Toyota Side Curtain Airbag Problems Result in Recall of 145K Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUVs

Owners of 2024 Toyota Highlander and Lexus TX vehicles are being notified about a risk that defective side curtain air bags may not deploy in an accident.

Toyota indicates that more than 145,000 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUVs from the 2024 model year are being recalled, due to a risk that the side curtain airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries for occupants.

The Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX recall was announced on June 20, after the manufacturer acknowledged that the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) fail to meet federal safety standards, since the side airbag may fail when the driver’s window is rolled down.

Side curtain airbags are engineered to safeguard passengers’ heads in the event of an accident, by deploying along the windows, effectively preventing direct contact with both the interior of the vehicle and any external objects. This vital cushioning significantly lowers the risk of head, neck, and upper body injuries.

Moreover, in the event of rollover accidents, these airbags are crucial for keeping occupants inside the vehicle, dramatically reducing the chances of severe injuries or fatalities. By unfolding from the roofline above the windows, side curtain airbags help distribute the force of the impact over a broader area to enhance passenger safety during an accident.

Toyota Highlander Airbag Failure Report

While Toyota has not confirmed whether the defective airbags have been linked to any specific injuries, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates there have been multiple complaints reported among owners of the impacted models, with one of the most recent 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander air bag deployment failures in May 2024.

“I was just recently in an accident where I was T-boned by another driver. My side air bags did not deploy. There is structural damage…this wasn’t a light tap on my car”, said a Valley Springs, California SUV owner who was reportedly injured in the accident.

Toyota indicates that it is currently working on a solution to address the airbag deployment issue, and that owners will not receive notification about whether their vehicle is impacted by the recall until August 2024.

In the interim, owners of Toyota vehicles with concerns are being encouraged to contact Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331. Similarly, Lexus vehicle owners are encouraged to reach out to the Lexus Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-255-3987 for further information.