Introduction to the Recall Situation
The rollout of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and its luxury counterpart, the Lexus TX, initially marked a promising start for both brands. These three-row SUVs quickly garnered popularity, becoming bestsellers upon launch. However, a crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in May revealed a critical issue, leading to a halt in production and sales due to airbag failures.
Understanding the NHTSA Findings
The NHTSA’s random crash test of the Toyota Grand Highlander raised significant safety concerns, especially regarding occupant protection. During testing, it was found that with the driver’s window rolled down, the curtain airbag did not remain within the vehicle, thereby failing to provide adequate safety. This unexpected outcome prompted Toyota to issue a recall of all Grand Highlander and Lexus TX models sold, affecting around 158,000 vehicles.
Measures Taken to Ensure Safety
In response to the safety concerns, Toyota swiftly redesigned the anchoring system for the airbags, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Subsequent crash tests have yielded satisfactory results, validating the effectiveness of the redesign. With repairs scheduled to begin in October and sales set to resume shortly thereafter, both the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX are expected to return to the market confidently, restoring the trust of consumers and dealers alike.
