NHTSA Recall 04V181000: Latch (latches/locks/linkages)
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 366,572 vehicles. It affects 2001–2004 Toyota Highlander.
| NHTSA campaign | 04V181000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | SSC 40B |
| Component | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES › DOORS › LATCH |
| Report received | April 15, 2004 |
| Owner notification | May 7, 2004 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position.
Safety risk
This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an occupant could fall out and be injured.
Remedy
Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Notes
Toyota recall no. Ssc 40b.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 04V181000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.