The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a front passenger power seat, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the seat with an excessively high seatbelt tension, it May be possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch from the seat belt buckle.
The risk
If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system May mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and May not suppress the deployment of the front passenger airbag.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (ssc 40m) began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987..
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-595 (04V595000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SSC 40M |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | December 15, 2004 |
| Owners notified | December 20, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 150,061 |
| Initiated by | OVSC |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-595 repair free?
Yes. Lexus dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (ssc 40m) began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987..
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 150,061 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.