Toyota Recalls 1.2 Million RAV4 SUVs Over Seat Weld Defect

Toyota Recalls 1.2 Million RAV4 SUVs Over Seat Weld Defect...

Toyota has issued a recall for approximately 1.2 million RAV4 SUVs in the U.S. due to a potential seat weld defect that could compromise safety in a crash. The recall affects 20132018 model years and follows reports of faulty welds in the front seat frames.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Monday after identifying the issue during routine testing. Toyota dealers will inspect and reinforce the welds free of charge, with notifications being sent to owners starting May 15, 2026.

This recall is trending today as it impacts one of America's most popular SUVs, with over 400,000 RAV4s sold annually during the affected years. No injuries have been reported, but the defect could increase risk in collisions if left unrepaired.

Owners can check Toyota's recall website or the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to see if their vehicle is included. The repair process takes approximately two hours per vehicle, according to Toyota's statement to regulators.

The automaker emphasized that the recall is precautionary, but safety advocates urge prompt attention. This marks Toyota's third major recall this year, following earlier actions involving airbag and braking systems in other models.