Major Recalls Announced Amid Rising Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. — Automotive giants Toyota and Hyundai are initiating separate but significant recalls affecting a combined total of over 1.1 million vehicles across the United States. The U.S. auto safety regulators announced Thursday that these recalls address critical defects ranging from malfunctioning instrument panel displays in Toyota models to potentially failing seat belt buckles in Hyundai SUVs, posing substantial safety risks to drivers and passengers.
Toyota Addresses Instrument Panel Failures in Nearly 600,000 Vehicles
Toyota is recalling 591,377 vehicles due to a software flaw that can lead to the instrument panel display failing to illuminate. This malfunction is severe as it prevents drivers from seeing vital information, including vehicle speed, critical brake system warnings, and tire pressure alerts. Such a loss of essential data could significantly increase the risk of a crash and potential injury.
The extensive list of affected Toyota and Lexus models includes:
- Toyota: 2023-2024 Venza, RAV 4 Prime, RAV 4, GR Corolla, and Crown; 2024-2025 Tacoma and Grand Highlander; and 2025 Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 plug-in hybrid, and 4Runner.
- Lexus: 2024-2025 TX and LS; and 2025 RX.
Toyota dealers will provide the necessary remedies free of charge. For non-plug-in hybrid vehicles, the instrument panel software will be updated. For plug-in hybrid models, dealers will either replace the entire panel display or update its software. Owners can contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331, referencing recall numbers 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus owners should use numbers 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Hyundai Recalls Over Half a Million Palisades for Seat Belt Latch Issues
Separately, Hyundai is recalling 568,580 Palisade SUVs. The concern stems from the seat belt buckles, which may fail to latch securely, compromising the proper restraint of occupants in the event of a crash and heightening the risk of injury.
Hyundai is urging affected owners to take immediate precautions. Until the vehicles are serviced, passengers should ensure the seat belt is inserted firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, followed by a tug on the belt to confirm it is fully secured. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the faulty seat belt buckle assemblies at no cost to the owner.
Owners of affected Hyundai Palisade SUVs can reach Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. The recall number for this issue is 283. Vehicle owners across both brands are also encouraged to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov to confirm if their specific vehicle is included in these critical recalls.
