Toyota Tacoma (N400, 2024-2026) Owner's Manual: LATCH Child Restraint Installation — Models With Rear Seats

 Child restraint LATCH anchors

LATCH anchors are provided for the outboard rear seating positions of the Toyota Tacoma. These anchors allow a compatible child restraint system to be attached directly to the designated lower mounting points.

 When installing in the rear outboard seats

Install the child restraint system in accordance with the operation manual supplied with the child restraint system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that every attachment is connected and tightened correctly.

If the child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, position and attach the top tether strap before securing the child restraint system to the lower anchors, and then complete the child restraint installation as specified.

1. If the head restraint interferes with correct child restraint system installation and the head restraint can be removed, remove the head restraint to provide sufficient clearance.

2. Widen the gap between the seat cushion and seatback slightly so the LATCH anchors can be reached and the child restraint connectors can be attached without obstruction.

With flexible lower attachments

3. Attach the hooks of the flexible lower attachments securely to the LATCH anchors. After connecting them, follow the restraint manufacturer's procedure for tightening the attachments and positioning the child seat firmly against the rear seat.

For owners in Canada: The symbol on a child restraint system indicates A the presence of a lower connector system and helps identify a restraint designed for this type of attachment.

1. Canada only

With rigid lower attachments

3. Align and latch the rigid lower attachment buckles onto the LATCH anchors. Confirm that each connector engages fully with its corresponding anchor before proceeding with the installation.

For owners in Canada: The symbol on a child restraint system indicates A the presence of a lower connector system and identifies the applicable attachment method.

1. Canada only

4. If the child restraint has a top tether strap, tighten the top tether strap according to the restraint manufacturer's instructions and make sure there is no unnecessary slack. 5. After installing the child restraint system, firmly rock it back and forth and from side to side to confirm that it is installed securely and that the attachments remain engaged.

 When installing in the rear center seat (vehicles with rear seats)

There are no LATCH anchors behind the rear center seat of the Toyota Tacoma. Therefore, do not attempt to secure a child restraint in this seating position using lower LATCH connectors as though dedicated center-seat anchors were provided. Use the installation method specified for the rear center seating position and follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

However, the inboard LATCH anchors of the two outboard rear seats, which are spaced 19.0 in. (510 mm) apart, may be used for a child restraint system in the center position only if the child restraint system manufacturer's instructions specifically permit installation using anchors with the stated spacing. Always confirm compatibility before securing the restraint in this manner.

Child restraint systems equipped with rigid lower attachments cannot be installed in the rear center seat. This type of child restraint system must be installed in an outboard rear seating position where the designated LATCH anchors are provided.

 Laws and regulations pertaining to anchors

The LATCH system used in the Toyota Tacoma conforms to FMVSS225 or CMVSS210.2 requirements.

Child restraint systems conforming to FMVSS213 or CMVSS213 specifications can be used when they are compatible with the vehicle and installed according to the restraint manufacturer's instructions.

This Toyota Tacoma is designed to conform to SAE J1819.

WARNING

When installing a child restraint system

Observe the following precautions whenever installing or checking a child restraint system.

Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious injury.

• When using the LATCH anchors, make sure there are no foreign objects, debris, or other obstructions around the anchors and verify that the seat belt is not trapped or caught behind the child restraint system. The connectors must engage the anchors directly and securely.
• Follow all installation instructions provided by the child restraint system manufacturer, including the specified attachment points, tightening procedure, and any requirements for a top tether strap.
• A child restraint system cannot be installed in the rear center seat using dedicated center LATCH anchors because such anchors are not provided. Do not install the child restraint system in the rear center position using the LATCH anchors unless the restraint manufacturer's instructions specifically permit use of the inboard anchors of the outboard seats with the stated spacing.
• Never connect two child restraint system attachments to the same LATCH anchor. During a collision, a single anchor may not be designed to withstand the forces from two child restraint system attachments at the same time and could fail.

  If the applicable LATCH anchors are already being used, install a compatible child restraint system in the center seat using the seat belt when this installation method is permitted by the restraint manufacturer's instructions.

• When securing certain types of child restraint systems in the rear seats of the Toyota Tacoma, it may not be possible to use the seat belts in adjacent seating positions correctly without the belts interfering with the restraint or reducing normal seat belt effectiveness.

  Make sure any occupied adjacent seat belt fits snugly across the center of the shoulder and low across the hips. If the belt does not fit correctly, or if it contacts or interferes with the child restraint system, use a different seating position. Failure to maintain proper seat belt positioning may result in death or serious injury.

• If the seat position is adjusted after the child restraint has been installed, reconfirm that the child restraint system remains securely attached. Check the lower attachments, seat belt, and top tether strap, if used, before the Toyota Tacoma is driven.