Major car brands recall 800k vehicles over fire risks and fears of people being 'trapped' - VW, Toyota & more

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 04/04/2026

- 06:30

The NHTSA has confirmed that any repairs, fixes or replacements will be completed for free

Motorists are being warned of several serious vehicle recall notices impacting hundreds of thousands of vehicles that could put drivers and other road users in danger.

Some of the most popular brands in the world have issued recall notices in relation to issues which may increase the risk of injuries, accidents and even vehicle fires.


GB News has rounded up the most important car recalls issued over recent weeks that motorists need to know about.

Toyota

In recent weeks, the Japanese brand has submitted two major recall notices to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The first recall affects 550,000 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles from production years 2021 to 2024, amid fears the second-row seat backs could fail to lock.

The recall states that this issue may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, thus increasing the risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the retuning springs in the seat back recliner assemblies to remedy the issue, which will not require a payment from the car owner.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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TOYOTA

A further 144,200 vehicles are being recalled by Toyota over an issue with the rearview camera that fails to display, potentially increasing the risk of an accident when the vehicle is in reverse.

The Toyota recall impacts vehicles from its subsidiary Lexus, including the NX350 (2022-2025), NX250 (2022-2025), RX350 (2023-2026), and TX350 (2024-2026).

The NHTSA has warned that, with the camera issue present, vehicles could fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111 (Rear Visibility).

Drivers will receive owner notification letters at the start of May, while Toyota will deliver a software update to the rearview camera or replace the component.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy

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HYUNDAI

Hyundai

Around 61,100 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid (2026) vehicles with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package are being recalled following concerns that the second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person in the vehicle and "trap" people.

Recall documents state: "The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat functions, such as one-touch tilt-and-slide or automatic power fold-and-stow.

"Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until the repair is performed. Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operation.

"The seat controller and the audio, visual, navigation software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, as necessary, free of charge."

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta \u200b

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta

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VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen

More than 48,000 Jetta vehicles from production years 2025 and 2026 have been identified as having loose transmission ground wires that may cause a fire.

The American arm of the iconic German company stated that the transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.

Volkswagen has already confirmed that dealers will inspect and repair the transmission ground wire if necessary, which will be done free of charge.