Models Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid Vehicles 617
Toyota is recalling 126 model-year 2026 Grand Highlander and 127 Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, along with model-year 2026 Lexus RX and TX vehicles, because their front steering knuckles may crack and break. If a knuckle fractures, steering control may be reduced or lost. NHTSA lists the recall as 26V-598, covering 617 vehicles in all. Dealers will inspect both front knuckles and replace any from the affected batch at no charge, and owner letters are expected to be mailed November 2, 2026. Owners can check their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which vehicles
Toyota’s Part 573 safety recall report counts 126 Grand Highlanders built June 19 to June 26, 2026, and 127 Grand Highlander Hybrids built June 19 to June 25, 2026. On the Lexus side, it lists 196 RX350, 83 RX350H, 1 RX500H, 61 TX350 and 23 TX500H vehicles, all built between June 18 and June 25, 2026.
Not every vehicle built on those days is included, only those fitted with front steering knuckles from one production batch made by a specific supplier. The filing says no other Toyota or Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. use those knuckles. Toyota told NHTSA it cannot estimate how many of the 617 actually have a defective knuckle.
What is wrong
Each vehicle has two front steering knuckles made of forged aluminum. According to the report, one batch was produced without completing part of the production process: Toyota’s review of the supplier’s records confirmed that only that batch skipped the aging furnace step. Knuckles from it can have lower material strength.
The dealer notices describe the risk this way: after a sudden large impact, “such as hitting a pothole or a curb,” the front steering knuckle can break. Toyota’s report places the fracture at the strut or tie rod attachment point. In some operating conditions, that could lead to a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. The filing does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.
A supplier found the problem in late June 2026, when tensile strength tests during a standard quality audit showed a batch below specification. Some of those parts had already reached Toyota’s manufacturing plants, and a small number were not contained. The report names Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, Inc. as the component manufacturer. As of September 9, 2026, Toyota said it had received no field technical reports and no warranty claims from U.S. sources related to the condition.
The fix
Technicians will use a borescope to read a date code on each front knuckle. Under the technical instructions, a knuckle is flagged if it carries the date code “2EF11” or if its code is missing or entirely illegible. Flagged knuckles are replaced on one or both sides, followed by a wheel alignment.
The inspection takes about 45 minutes, according to the dealer notices, and a replacement may take up to 5 hours. The repair is free. Owners who already paid for a related repair will find reimbursement instructions in the owner letter.
Dates
Toyota decided on September 11, 2026, to conduct the recall and filed its report with NHTSA on September 17, 2026, the same day dealers were notified. The dealer notices said in-vehicle head unit notifications would begin in early October 2026. NHTSA’s record puts the owner letter mailing at November 2, 2026, and the report says all owners will be notified by November 16, 2026.
The Grand Highlander models fall under Toyota campaign 26TA19, and the Lexus models under campaign 26LA09. The NHTSA record lists Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
What to do
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for recall 26V-598.
- Watch for the owner letter, expected to be mailed November 2, 2026. Toyota's code is 26TA19; the Lexus code is 26LA09.
- A Toyota or Lexus dealer will inspect both front steering knuckles and replace any from the affected batch free of charge.
- Allow about 45 minutes for the inspection and up to 5 hours if a knuckle has to be replaced.