
The VIN is usually printed on the UAE registration card and can commonly be seen through the windscreen at the base of the dashboard on the driver’s side. It may also appear on the driver-side door frame label. Make sure the number is copied accurately, as one incorrect character can prevent a proper recall check.
Key takeaways for Toyota Highlander owners in the UAE
The recall affects 1,983 Toyota Highlander SUVs in the UAE and concerns the second-row seatback recliner mechanism. The possible safety issue is linked to the seatback not remaining securely locked under collision forces.
- Check recall status by VIN, not by model year or trim level alone.
- Book an inspection promptly if Al-Futtaim Motors confirms that the vehicle is included.
- Recall repairs are generally provided at no cost to the owner.
- Do not attempt to repair or dismantle the seat recliner mechanism yourself.
- Keep proof that the recall work was completed, which can also be useful when selling the vehicle.
People Also Ask
Is the Toyota Highlander recall repair free in the UAE?
Safety recall repairs are generally completed free of charge for affected vehicles. Confirm the details and appointment availability with an authorised Al-Futtaim Toyota service centre.
Can I drive my Toyota Highlander before the recall repair?
Owners should follow the guidance provided by Toyota or Al-Futtaim Motors. If the second-row seatback feels loose, fails to latch or moves unexpectedly, avoid using that seating position and seek service advice promptly.
How long does a Toyota recall repair take?
Repair time depends on the inspection findings, workshop workload and parts availability. The service centre can provide the most accurate estimate when the appointment is booked.
Will a recall affect the resale value of my Toyota Highlander?
Completing an official safety recall is usually preferable when selling a vehicle because it shows that the required manufacturer repair has been carried out. Keep the service record or job card as proof.
What should I do if I bought my Highlander used?
Contact an authorised Toyota service centre with the vehicle VIN and ask for an open recall check. Recall eligibility is linked to the vehicle, not necessarily to the original owner.
