Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
An unknown number of the 167,802 recalled Toyota Sienna Hybrid minivans are estimated to contain the loose seatback bolt defect, according to Toyota’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Since the exact percentage is unknown, Toyota has entered “1” as a placeholder in the NHTSA system- estimating that about 1% of all Sienna Hybrid vehicles may have this defect.
The 2025 Toyota Sienna Seatback Bolt Recall affects 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid minivans, covering every model year of the current-generation Sienna.
The issue stems from improperly tightened bolts in the third-row seat assemblies, which could compromise seatback performance and increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Toyota announced this recall shortly after recalling over 106,000 Tacoma trucks for a separate brake-related issue.
The company states that the bolts connecting the split 60/40 third-row seat backs to the recliner assemblies may not have been tightened to specification, which could prevent the seatbacks from performing as intended.
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Which Toyota Sienna Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall applies to specific 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid models across North America, Asia, and other regions.
Toyota’s investigation revealed that some of these bolts were not torqued to specification at a specific supplier’s facility.
As a result, affected vehicles may fail to comply with FMVSS No. 202a (S4.2.7), No. 207 (S4.2a-b/S4.2d/S4.3.2.1), and No. 225 (S6.3). In the event of a crash, an improperly secured seat back may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury to third-row occupants.
If you own a 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, you can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting the Toyota recall website or the NHTSA recall page and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.
In December 2024, a Toyota team member discovered a low-torque bolt on the third-row seat assembly during a routine inspection at a production facility.
Further investigation at the seat supplier found that a bolt torque check could be intermittently bypassed, potentially affecting multiple seat assemblies.
After assessments of the safety impact, Toyota determined on February 6, 2025, that certain vehicles did not meet federal safety standards, prompting the recall.
How Will Toyota Rectify This Issue?
As part of the recall remedy, Toyota dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications at no cost to owners.
Toyota has issued a repair service bulletin with instructions for dealerships on how to complete the fix. The repair process requires standard tools, including:
- 14mm socket or box wrench
- Torque wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Trim removal tools.
\While the repair itself takes about 30 minutes, the actual time at the dealership may vary depending on their schedule. Owners can check if their Toyota Sienna Hybrid is part of this recall by visiting the Toyota recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall page.
The NHTSA website also provides official recall documentation, including affected production dates, safety risk details, and repair procedures.
Toyota plans to mail notification letters to affected owners by April 2025. Auto companies like Toyota obtain mailing information through an industry provider that works with state DMVs to access vehicle registration and title records.
Owners should ensure their registration details are up to date to receive recall notifications. For additional questions, the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is available at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) with NHTSA campaign recall number 25V-086.
Drivers can also contact Toyota’s Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
What Should I Do Next?
If you own a 2021-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your Vehicle: Visit the Toyota recall website or the NHTSA recall page and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate to confirm if your vehicle is affected.
- Watch for a Notification: Toyota plans to mail official recall notices to affected owners by mid-April 2025. Be sure to check your mail for updates.
- Schedule a Repair: Once you receive a notification, contact your local Toyota dealership to arrange a repair. The dealer will inspect and properly tighten the bolts on the third-row seat assembly at no cost to you.
- Get Assistance if Needed: If you have any concerns, or if you experience ongoing issues with your vehicle that are not resolved by the recall, it may be a good idea to explore your options under California Lemon Law. For more information or to get assistance, reach out to a Lemon Law attorney in your area to discuss your rights.
Taking action as soon as possible will help ensure your vehicle is safe, compliant with the recall, and give you peace of mind if you experience persistent issues.
Work with Experts in the Lemon Law!
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, particularly related to the third-row seat back bolts or any other defects covered by the recall and haven’t received a satisfactory resolution from the dealership or manufacturer, it may be time to explore your legal options.
A qualified Lemon Law attorney can help you determine if you’re entitled to a vehicle replacement or refund under California Lemon Law.
At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of automotive defects and recalls.
Since 2009, we’ve been guiding individuals through their legal rights and finding effective solutions for repeat issues with their vehicles.
With a proven track record in Lemon Law cases involving defective vehicles, our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for you.
If your 2025 Toyota Sienna is impacted by the recall and you’re facing persistent problems, we can provide expert guidance and help you understand your options to help ensure you get the best resolution possible- contact our team today.
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Manufacturer Communication for Recall 25V-086. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCRIT-25V086-3967.pdf.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recall Report 25V-086. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V086-6622.PDF.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Miscellaneous Document for Recall 25V-086. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RMISC-25V086-3600.pdf.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recall Notification Letter 25V-086. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCMN-25V086-3093.pdf.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recall Notification Letter 25V-086 (Additional). https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCMN-25V086-7851.pdf.
Toyota USA. Toyota Recalls Certain 2021-2025MY Toyota Sienna Minivans. https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-recalls-certain-2021-2025my-toyota-sienna-minivans/.
