Toyota and Lexus Recall Popular Cars and SUVs to Fix Airbags That Don’t Work

Newer Toyota Corolla and Highlander and Lexus RX and NX vehicles are included in the recall

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

July 18, 2023

2023 Toyota Corolla XSE steering wheel — The steering wheel of a 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE

Toyota and Lexus are recalling over 110,000 vehicles to fix a faulty electrical connection that may prevent the driver’s-side airbag from inflating in a crash.

The recalled vehicles include certain 2023 Toyota Corolla sedans, Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid SUVs, Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs, Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks, Lexus RX350, RX350h, and RX500h SUVs, and 2023 and 2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350h SUVs.

2023 Toyota Highlander turbo — The 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV is part of the recall.

Recall Details

Vehicles Recalled
• Toyota Corolla sedans manufactured between Feb. 21, 2023, and May 22, 2023
• Toyota Corolla Cross SUVs manufactured between Feb. 21, 2023, and May 30, 2023
• Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUVs manufactured between March 27, 2023, and June 7, 2023
• Toyota Highlander SUVs manufactured between March 14, 2023, and May 18, 2023
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs manufactured between March 14, 2023, and May 17, 2023
• Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks manufactured between March 24, 2023, and June 22, 2023
• Lexus RX350 SUVs manufactured between Feb. 21, 2023, and June 1, 2023
• Lexus RX350h SUVs manufactured between March 13, 2023, and May 4, 2023
• Lexus RX500h SUVs manufactured between Feb. 22, 2023, and May 12, 2023
• Lexus NX250 SUVs manufactured between Feb. 21, 2023, and May 31, 2023
• Lexus NX350 SUVs manufactured between Feb. 22, 2023, and May 19, 2023
• Lexus NX350h SUVs manufactured between March 6, 2023, and May 30, 2023

The problem: An electrical connection that wasn’t welded properly at the factory means that a cable located inside the steering column could become detached, disabling the driver airbag and illuminating the airbag warning light.

The fix: On affected vehicles, dealerships will replace the faulty cable, free of charge, as soon as a fix has been developed.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or Lexus at 800-255-3987.

NHTSA campaign number: 23V480. Toyota’s own number for this recall is 23TA08, and Lexus’ own number for this recall is 23LA02.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed. On some vehicles, a recall warning may also appear on the infotainment screen.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.