Toyota Grand Highlander, Lexus TX SUVs Recalled for Axle Defect

Toyota is calling back more than 5,000 of its newest three-row sport utility vehicles: the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Lexus TX models.

A rear suspension component could break while driving, the automaker said in a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their rear axle carriers may not have been properly manufactured.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with two rear axle carriers made of forged aluminum,” Toyota told NHTSA. “Due to a manufacturing error at the supplier, certain rear axle carriers may have been produced with material strength below specification. This could cause a rear axle carrier to break at its attachment to the toe control arm.”

That is a problem for anyone in SUVs or sharing roads with them. “Breakage can result in loss of toe control function and reduced rear vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a crash in some operating conditions,” Toyota said.

The recalled cars were built in April 2026. Toyota estimates that only about 5% of the recalled vehicles actually contain a defective part. The company has not received any warranty claims related to the issue, it said, and is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.

Toyota plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by September 6. Toyota and Lexus drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall. The company wants owners to bring the cars to authorized service providers, who will inspect and replace the rear axle carrier assemblies.

California Lemon Law Rights for Toyota and Lexus Drivers

That was fast: The new SUVs are being recalled less than three months after they were built. These kinds of recalls are all too common, whether they happen shortly after cars leave factory floors or long after vehicles are sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Fortunately, the California lemon law gives car owners and lessors across the state some valuable rights and protections. The law requires automakers to perform repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles that they are not able to repair or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney, who will help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.