Recall 08V-181: 2008 Toyota Highlander, 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. recall for seat belts, reported to NHTSA on Apr 18, 2008, covering about 90,189 vehicles.
The problem
Toyota is recalling 90,189 my 2008 highlander and highlander hybrid passenger vehicles equipped with a third row seat. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the non-driver designated seating positions (Dsp) on these vehicles is equipped with seat belt assemblies that have a feature that converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (Elr) to an automatic locking retractor (Alr). The belts convert to the alr mode after the webbing has been fully withdrawn from the retractor. The system is designed so that as the belt is released into the retractor, the system remains in the alr mode so that a child restraint system (Crs) can be tightly secured.
The risk
However, for the two third row dsp's on these vehicles, the alr mode deactivates before the webbing is fully retracted, so that it will not lock when certain rear-facing crs's that have a short seat belt routing path are installed in the vehicle. This can allow the seat belt webbing to spool out during normal driving maneuvers, which could affect the stability of a child restraint installed at those seating positions. As such, this could discourage the use of a child restraint and in the event of a crash, the child may not be adequately protected possibly resulting in injury.
The fix
Dealers will install a newly designed seat belt component free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about december 18, 2008. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Notes
Toyota recall no. 80d.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
|---|---|
| Component | Seat Belts › Rear/Other |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 08V181000 |
Vehicles in this recall
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 08V-181?
Toyota is recalling 90,189 my 2008 highlander and highlander hybrid passenger vehicles equipped with a third row seat. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the non-driver designated seating positions (Dsp) on these vehicles is equipped with seat belt assemblies that have a feature that converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (Elr) to an automatic locking retractor (Alr). The belts convert to the alr mode after the webbing has been fully withdrawn from the retractor. The system is designed so that as the belt is released into the retractor, the system remains in the alr mode so that a child restraint system (Crs) can be tightly secured.
How is recall 08V-181 fixed?
Dealers will install a newly designed seat belt component free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about december 18, 2008. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.