Toyota Sienna Seat Back Recall: What Owners Should Do and How to Check Your VIN

The short answer

Toyota is recalling 228,367 Sienna Hybrid 7-passenger vans from the 2022 to 2026 model years because the second-row seat backs may not stay secured in a crash. Toyota dealers will update the restraint system software, or replace the seat backs on vans with the Mobility as a Service package, at no charge. Letters are expected to go out December 7, 2026. You can look up your van by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, though NHTSA says very recent recalls may take time to appear.

On October 20, 2026, NHTSA, the federal vehicle safety agency, received Toyota's recall report covering 228,367 Sienna Hybrid vans, because the second-row seat backs may not stay secured in a crash. If there's a late-model Sienna in your driveway, the short version is that Toyota dealers will fix it at no charge, and there's one thing worth doing today: look up your VIN. Here's what's covered and how to check.

Which Toyota Siennas are being recalled?

NHTSA's recall record lists certain 2022 to 2026 Sienna Hybrid 7-passenger vans, under recall number 26V690000. Toyota's own numbers for it are 26TB24 and 26TA24. Consumer Reports says the covered vans were built from September 16, 2021, to July 20, 2026.

The record doesn't list 8-passenger versions or model years before 2022. Those vans could still have a different open recall, so run the VIN search on them too.

What is actually wrong with the seat?

NHTSA says the second-row seat backs may fail to remain secured in a crash, and a seat back that isn't secured may not properly protect the person sitting in it, increasing the risk of injury. Reuters reports the concern is certain frontal crashes, where force could pull the seat back out of its locked position.

Consumer Reports explains the link: the seat belt pretensioners, which tighten the belts in a crash, can interact with crash forces and disengage the recline mechanism. It also says Toyota found this in its own testing and told NHTSA it isn't aware of any warranty claims or field reports.

NHTSA's record doesn't list any warning sign, so a seat that feels solid doesn't tell you anything either way.

What is the fix, and who does it?

Toyota dealers do the work, at no charge. NHTSA lists two versions:

• Standard vans: a software update to the supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit, the computer that runs the airbags and belt pretensioners.
• Vans with the Mobility as a Service package: both second-row seat backs get replaced. Consumer Reports describes a new recliner mechanism for some wheelchair vans, so if yours is one, confirm the fix with Toyota.

NHTSA says owner letters are expected to be mailed December 7, 2026. You don't have to wait for the letter to look up your van, but call the dealer before you book and ask whether the repair is ready for your VIN.

Should I stop driving my Sienna or using the second row?

NHTSA's record for this recall doesn't carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning, and we didn't find Toyota or NHTSA telling owners to stop using the seats. That isn't the same as no risk: NHTSA says an unsecured seat back raises the risk of injury in a crash, and it tells owners to follow any interim guidance from the manufacturer. For an answer about your own van and passengers, call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

How do I check my car for recalls by VIN?

It's quick, and it works for any car, not just a Sienna.

1. Find your 17-character VIN. NHTSA says to look at the lower left of the windshield. It's also on your registration card and may be on your insurance card.
2. Enter the VIN or your license plate at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3. If a recall shows up, call a dealer for your brand to schedule it.

A few limits, per NHTSA. The search won't show a recall that's already been repaired, and it leaves out recalls more than 15 years old, unless the manufacturer offers more coverage. It also may not show some recently announced recalls, because VINs are still being added. If your Sienna is a 2022 to 2026 7-passenger Hybrid and shows nothing, check again later or call Toyota. NHTSA's SaferCar app can also alert you when a new recall matches your vehicle.

Check every car in the household, and check before you buy a used one. One repair doesn't clear everything, either. Toyota recalled about 55,000 2025 Siennas in October 2025 over second-row seat rail welds, which is a different problem.

What if the dealer says no or I never get a letter?

NHTSA's owner guide says that if a dealer refuses a recall repair, you should notify the manufacturer right away. If no letter arrives and you think your vehicle is affected, contact the manufacturer or a dealer, or check the NHTSA site. NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline is 888-327-4236.

When to bring it in

For this recall, go to a Toyota dealer. We aren't one, and recall repairs aren't work we can do for you.

Regular maintenance on the van, like oil changes and brakes, is work our shop does, and you get a written estimate before any work starts. If a warning light comes on, including the airbag light, don't assume it's about this recall. Get it checked, and see our guide to dashboard warning lights for which ones mean soon and which mean pull over. Call us at (951) 445-8055 with questions, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

Common questions

Which Toyota Siennas are in the seat back recall?

NHTSA lists certain 2022 to 2026 Sienna Hybrid 7-passenger vans, recall number 26V690000. Consumer Reports gives the build dates as September 16, 2021, to July 20, 2026. A search with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls is the place to check, though NHTSA says very recent recalls may take time to appear.

Do I have to stop driving my Sienna?

NHTSA's record for this recall doesn't carry a do-not-drive warning or a park-outside warning, but it does say an unsecured seat back increases the risk of injury in a crash. If you want advice for your specific van, including who sits in the second row until it's fixed, call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Do I have to pay for the recall repair?

No. NHTSA's record says the repair will be done at no charge. If a dealer won't do a recall repair, NHTSA says to notify the manufacturer right away.

Can an independent shop do the Sienna recall?

The recall work goes through Toyota dealers. We aren't a Toyota dealer, so we'd send you to one for this repair.

I bought my Sienna used. Am I still covered?

The recall follows the van, so check the VIN no matter who bought it first. NHTSA says dealer agreements generally require recall repairs regardless of where the vehicle was bought. If you don't get a letter and think your van is affected, contact Toyota or a dealer.

Sources

• NHTSA, Recall 26V690000 record (Toyota Sienna Hybrid)
• NHTSA, Check for Recalls
• NHTSA, Motor Vehicle Safety Defects and Recalls, What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know
• Consumer Reports, Toyota Sienna Minivans Recalled to Fix Second-Row Seats
• Reuters via Claims Journal, Toyota Recalling 228,000 US Vehicles Over Unsecured Seat Back Risk
• Toyota, Safety recall on certain 2025 Sienna vehicles (October 7, 2025)