Blog · Recall alert · 2026-10-07
[CRITICAL] RECALL ALERT: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus RX / TX: Front steering knuckle may crack
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Severity: CRITICAL Severity: CRITICAL (red). Why: Toyota told NHTSA that “due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control,” and that “a loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.” (NHTSA campaign 26V598000; NHTSA acknowledgment letter, Sept. 21, 2026). Sudden loss of steering is a CRITICAL crash risk.
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At a glance
Severity: CRITICAL
| Severity | Severity: CRITICAL CRITICAL |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V598000 |
| Manufacturer recall numbers | Toyota 26TA19; Lexus 26LA09 |
| Vehicles | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid; 2026 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid; 2026 Lexus TX350 and TX500 Hybrid |
| Units affected | 617 |
| Risk | Front steering knuckles may crack and break, causing loss of steering control and raising crash risk |
| Remedy | Dealers inspect and replace the front steering knuckles as needed, free of charge |
| Manufacturer report date | September 17, 2026 |
| NHTSA acknowledgment | September 21, 2026 |
| Owner notification | Expected to mail November 2, 2026 |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside | No (neither advisory is marked; `parkIt` and `parkOutSide` are false) |
What happened
On September 17, 2026, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing notified NHTSA of safety recall 26V598 (campaign 26V598000; Toyota 26TA19 / Lexus 26LA09). NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter dated September 21, 2026, and NHTSA’s public recall record say that, because of a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles on certain vehicles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
NHTSA lists the consequence plainly: a loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. About 617 vehicles are potentially involved. The component code on the filing is STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM.
Which vehicles are included
| Make | Model | Model year |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Grand Highlander | 2026 |
| Toyota | Grand Highlander Hybrid | 2026 |
| Lexus | RX350 | 2026 |
| Lexus | RX350 Hybrid | 2026 |
| Lexus | RX500 Hybrid | 2026 |
| Lexus | TX350 | 2026 |
| Lexus | TX500 Hybrid | 2026 |
Only certain vehicles in those lines are included. A VIN check is the way to confirm.
What owners should do now
- Check your VIN at assemblyalert.com/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls for campaign 26V598000.
- Contact a Toyota or Lexus dealer to schedule the free inspection and knuckle replacement if your VIN is listed.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 and mention recall 26TA19 (Toyota) or 26LA09 (Lexus).
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).
Owner notification letters are expected to mail November 2, 2026. You do not need to wait for a letter to check your VIN or call a dealer.
FAQ
Is my Grand Highlander, RX, or TX included?
Only certain 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander / Grand Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX350 / RX350 Hybrid / RX500 Hybrid and TX350 / TX500 Hybrid vehicles are involved. Use a VIN check.
Is it safe to drive?
NHTSA did not mark a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory on this campaign. The stated risk is loss of steering control and a higher crash risk if a knuckle cracks or breaks, so check your VIN and schedule the free inspection if you are included.
What is the free fix?
Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles as necessary, at no charge.
When will I hear from Toyota or Lexus?
Owner letters are expected to mail November 2, 2026. You can check your VIN or call 1-800-331-4331 before the letter arrives.
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Disclaimer
Recall facts here come from NHTSA’s recall API for campaign 26V598000 and NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter to Toyota dated September 21, 2026. Assembly Alert (assemblyalert.com) is operated by Record of Sale, LLC and is not affiliated with NHTSA, Toyota, or Lexus. This page is public safety information only and is not legal advice. Verify your vehicle’s status with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record, campaign 26V598000
- NHTSA campaign page
- NHTSA acknowledgment letter (26V598), Sept. 21, 2026
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