Table 1 shows one common seats related problems of the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seats problems |
The driver's seat of my Fj Cruiser sinks and falls while driving. The seat falls downward and tilts back and away from the steering wheel and foot controls creating a serious traffic hazard to the driver, occupants and other persons. I have worked with two Toyota dealerships including service managers and customer service managers, each of which have said that this is a common problem to Fj Cruisers from the initial 2007 year through the current model. I have also worked with the Toyota manufacturer's representative who reaffirmed that it is a common problem with this model vehicle from 2007 through the current model, but that Toyota does not have a repair for the problem. Toyota developed an initial technical service bulletin in 2008, but the noted repair failed to repair the problem and the bulleting was recalled. Toyota has determined the problem is an "annoyance" and can be resolved by re-adjusting the seat as necessary when it drops, necessitating the release of the seat belt which tightens as the seat drops. To date, Toyota has refused to repair the problem and I am following the California lemon law for adjudication of the matter. I have advised Toyota that if I am in a traffic accident as a result of the seat malfunction, that I will advise all parties and insurance companies and provide all my vehicle documentation.
The drivers seat sinks/falls while driving. The malfunction occurs intermittently based upon drivers weight, vehicle speed and load, driving conditions and road conditions. As the seat falls, the seat belt tightens. The seat falls at an angle down and away from the steering wheel and the foot controls making driving unsafe. I have taken the vehicle to hamer Toyota in north hills, California, and to frontier Toyota in valencia, California. I have met with service managers and customers relations manager. At both locations, the service personnel and the service manager has stated that the problem is common to Toyota Fj Cruisers from 2007 to current, but that Toyota has not developed a repair for the problem. On the Fj Cruiser forums/blogs, Fj Cruiser owners refer to it as the "sinking seat syndrome. " I met with Toyota management staff, kayla sullivan, who said Toyota was aware of the seat malfunction problem with Fj Cruisers but that there was no repair for the problem. Sullivan admitted that Toyota has received numerous complaints. She said Toyota had replaced entire seat assemblies in the past but that the problem recurred, so that she would not authorize the seat in my vehicle to be replaced with an exact part that is known to malfunction. I was kissed off. I entered into the process with California dispute settlement program who denied my request to have Toyota take my vehicle back under the lemon law. Cdsp stated that the seat malfunction could not be duplicated and examined at the service department and thus could not be evaluated. I was kissed off. My vehicle was paid off, was under warranty, and Toyota dealerships and Toyota motors both admitted knowledge that the seat malfunction was common to Toyota Fj Cruisers from 2007 to present. The malfunction is a safety issue for drivers.