The 2020 Toyota lineup has seen some great improvements. Technology upgrades, more standard safety features, and modern new body designs are all components of 2020 Toyotas fresh on the market. We have AWD featured on some models for the first time as well as the cutting edge trims like the new night shade edition.

But nothing is perfect, and for some 2020 models, the technology exposed some major flaws. In fact, these Toyota recalls involve one of the most important mechanisms in a car. Seat belts.

The 2020 Toyotas that are affected by this recall include the Toyota Corolla, The Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and the 2019-2020 Toyota C-HR. These popular Toyota models have a pretty ominous recall the affects nearly 10,000 cars. In addition, tons of Toyotas have more seat belt related recalls, adding insult to injury.

The 2020 Toyota recall

9,468 compact cars and crossovers from model years 2019-2020 have been actively recalled by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing. According to federal records, these Toyotas all have an issue involving safety restraint.

Apparently, there is a dangerous problem with the rear seat belt assembly on affected vehicles. The dual mode locking mechanism can become defective, rendering the seat belt’s locking sensor unpredictable –– the locking sensor may not lock as its meant to in the event of an impact.

Toyota Corolla and C-HR owners will receive notification. After checking the seat belt assembly production dates, dealers will replace the assemblies as needed, free of charge. The recall, which began in February, is ongoing.

Are any other Toyota models affected?

According to this release from Toyota, astronomical numbers of Toyota models are affected by another seat belt and airbag employment issue. The models included in this recall are certain 2011 – 2019 Corollas, 2011 – 2013 Matrix models, 2012 – 2018 Avalons, and some 2013 – 2018 Avalon Hybrids.

Toyota claims that “incomplete or non-deployment of airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners may occur.” Essentially, in case of impact, seat belts may not hold you tightly in your seat as they are meant to. In addition to these faulty seat belts, airbags sensors may not trip.

Millions of Toyotas are affected by these recent recalls, and there is no prior warning if a vehicle needs remedy. If Toyota hasn’t already reached out, owners should contact their local Toyota dealer to assess whether or not their car is affected. One of the most alarming factors in this scenario is that, according to Toyota, some of the remedies for these issues won’t be available to owners until June 2020.

What is Toyota going to do?

These scary seat belt snags could potentially cause serious harm. In the event of a crash, a faulty seat belt mechanism that doesn’t properly restrain the occupant puts passengers at risk, increasing the chance of injury.

The repairs for these seat belt issues will be handled for free, as with most recall-related problems. Toyota also said that owners who have already paid repair costs for the problems specified in the recall may apply for reimbursement consideration.

Hopefully sooner than later, as seat belt issues aren’t something drivers want to worry about. Toyota safety has a fantastic reputation, so the recalls are definitely a setback for the global carmaker. But, knowing Toyota, we will likely see things righted with these issues promptly.