2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Second-Row Seat Rail Weld Problem

Class Action Investigation

Updated on January 20th, 2026 Author: Sergei Lemberg

Our firm is launching a class action investigation into second-row seat weld defects in the 2025 Toyota Sienna. We began after seeing many owner complaints reporting no available repair, leaving families unable to safely use their vehicles.

As a lemon law attorney, I regularly monitor vehicle complaints, especially when they involve new models. I recently noticed an unusually high number of complaints tied to a recent recall that Toyota has not yet repaired on the 2025 Sienna.

My name is Sergei Lemberg. I have spent more than twenty years representing consumers in lemon law cases. When a recall affects a core safety feature in a family vehicle and leaves owners waiting without a fix, it raises important questions. That pattern led me to review owner complaints, recall notices, and federal filings related to the second-row seat issue in the 2025 Sienna.

This is a significant issue for many owners, so I have summarized what I found here. Let’s get into it.

So What’s the Issue?

On October 7, 2025, Toyota issued a safety recall for certain 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid vehicles involving the second-row seats. Many owners reported that the manufacturer notified them that the second-row seat rails may be improperly welded and could fail to adequately restrain occupants in a crash. At the same time, the manufacturers told them no repair procedure or parts were yet available. As a result, some owners said manufacturers or dealers advised them, directly or indirectly, not to use the second-row seats.

Example Complaints

“Received recall notice on our van in Oct 2025. The recall recommends that no one sit in or use a child restraint in the second row seats. This is not possible for my family. I have 3 children in car seats and the 3rd row does not fit all 3 car seats across. The reason I purchased my van was for the 3rd row accessibility. The recall went out in October and it is now December 2025 and there is still no remedy. 3 months on an important safety recall with no remedy is unacceptable.”

“Second row seats are recalled in Sienna because of faulty welds on rails. Both the dealership and Toyota Brand Engagement Center have not been able to help us. It had been 2.5 months and there is no fix. Why is Toyota putting their manufacturing mistakes on their customers? The car is essentially not functional because we need the second row to fully fit our family in the car. Toyota mailed a recall notice for the first time and it was received yesterday (2.5 months post recall). Toyota should have mailed this notice as soon as the recall was issued.”

What the Recall Says

The 25V-668 recall was issued on October 7, 2025 and recall notifications were sent out in early December 2025. To understand what was actually going on, I reviewed the recall information directly from the NHTSA website.

Here is what the recall involves:

• The recall applies to certain 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid vehicles.
• The issue involves improperly welded second-row seat rails.
• Seat rails are structural components that secure the seats to the vehicle floor.
• If the welds are defective, the seat may not remain properly anchored during a crash.
• This can prevent the seat from adequately restraining an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
• Approximately 54,631 vehicles are included in the recall.

Chronology of Toyota’s Internal Findings

The following timeline is based on Toyota’s recall documents titled “Defect Information Report.”

July–August 2025
Toyota found prototype seat systems failed internal tests due to incomplete weld penetration in second-row seat rails. Toyota updated the settings and began further testing.

September 2025
Toyota confirmed the defect could cause loss of structural integrity in certain high-speed crashes. Toyota also concluded the seats still met federal FMVSS standards.

October 1, 2025
Toyota decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Toyota reported no U.S. warranty claims or field reports tied to the defect at that time.

25V-668 Recall Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a summary of frequently asked questions related to NHTSA Recall No. 25V668 and Toyota Recall No. 25TA12 (Interim Notice 25TB12):

1. What is the problem?

The second-row seats may be mounted on rails with improper welds. In a crash, the seat may lose strength and increase injury risk.

2. What is Toyota going to do?

Toyota says dealers will replace the second-row seat rails at no cost when a remedy becomes available.

3. When will the remedy be available?

Toyota has not provided a release date. It states the remedy is still being prepared.

4. Should passengers use the second-row seats?

Toyota recommends no one sit in or use child restraints in the second row while driving until repairs are completed.

5. How many vehicles are affected?

Approximately 54,600 vehicles are included in this safety recall.

6. Which vehicles are covered?

Only 2025 Toyota Sienna vehicles produced from mid-January 2025 through late July 2025.

 

What Can You Do

If your 2025 Toyota Sienna is subject to the second-row seat recall and the repair is not yet available, it may help to take action sooner rather than later. The steps below can help protect your rights.

1. Maintain complete records: Retain all recall notices, Toyota app alerts, service records, and written communications with Toyota and the dealer.
2. Wait for the recall notice: The next step is to wait for the official owner notification letter which are to be sent out in early December. Follow the recall instructions once you receive it.
3. Follow the current recall information: The current recall information recommends “no one sit in or use a child restraint in the second-row seat while the vehicle is
   moving until the remedy is performed on the vehicle.”
4. Request service: Contact the dealer to inquire whether a repair is available and request that the vehicle be scheduled for inspection or repair. If the dealer declines to perform the service due to the absence of an available remedy, document that response. This helps establish that the vehicle was made available for repair but service was not provided.
5. Track downtime and restrictions: Record how long the vehicle is out of service or subject to limitations.
6. Learn about your legal options: If a safety recall remains open for an extended period without a timely repair, that delay may raise consumer protection questions, depending on the facts and your state.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If your 2025 Toyota Sienna cannot be safely or fully used because of the second-row seat recall or prolonged repair delays, it may help to understand what options are available based on your specific situation.

At Lemberg Law, we focus on representing consumers dealing with serious vehicle defects and unresolved safety issues. We handle these matters on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we receive payment only if we obtain a recovery.

If you are dealing with an open recall that has limited the use of your vehicle, contact Lemberg Law for a free case evaluation.

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Sources:

1. NHTSA Complaint Database
2. Recall No. 25V668