Toyota announces safety recall of certain Sienna vehicles after discovering a seatback issue that could pose a serious risk to passengers during a crash. Thus, if you own a 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, there is a high chance that your minivan is affected, and you should check immediately to confirm.
According to Toyota, more than 167,000 Sienna vans in the U.S. may have loose bolts in the third-row seatbacks. While this may seem like nothing to many, it could cause the seat to fail in a collision. It is especially dangerous if you use the back rows of your Sienna often.
“No one expects the safest seat in the car to be the riskiest,” said Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, in a safety bulletin on recent recalls.
Here we will explore exactly what is going on in this open safety recall, how you can find out if your van is among the affected models, and what the next steps are.
Reason Why Toyota Announces Safety Recall of Certain Sienna Vehicles
The biggest reason for Toyota‘s recent recall of certain Sienna vehicles is that some third-row seatbacks were not being properly secured during the assembly. Specifically, the bolts that are supposed to hold the seatbacks to their recliner mechanisms might not have been tightened to the correct torque setting at the factory.
The loose nuts and bolts might not sound like much of an issue to many, but honestly, it is a serious safety concern. Please understand that if the bolts are not secured tightly enough, the seat could shift or collapse under the force.
And if, unfortunately, you are in a collision, that could cause additional injuries to people riding in the third row. For owners or families who use the rear-most row of their Sienna regularly, especially the ones with kids, the risk is real, and they need to act fast.
This issue violates several key U.S. federal safety standards, including:
- FMVSS 202a: Head restraints
- FMVSS 207: Seating systems
- FMVSS 225: Child restraint anchorage systems
These technical terms are the government’s way of making sure your car’s seats are built to protect you, not harm you.
According to Toyota’s official statement, the problem was discovered during internal quality checks and confirmed by follow-up investigations. Once the problem was identified, the recall action for 167,802 U.S. vehicles was initiated.
So far, no injuries have been reported due to this manufacturing problem. But Toyota has stated that it is acting out of an abundance of caution. This is a move that automotive industry experts like David Friedman, former NHTSA administrator, say reflects a responsible safety culture. “Early action on seat integrity recalls is critical,” he told Automotive News in a similar 2024 case.
Vehicles Affected by the Recall
This latest safety recall of Toyota affects approximately 167,802 Sienna Hybrid minivans manufactured between 2021 and 2025. All of these vehicles were sold in the United States. However, the company may also recall similar models in Canada and other regions.
Toyota has confirmed explicitly that only the hybrid variants of the Sienna lineup are included in this recall. So, if you own a non-hybrid model or a Sienna built before the 2021 model year, you can exhale a sigh of relief. However, to clear the air, Motor Craz recommends double-checking.
Here’s a quick summary of the affected vehicles:
- Model: Toyota Sienna Hybrid
- Model Years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Estimated U.S. Vehicles Recalled: 167,802
- Recall Reference Numbers:
- Toyota Campaign Number: 25TA05
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-086
As per industry standards, this one is a large recall. Typically, whenever an automaker in the U.S. has issued a seat-related recall, it has always affected fewer than 50,000 vehicles. Thus, the fact that over 167,000 Siennas are recalled, you can imagine just how widespread this assembly issue might be.
Toyota’s Official Response on Sienna Recall and Next Steps
Once the issue was found, Toyota initiated the recall by filing a Noncompliance Information Report (NCIR) with NHTSA on February 13, 2025. Toyota then proceeded by launching a nationwide service campaign to inspect and fix the affected seatback bolts for free. The automaker also began alerting vehicle owners through both digital and physical notifications.
Here’s what Toyota has done so far:
- In March 2025, the in-vehicle alerts began appearing on infotainment systems in affected Siennas.
- In April 2025, physical recall letters were mailed out to registered owners.
- Toyota dealers have been instructed to perform inspections and tighten the bolts to the correct torque specification.
In an official statement, Toyota said:
“Toyota is conducting a noncompliance safety recall. Bolts connecting the split 60/40 third‑row seat backs to the recliner assemblies may not have been tightened to specification. Dealers will tighten these bolts free of charge.”
Also, the Toyota recall check is free and does not require any part replacement. While this is good news, it is still a critical fix that every Sienna owner must get done on their vehicle to ensure their safety.
The Japanese car brand has also stated that if you have already had this issue fixed at your own expense before the recall was issued, you will get reimbursed. Toyota is offering several reimbursement options, whose details will be included in your recall letter, or you can confirm directly with your dealership.
Also Read: Top Vehicle Recalls by Manufacturer in 5 Years In the US
Consumer & Industry Experts’ Reactions
Car owners across the country are really impressed and appreciative of the fast action. As a Toyota fanatic myself, I am proud of Toyota taking swift action, even if the issue does not seem that big to many. This shows they take their safety obligations seriously.
According to Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, “A quick, transparent recall response is the best-case scenario for owners, especially when the defect could impact child passengers.”
Toyota is doing its part seriously. And people are urging Sienna buyers to take the recall seriously and take action as soon as possible.
How to Check If Your Sienna Is Affected
To find out if your beloved family car is part of the latest Toyota recall, you will need to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Toyota’s or NHTSA’s online tools. Both of these tools are free, fast, and will provide the latest, updated information.
Locate your VIN
Start by finding your VIN, a 17-character code unique to your vehicle. Generally, it is on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb. You can also refer to your vehicle registration or insurance card to find it.
Search the VIN
You can either use NHTSA Recall Search or visit the Toyota recall website to check if your Sienna is affected. If your Sienna is part of the recall, instructions will be provided for next steps.
Call a Toyota Dealership
If you are unsure about the accuracy of the online tools, you can call a Toyota dealership. They can look up your VIN and confirm your recall status over the phone. I would also like to point out that if the infotainment system of your Sienna is displaying a recall notice, it is highly likely that your minivan is affected. But still, I recommend verifying from trusted sources before coming to any conclusions.
Furthermore, if you want to ensure the complete safety of your loved ones while driving, I recommend checking your VIN regularly. It is a good safety habit. Vehicle recalls can happen at any time. Thus, if you stay informed, it helps you keep your passengers protected.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
If your Toyota Sienna minivan is part of the recall, the next step is to schedule a free repair appointment with your nearest Toyota dealership. The fix involves inspecting and properly tightening the third-row seatback bolts. The best part is that it will take less than 30 minutes.
Start by calling or booking online with your local Toyota dealership. Tell them your Sienna is under recall 25TA05 (NHTSA Recall 25V-086). Once they schedule your visit, take your ride to them. They will thoroughly inspect it, and if required, tighten the seatback bolts to the correct factory torque spec. The repair does not need any part replacement and is completely free.
And if you are among the Sienna owners who had already fixed this issue out of pocket before the recall hit American states, Toyota may compensate you. You will have to provide service receipts to the dealership or follow instructions in your recall letter.
“It was quick and easy,” said Leo D., a 2022 Sienna Hybrid owner from Texas who had the recall service done in early April. “They even washed the van before giving it back. I was out in under an hour.”
Get a Repair Confirmation
Once the dealership is done with the fix, they will note the repair in Toyota’s system. You will also get documentation showing the work was done. This repair documentation will come in handy for your future resale or insurance purposes. So, ensure you get it. If somehow the dealership did not offer it upfront, ask for it. They can not deny.
Why Is This Recall Different?
This particular recall is different because it affects something that most American families use every day, a minivan and its third row seat. Unlike engine software or sensor issues, this problem involves a part of the car that riders trust to keep them safe in the event of a crash.
What makes it stand out even more is the large number of vehicles involved, over 167,000 in the U.S. alone, spanning from 2021 to 2025 production years. This is a wide span that can not be ignored for being small or minute.
This recall also stands out because:
- It affects a family-focused vehicle known for its safety
- The issue is tied to seat strength and crash protection
- Toyota responded quickly with alerts and free repairs
The fix is quite simple and will not take much of your time. However, it threatens the safety of kids, which is serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep driving my Sienna?
Toyota has not issued a stop driving order for Sienna models. However, the automaker has urged its customers to get the recall repair done as soon as possible.
Why did Toyota wait until 2025 to discover the issue?
Toyota did not wait. The issue was only recently discovered during their routine quality checks. The company first initiated an internal investigation and voluntary recall filing in early 2025. Once the problem was confirmed, Toyota reported it to NHTSA and the recall was made public.
Will the recall affect the resale value or warranty of my Sienna?
Getting the repair done will not hurt the resale value or warranty of your Sienna. In fact, completing the repair will help in maintaining both. Buyers in the pre-owned car market often prefer a vehicle that is properly serviced, especially for safety-related recalls like this.
How often does Toyota do seat-related recalls?
Toyota is known for its strong safety engineering; thus, seat-related recalls are rare for the company. However, when they do occur, the company always acts fast. This early communication has helped the company keep its reputation for reliability intact.
Can aftermarket shops tighten the bolts?
No, only the authorized Toyota dealerships can perform the recall repair. This is to ensure that the seatback bolts are fixed to exact factory specifications and that the repair is documented in Toyota’s official service records.
Conclusion
Toyota announces a safety recall of certain Sienna vehicles because safety is non-negotiable. If you drive a 2021–2025 Sienna Hybrid, you need to act fast.
A loose seatback bolt may not sound serious enough for you to worry, but in a crash, it could fail, and that is not a risk worth taking. Toyota is offering a quick and free fix. Just check your VIN and then proceed accordingly.
Call your Toyota dealer today and get this Toyota recall issue fixed before it is too late.
