Imtiaj Hossain 
Toyota is recalling 617 model-year 2026 SUVs in the United States after discovering a manufacturing problem that could cause the vehicles’ front steering knuckles to crack and break.
The recall, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V598000, affects certain Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid models, along with several Lexus RX and TX variants. If a steering knuckle breaks, the vehicle could lose steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Which Toyota and Lexus Models Are Affected?
The recall covers specific 2026 model-year vehicles from Toyota and Lexus:
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Lexus RX 350
- Lexus RX 350h
- Lexus RX 500h
- Lexus TX 350
- Lexus TX 500h
Importantly, this does not mean every 2026 Grand Highlander, RX or TX is affected. The recall involves a limited number of vehicles from a specific production batch, so owners need to check their VIN to determine whether their individual vehicle is included. (Kbb.com)
What Is the Steering Knuckle Problem?
The affected component is the front steering knuckle, an important part of the vehicle’s steering and suspension assembly.
Toyota’s recall filing says a manufacturing error could cause the steering knuckle to be weaker than required. Under certain conditions, the component could crack and eventually break.
If that happens, the vehicle could experience a loss of steering control, creating an increased risk of a crash.
The affected steering components were produced during a very narrow manufacturing period in June 2026. Reporting on the recall says the suspect parts were forged-aluminum components that did not receive a required aging-furnace process during production. (Autoblog)
How Many Vehicles Are Recalled?
Toyota estimates that 617 vehicles are potentially affected by this recall.
The reported breakdown includes:
| Model | Approx. affected vehicles |
|---|---|
| Lexus RX 350 | 196 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 127 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | 126 |
| Lexus RX 350h | 83 |
| Lexus TX 350 | 61 |
| Lexus TX 500h | 23 |
| Lexus RX 500h | 1 |
| Total | 617 |
The small recall population reflects the limited production batch involved rather than every vehicle built for these model lines. (Autoblog)
Why Can a Steering Knuckle Failure Be Dangerous?
The steering knuckle connects several important steering and suspension components and plays a central role in allowing the front wheel to turn while supporting the wheel assembly.
If the component cracks or breaks, the driver could potentially lose control of the vehicle’s steering.
NHTSA’s recall information specifically identifies loss of steering control as the safety consequence and says this can increase the risk of a crash.
Reports indicate that a significant impact, such as hitting a pothole or curb, could place additional stress on an already weakened component. (Autoblog)
Did Toyota Receive Reports of Crashes or Injuries?
According to reporting on the recall filing, Toyota had not received U.S. warranty claims or field technical reports related to the defect as of the time of its investigation. The issue was identified through quality-control work rather than following a reported crash involving the recalled component. (Autoblog)
That distinction is important: the recall is a preventive safety action based on the identified manufacturing problem, not a statement that the defect has caused a known number of crashes or injuries.
What Will Toyota Do to Fix the Problem?
Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the front steering knuckles on affected vehicles.
If the vehicle has an affected component, the steering knuckle will be replaced free of charge.
The recall uses Toyota campaign numbers 26TA19 and 26LA09, while the corresponding federal NHTSA campaign number is 26V598000. (Kbb.com)
Owner notification letters are expected to begin going out on November 2, 2026. (Kbb.com)
What Should Owners Do?
If you own a 2026 Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX or Lexus TX, don’t assume that your vehicle is included simply because it matches the model and year.
The most reliable way to determine whether your vehicle is affected is to check its 17-character VIN through the official recall lookup.
Toyota directs owners to its recall information service, while Lexus owners can use Lexus’ recall lookup. NHTSA also provides a federal VIN-based recall search. (Toyota USA Newsroom)
If your vehicle is included:
- Confirm the recall using your VIN.
- Contact an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer.
- Schedule the recall inspection.
- Have the steering knuckle replaced if the dealer determines it is affected.
- Keep documentation of the completed recall repair.
The repair is provided at no cost to the owner.
How to Check Your VIN
Toyota owners can use the official Toyota recall lookup, while Lexus owners can check through Lexus’ recall service.
Owners can also use the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database.
A VIN check is important because recalls apply to specific vehicles, not automatically to every vehicle of the same model and model year. (Kbb.com)
What Owners Should Know About This Recall
This is a relatively small recall affecting 617 vehicles, but the affected component is directly related to steering control.
The most important point for owners is therefore not the size of the recall, but whether their particular vehicle is included.
Toyota’s inspection and replacement program gives affected owners a way to have the component checked and, if necessary, replaced before a potential steering failure occurs.
The recall also highlights why VIN-based recall checks are important for recently purchased or newly manufactured vehicles. A vehicle can be the same model and year as a recalled vehicle without actually being part of the affected production batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander recalled?
Certain 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles are included in recall 26V598000, but the recall does not cover every 2026 Grand Highlander. Owners should check their VIN. (Kbb.com)
Is the Lexus RX affected by this recall?
Yes. Certain 2026 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h and RX 500h vehicles are included. (Kbb.com)
Is the Lexus TX affected?
Certain 2026 Lexus TX 350 and TX 500h vehicles are included in the recall. (Kbb.com)
How many vehicles are affected?
The recall covers 617 vehicles in total.
Does the recall repair cost money?
No. Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect and replace affected steering knuckles free of charge.
When will owners receive recall letters?
Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing November 2, 2026. (Kbb.com)
What is the NHTSA recall number?
The federal recall is listed as NHTSA Campaign 26V598000. Toyota’s manufacturer campaign numbers are 26TA19 and 26LA09. (Kbb.com)
Important Note
This article is based on the recall information available as of September 29, 2026. Recall populations, remedy availability and owner-notification schedules can change as manufacturers update their records.
GearX does not independently inspect recalled vehicles. Owners should verify their vehicle’s status using the VIN through Toyota, Lexus or NHTSA before making decisions about a specific vehicle. (Toyota USA Newsroom)
