- Certain Toyota and Lexus models have subpar forged aluminum steering knuckles.
- Toyota says the steering knuckle could be damaged if a car hits a pothole or a curb.
- The Lexus TX350, TX500h, RX350, RX500h, and Toyota Grand Highlander are involved.
Vehicles from Toyota and Lexus have earned a reputation for near-bulletproof reliability in recent decades, so much so that a recent study declared them the kings of long-term durability. However, this doesn’t mean they’re completely void of issues.
A new recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that several new Toyota and Lexus models need to be fixed due to a steering knuckle defect. According to Toyota, a small batch of forged aluminum front steering knuckles were shipped and installed despite not completing a small part of the production process.
Read: Toyota’s Fix For Its Self-Destructing V6 Is A Guy With A Mallet
How could this happen? As it turns out, it wasn’t actually Toyota’s fault. Instead, the supplier of the steering knuckles, Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, failed to send one batch through the aging furnace step. This means the knuckle isn’t as strong as it should be and is at increased risk of fracture at either the strut or tie rod attachment point if a car hits a pothole or a curb, potentially leading to a loss of control.
The supplier became aware of a potential fault in late June 2026 during a routine quality audit. It quickly contacted Toyota, which tested and confirmed the weak steering knuckles had been fitted to 617 vehicles in the United States, all from the 2026 model year.
This consist of 2026 Lexus TX350 models built between June 19, 2026, and June 25, 2026, Lexus RX350H models built from June 18, 2026, to June 24, 2026, Lexus RX350s built from June 18, 2026, to June 24, 2026, Lexus TX500H models assembled between June 19, 2026, and June 25, 2026, and a single Lexus RX500H built on June 23, 2026.
As for the impacted Toyotas, they include Grand Highlanders built from June 19, 2026, to June 26, 2026, and Grand Highlander Hybrids built from June 19, 2026, to June 25, 2026.
Toyota says it hasn’t received any warranty claims about the subpar steering knuckles or been alerted to any accidents or injuries. Owners will be informed of the recall on November 2, and dealers will inspect the knuckles to see if they are part of the affected batch. If they are, they will be replaced free of charge.
