Seats Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 1

Toyota Highlander owners have reported 71 problems related to seats (under the seats category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the Highlander.

1 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 09/16/2026

Unknown concerned the safety warning has been issued since 3/5/26. As of today (9/13/26), the problem has not been solved.

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2 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 09/10/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

3 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 08/26/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

4 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 08/07/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to lock in position as designed. The failure mileage was 39,000.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

5 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 07/08/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the second-row seats could not be occupied due to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed, but the contact was informed that the parts remained unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure.

6 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/24/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of nthsa campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.

7 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/16/2026

Toyota has an open safety recall/campaign for my 2023 Toyota Highlander, but the manufacturer/dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the recall in a timely manner. I am requesting NHTSA review the delay and lack of available remedy/repair.

8 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/14/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph with a child seated in the rear passenger’s side seat with the seat back adjusted, while going around a roundabout, the vehicle was cut off by another vehicle, and the contact depressed the brake pedal aggressively to stop the vehicle. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the passenger’s side second-row seat, and the seat back moved or readjusted from the previous position. The contact slowed down to approximately 5 mph to avoid the crash. The child remained secured in the car seat. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.

9 Seats problem of the 2019 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/06/2026

About 2 months ago we noticed that the driver side seat has a rubture on the right side of the seat and the metal plate has a sharp side which is cutting the cloth of the seat plus the seat has begin to be to saggy and loose.

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10 Seats problem of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/06/2026

On xxx, I was driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander at approximately 55 mph when a deer entered the roadway and I had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. My [xxx] daughter was properly seated in the second-row seat and was properly restrained by her seatbelt. During the braking event, the second-row seat unexpectedly folded forward while she was seated in it. As a result, my daughter experienced rib pain and soreness that lasted several days. After the incident, the seat was returned to the upright position and appeared to latch normally. The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the second-row seat. I contacted Toyota customer care on xxx, and Toyota provided a rental vehicle on xxx, while the recall issue is being addressed. I am reporting this incident because the recalled seat failed during an emergency braking event and resulted in injury to a child passenger. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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11 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 06/04/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was used to transport children, and the unrepaired recall was a safety hazard. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

12 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/05/2026

2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid – safety recall number : 26v128 my vehicle has been officially grounded since xxx due to a severe safety recall that renders it unsafe to drive. A permanent remedy or repair part is currently unavailable from the manufacturer, forcing me to drive a loaner vehicle for over two months now. My car sits in uncovered parking lot of the dealership ( Toyota rockwall texas) since xxx under the hot summer temperature of texas which can cause cumulative damage to my car. . This prolonged delay creates an ongoing safety risk. The manufacturer's inability to provide a timely fix leaves me with no choice but to transport my [xxx] son in a temporary vehicle daily. I am also pregnant with my second child who is due to arrive in 3 weeks who will also be transported using the loaner vehicle if problem is not fixed yet. This situation exposes my family to unpredictable risks, as the safety history, structural integrity, and child seat compatibility of the long-term loaner are not equivalent to my personal vehicle. The manufacturer is failing to resolve a critical safety defect within a reasonable timeframe. I am filing this complaint to urge NHTSA to investigate the manufacturer's unreasonable delay in providing a final remedy for this safety recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

13 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/05/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

14 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/04/2026

Unknown. Toyota has recalled the recliner assembly in the second row seats. My car has been at the dealership for more than 60 days waiting for a remedy. There is still not one listed yet. I cannot safely drive my car as I have 2 children at home that must be with me as a sole parent.

15 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

16 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

My 2022 Toyota Highlander xse is subject to Toyota safety recall involving the second-row seat recliner assemblies. Toyota states that the recliner assemblies may not fully lock after seatback adjustment, which could result in the seatback failing to properly restrain an occupant and increase the risk of injury in a crash. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Toyota notified me of the recall on April 30, 2026 and specifically recommended that no one sit in or use the second-row seats while the vehicle is moving until the remedy is performed. My children routinely occupy these seats, so Toyota’s instruction prevents me from safely using the vehicle for its intended purpose as a family vehicle. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership on may 1, 2026, immediately after receiving the recall notice. The dealership confirmed that my vehicle is affected by the recall but was unable to perform the repair because Toyota did not have a remedy/parts available. I left the vehicle with the dealership, where it has remained while awaiting the recall remedy. As of September 8, 2026, more than four months after I presented the vehicle, Toyota has still been unable to perform the safety recall repair or provide me with an estimated date when the repair will be available. I have also contacted Toyota directly multiple times regarding the unresolved recall. I have not personally experienced a seatback failure, warning lamp, or warning message. My safety concern is based on Toyota’s confirmed safety recall and Toyota’s instruction not to allow occupants to use the affected second-row seats while the vehicle is moving. I am filing this complaint because Toyota has been unable to remedy this acknowledged safety recall for my vehicle for more than four months despite my making the vehicle available for repair.

17 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

Received a safety recall stating "seat back reclinging assembly may not securely lock". Based on this information, it goes on to state that "a seat back that has not been secured in a locked position may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash at certain speeds. " currently there are no remedies available but it is advised that "no one sit in or use the second-row seats while the vehicle is moving until the remedy is performed on the vehicle. " in speaking to headquarters as well as mutliple dealerships, the only "solution" is to provide a rental car in the amount of $42/day and they would reimburse in 6-8 weeks. There is no current remedy date. That would mean there is an out of pocket cost of $1200+ a month, in which these funds are not available to our family. I am the primary caretaker for two small children who are in car seats and required to utilize the back seat/2nd row. Since I have been advised not to use it, my car is currently unsafe to use for its intended purpose. I have been given no other solutions at this time.

18 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 04/02/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

19 Seats problem of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/21/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to lower the second-row seats, and the seat failed to lock into position and failed to recline as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer approximately five months later when a remedy became available, and the recall repair was attempted, but the dealer stated that the spring was replaced; however, the spring did not allow for the second-row seat to latch or lock securely. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,900.

20 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

The driver’s seat lower cushion in my 2023 Toyota Highlander provided inadequate support during normal driving, particularly on the left side of the seat cushion where support for my left leg and hip area appeared insufficient. This caused uneven seating posture, increased discomfort, pressure, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position during extended periods of driving. The seat became increasingly uncomfortable during prolonged use and caused pain, numbness, and difficulty maintaining a proper driving position. I am a professional driver and spend many hours operating the vehicle. Over time, the lack of support contributed to left-sided sciatica symptoms that required medical evaluation and physical therapy. Medical records document that prolonged sitting in the vehicle aggravated my condition and limited my ability to sit and drive comfortably. An independent upholstery specialist inspected the seat and determined that additional foam had to be added to the driver’s seat lower cushion to improve support and comfort. After the modification, the seat became significantly more comfortable. This indicates that the original seat cushion support may be inadequate. I believe this condition may affect other vehicles of the same model and should be investigated as a potential safety concern because it can affect driver posture, comfort, concentration, and safe vehicle operation during extended driving.

21 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/11/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

22 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v128000 (seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

23 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

Seat back recliner assembly may not securely lock Toyota opened this recall on March 5th. They have not provided a remedy within a timely manner and my car is not usable.

24 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

My 2023 Toyota Highlander was grounded by the dealership on 4/30/26 due to safety recall 26tb06 (NHTSA campaign 26v128) regarding a defective 2nd row seat back latch. The vehicle has been sitting un-remedied on the dealer lot for over 47 consecutive days. The dealership state they can't return the vehicle due to safety liabilities but have no estimated date for a remedy. Leaving me stranded without my vehicle. The vehicle has been sitting completely idle on an outdoor lot. Per Toyota's manufacturing guidelines, leaving a hybrid vehicle sitting unused for more than 30 days risks severe high-voltage hybrid battery degradation and capacity loss. Because of the delay in remedy , my health of my vehicle is being actively damaged on my paid off hybrid powertrain. As a disabled veteran, Toyota's inability to provide recall safety parts has caused a severe, ongoing physical and financial hardship. By grounding my vehicle for over 47 days, I have been entirely deprived of using my state-issued disabled veteran's license plates. This strips me of critical, legally mandated toll exemptions, parking accommodations, and physical accessibility benefits that I require on a daily basis. Driving an inferior dealer loaner does not adequately remedy this disruption to my veteran benefits.

25 Seats problem of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 03/01/2026

Second row seats not latching when moved forward. Sliced up multiple finger when trying determine what was causing it not to latch. Put in a couple of stitches in 2 finger and bandage up the remaining 2 fingers.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

26 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/27/2026

I am issuing a complaint about the the Toyota recall 26tb06 issued 02/27/2026 on our Toyota Highlander xle hybrid. The recall states not to use the seats until the recall has been complied with. We have been without use of those seats for 7 months and all Toyota says is we'll notify you when the parts are available. This is totally unacceptable for the time to come up with a fix. Please let Toyota know they need to come up with a fix sooner or people will be using the seats and injuries could occur. Thank you.

27 Seats problem of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/14/2026

Vehicle: 2022 Toyota Highlander limited mileage at failure: ~60,000 miles the driver seat began moving rearward without any driver input while the vehicle was being driven. The movement was intermittent and occurred multiple times over several days. In one incident, the seat moved rearward while my wife was driving, causing her to lose proper reach to the brake pedal and nearly lose control of the vehicle. The seat would sometimes move to the full rear position and continue attempting to move past the mechanical stop. The problem also occurred during vehicle startup and shutdown cycles. This condition creates a significant safety risk because the driver’s seating position can change unexpectedly while driving. In attempting to mitigate the problem, I tried to disable the power seat by removing the fuse. However, the power seat fuses on this vehicle are not clearly labeled and are mounted on the side of the interior junction block under the dash, making them inaccessible to the driver without removing interior panels. As a result, the malfunctioning system could not be quickly disabled. The vehicle required replacement of the driver seat control/track assembly at a cost of approximately $1,600. Uncommanded movement of the driver seat while driving appears to be a safety-related defect and should be investigated for potential recall or service campaign.

28 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/01/2026

We had a recall on this car for so long and the dealership is not providing remedy date for this recall.

29 Seats problem of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 10/30/2025

Recall has been active since 2023. Delarship states there is no fix for issue at time time 2 years later.

30 Seats problem of the 2020 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 10/14/2025

The rear hatch door will not close or open and just sit there. And dings, you have to manually close it and open it most times and it never fully sucks up and latches fully and it doesnt notify you on the hood display of the car , so when we were driving down the road, we heard loud hissing and road noise coming from the rear and come to find out the rear hatch had never fully closed or latched itself fully. And it hangs up constantly.

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31 Seats problem of the 2019 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 09/15/2025

I have captain seats in the middle. Driver side seat has 4 bolts that secure it to the vehicle floor. The front two bolts were ready to fall out. Caused a squeak that only my wife could hear due to my hearing impairment. I tightened that bolts and the squeak is gone. Pretty serious issue if only 2 of the 4 bolts holding the seat in place are tight.

32 Seats problem of the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 01/09/2025

Rear back seat unproper locking system. I have got rear ended while my kids were at back and I found out the rear seat slide a bit about couple inches. Dealership can't do anything of the recall at the moment.

33 Seats problem of the 2005 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 12/23/2024

Passager seat burnt up from the heated seats.

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34 Seats problem of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 10/25/2024

My vehicle was rear-ended while stopped by a 2014 Toyota corolla that was estimated to be traveling between 60-70 miles per hour. During the crash, the driver seat failed, resulting in the partially reclining into the second row passenger. The failure mechanism appears to be internal to the seatback, as the seat twisted during the failure, causing me to lean more towards the passenger side of the vehicle.

35 Seats problem of the 2015 Toyota Highlander

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

My Highlander had a strange burning smell and we couldn’t find where it was coming from. We took it to a shop where they checked everything over and suggested that the smell was our brakes. They lubricated the brakes and replaced my tires and struts. When I went to pick up the vehicle I still noticed the strange smell, and I had the mechanic come out and check. He suggested that it was the leather conditioner that our detailer had used. I left and headed for home and in about 5 miles the control for the drivers heated seat started smoking and about 30 seconds later the plastic around the control began to melt and flames were coming out of the area next to the control. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. All of the heated seat components were original and we haven’t had any work done to it. The obvious safety concern here would be fire in the cabin of the vehicle while in motion. The fire and sheriffs departments showed up to the scene and the incident report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a shop where we are awaiting insurance adjuster to look at it. There were not any warning lights or signals of any kind; only the smoke very shortly before the visible flames.

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Other Common Seats related problems of Toyota Highlander


☘ Highlander Service Bulletins
⚑ Highlander Safety Recalls
☤ Highlander Defect Investigations