Toyota recalls small number of SUVs over loss-of-control risk

On brand-new Grand Highlander and Lexus TX sport-utes, overly weak rear-axle carriers could break and cause instability

Toyota is recalling a small number of brand-new full-size SUVs in Canada because of a rear-axle problem that could lead to drivers losing control of the vehicle. Specifically, the safety campaign covers some 61 examples of 2026-model-year Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, along with sibling Lexus TX350 and TX500h luxury models. In the U.S., a similar recall has been issued for 5,408 examples of the same models.

On affected vehicles, the rear-axle carriers may have been improperly manufactured, with insufficient material strength; “as a result, the rear knuckle(s) could break and separate at the toe control arm mounting point,” says Transport Canada, and if that happens, the rear of the vehicle can suddenly start getting rather unstable. That instability could, in turn, lead to a loss of vehicle control, and maybe a crash. The automaker’s yet to field any reports of incidents or injuries tied to this problem, but it’s not waiting to find out, mailing owners of affected models in late August and asking them to bring their SUV into the dealership so the rear axle carrier sub-assemblies can be inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Transport Canada calls this recall 2026-330, and Toyota’s internal code is SRC RM8 or SRC RM9. Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.