Seats Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander xle. Last winter I began noticing a burning smell which I believed to be electrical inside the vehicle. I was able to determine it was the driver seat heater and the burning smell continued even with the toggle switch turned off. I stopped at a local Toyota dealership, koch Toyota, who refused to show me which plug under the seat to unplug to disconnect power. They tried to insist that I drop the car off and let them check it. Due to past negative experiences with that Toyota dealership I refused. I was able to speak to my own mechanic who instructed me to remove the fuse for the driver's seat heater which I did and the smell stopped however the seat heater is not functioning now. Upon recent research online it appears this is a common problem especially in 2015 Toyota Highlanders. I found a couple other owners of the xle models on a website called Toyota nation who experienced similar problems where their vehicles actually caught fire and melted the center consoles after the burning smell was misdiagnosed. I believe this is a huge safety concern and have recently filed a report with Toyota corporate in hopes to get the issue rectified. There were no warning messages or lights that came on to advise that there was an issue.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Car seats and booster seats for infants and children with the age and weight requirement for seats in a vehicle do not meet safety requirements. The second row and the third row you literally have to pick the car seat up to buckle the seatbelt in appropriately. I have asked on numerous occasions if there is a seatbelt extension that can be purchased and I was told no. My concern is for safety of children/infants. We should not have to pick a car seat or booster seat up after a child is placed in the car seat to be able to buckle the car seat in appropriately or the booster seat appropriately. In the third row, my son literally has to stand behind the hatchback to get the seatbelt for the booster seat in the third row locked in place. This is a safety concern. I brought it up to two dealerships and Toyota’s customer complaint who actually gave me this website.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The 3rd row seating does not come with anchor latches for children. Only latch at the back of the seat in the middle. If there is a shortage of latch they must add as standard equipment for safety to children. Now how can I use my 3rd row space for kids if they did not put a latch? it’s a 50k SUV but did not come with it. Now I reported this because these are not features but should be standard in every SUV with 3rd row seating.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I purchased a new Highlander. When I exit the vehicle, when wearing shorts, the bottom portion of the seam in the seat molding slices my leg open causing bleeding and injury. The dealership tried to fix this by sanding down the uneven protrusion where the seams meet. It still cut my leg. They then wanted corporate to handle it. I set an appointment with Toyota. The field technician specialist failed to meet with me and consequently performed a careless and inaccurate inspection. Toyota based their decision to ignore me on this inadequate inspection. Please see 4 attachments: the seam in the seat molding, an independent invoice to repair the seat, my leg in its final healing state and the Toyota letter. All I am asking is to not cut my leg open. I don't think that is unreasonable.

My rear drivers side seat was not properly bolted down. I have been hearing a squeak for the past few years, that only went away when my child was sitting in the seat. We thought it was the car seat squeaking, but recently removed it since our child had grown big enough to no longer need it. I finally inspected the seat and noticed that the seat was moving when I put pressure on it. I took off the covers to the bolts on the front and noticed that I could literally remove them with my had. There was about a 1/16 to 1/8 inch of play in the seat. This is scary that my child has been riding in the unsafe seat for who knows how long. I do have videos of how loose they were, I could spin the washer freely.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The left rear seat on my 2022 Highlander doesn't stay locked in the first 3 detents. You think it is locked but when you lean back in the seat it slides through the next couple of detents. Toyota mechanic said he couldn't find anything wrong with the seat. I see this as a problem when using child safety seats. Parent's could think the seat is safely locked in position until they get rear ended and the seat slips through the next couple positions.

Ever since I bought this car I have been having an issue where the srs airbag malfunction light comes on and my airbags are off seatbelts don't get recognized as buckled in. I have taken this car to the dealership numerous times to get it checked out but they cant seem to find a problem or solution. This is a major safety issue and I would really like someone to get involved in this issue and help me figure out my next steps because of what they tell me is that they just reset the modue and it never comes back on until 2-3 months from after they chekc it out and reset it. Please help me.

The Toyota Highlander was advertised as a family vehicle that safely fits 7 passengers with the captain chairs. We purchased a brand new 2022 Toyota Highlander for our family of 5. However, you cannot safely install a booster car seat in the third flow as advertised in any position. In every position of the third row the booster car seat covers the buckle not allowing you to secure the seat belt/booster seat. The car manual show on page 58-59 to install the booster seat on the passenger side of the third row but there is not enough space. The second picture shows a car seat in the middle using an anchor bracket that does not work for a booster seat and thus would also obsure other seat buckles thus not allowing the two other seats to be used. Toyota told us to bring the vehicle to a fire station to have the car seats installed. . Read more...

I was vacuuming the second row carpet in my vehicle. I was leaning into my vehicle and pulled the second row seat release to move the seat back. The back of the seat flipped forward hitting me in the right side of my head so hard it resulted in a pinched nerve at c5-c6. It was a substantial blow. I had to stop what I was doing and sit down. I would be very concerned at that amount of force hitting a child. Has Toyota measured the force and done a risk analysis to the vehicle occupant?.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Major issue with airbags July 2021. A warning appeared shortly after passenger sensor malfunction, that stated “check srs airbag system. Have your vehicle checked by dealer immediately. ” dealer did diagnostic. Toyota dealer has tried to fix airbags three times in three weeks but it fails within a day or so and warning comes back on. Toyota has issued a recall for 2012 Highlanders for seats and front airbag that describes the issue this vehicle has however Toyota dealer said our VIN is not included. The recall is under campaign no. 13v014000 report date Jan 16 2013 component seats.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The driver seat started making a motorized noise 2-3 days after I purchased the vehicle. Over the few months from my oil change the noise got louder and louder as we moved the seat back and forth. When I took my vehicle in for its first oil change I addressed it to the dealership as the seat was now no longer able to move forward or backwards. During their inspection they stated there was a lego which was not possible as I had at the time a 1 & 2 year old who would choke on a lego so there is no way I would allow them to play with legos that small, mega blocks okay because those are huge but legos are too small. Anywho the seat was functionable after the inspection which lasted about a month and then went out again. I then brought it up again at the next oil change which they checked it out and it worked a bit then went out again. The last time I took my vehicle in for its last oil change I addressed it, they took it apart and left it that way as it is now but were unable to locate the reason why it was defaulted. I however found that a piece was missing from one side of the track under the seat but they couldn't see that it was the reason for the malfunction. I have tried multiple times at least 5 times and speaking with the 2 service managers but to no avail this driver seat still can not be adjusted which means no one can drive my vehicle aside from myself not even in case of an emergency. There are no warning lights or alerts that come up.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I keep my car very good in my life . Recently my limited Highlander 09 with 42. 000 miles start clunking noise when I make a slow turning right , left to parking lot and every where when I make a turn slowly it have a clunking sound. I think that I can pay the part and Toyota have to have recall and help me to fix it . It is defect from Toyota.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Does not have any side air bag mounted passenger driver seat air bag of the front passenger driver all the row filter in the guide does not have air bag and the seat belts do not work.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The xle front passenger seat sits very high, causing my head to brush up against the ceiling. This is will cause head and possibly neck injuries in the event of a collision. I'm not particularly tall at 5�10�, but anyone taller will have a worse problem. There is no way to lower this seat. I don't want to suffer a head injury just because the seat is very high.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

2nd row passenger seat, 60 portion squeak on bumpy roads, issue coming from folding cables mechanism, dealership can't replace the seat due to high cost and also can't figure out a solution to the issue, very annoying noise for an expensive car model xle.

2013 Toyota Highlander. Consumer writes concerning safety issue regarding to bottom seat frame/ adjuster assembly not holding its position that it was adjusted to.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Maintenance light is on at all times for the forward passenger seat, making airbags useless. Read it can potentially be a wire. It has been reported on other vehicles. Please investigate and recall as passengers will be unsafe and could have great bodily harm with this defect.

While turning the steering I feel a klunk this is happens always when turn the wheel. Frustrated really need your help. Regards. .

As I was driving at 30 mph on a side street with my husband sitting in the front passenger seat (with his seatbelt on) and the emergency light went on and a message saying the passenger airbag is off came on. If would not reset and told us to call our local dealer to fix this immediately, where we had to pay for it to be fixed. There was no reason for what happened!.

I was sold over internet by vandergrift Toyota of arlington,TX a falsely advertised 2009 Toyota Highlander,that was delivered to me in san antonio, TX in enclimate weather and while I was in a full body brace, I had told them of weather, and was in down pour when they delivered, I was unable to examine car in my condition and weather till next morning. Car had been wrecked, had silt in rear tail lights, I tried to have dealership fix it, by taking car back to them, I did not hv another car. The conditions of the car were never disclosed, I did not received a buyers guide, only a blank sales contract with my name, car make and model and VIN with price paid. I hv repeatedly tried to resolve matter, dealer has lied repeatedly and billigerent. I have called owners of dealership, berkshire hathaway, they defer to dealer, dealer has done nothing, I have tried to tell people at berkshire hathaway this is something a dealer has dropped on me, who are and represent the berkshire hathaway brand, I told bh, I would persue and seek to expose to authoritative entities, and press,they have done nothing. I have also filed a pending complaint with texas dmv. I also have according to use title 18 2511 (2)(d), recorded conversations with dlrships used sales mngr, general mngr/partner, and berkshire hathaway, and previous owner who told me when car traded in, dlr sd wold not keep do to miles and age, wd go to wholes auction. I also hv screen shot where dealer continued to advertise car for sale at reduced price 12 days after initial deposit and over a week after wire trnsfer, and 5 days after delivery. Other, problems included components advertised or options not included. Toyota tow pkg, turned out to be uhaul hitch bolted on, no wiring to even coonect to brakes, and no additional radiator/fans/ to aid in hauling /towing, and no stellite radio as advertised. Original ad photos faked.

A few years ago one of the 3rd row seats got stuck in the upright position after putting it from down to up. I have never had it fixed as it hasn't been a huge inconvenience. I saw today that there was a recall on the middle row seat for something (which I do not believe affects my car) and thought I would document my issue in case there are others that have the same issue. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the driveshaft became exposed. In addition, the driver and passenger seat adjustment levers became detached from the seat harness. Oaklawn Toyota in oaklawn, IL (60453-2668) was made aware of the issue and stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 1,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

This vehicle presents a high noise bump when steering. The suspension front & back is terrible, causing interior rattles front and back.

Drivers seat does not lock into place properly.

Car going in for the second time to replace the electrical seat adjustment panel and the other components needed to keep it held in place. The plastic clips on the parts just do not appear to be sufficient to keep the panel in place. Car has just under 33k miles. The panel is rarely used and it appears that just the entry and exit from the vehicle appears to be causing enough movement for the parts to wear out.

When seated on front passenger right side the seat does return to normal shape. Contacted Toyota they refused to address the problem.

Began driving vehicle a week ago, used to be my wife's vehicle. I noticed a squeak in the driver's seat, and noticed it wiggled. I examined the mounting bolts, and all 4 seat bolts were loose, not even finger tight. The only service performed anywhere near the seat was recall work on the floor mat retaining clip and a seal in the brake master cylinder, both recalls were done simultaneously at rudy luther Toyota, 8805 wayzata blvd, golden valley, mn 55426. Recall work was done a couple years ago. I tightened the bolts with my own tools. Passenger seat bolts were tight.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that numeros attempts were made to have her vehicle serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v148000 and NHTSA campaign number: 13v014000 (air bags , seats) however, both dealer and manufacturer have not return the contact's phone calls. The vehicle had not exhibited the failure. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14v148000 (seats); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I purchased my 2014 Toyota Highlander on 4/24/14. I notice a few days later that their was a chirp noise in the passenger 2nd row while driving ( very annoying). I took it to dealer and it was diagnosis that the rail rack shows sign of friction and possible causing it create the chirp noise.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, she depressed the brakes and the second row seats moved forward abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the windshield wiper fluid would not dispense when she applied the switch. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the fluid had frozen. The contact added DE-icer to the vehicle and it began to work briefly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.

My wife was driving her 2008 Toyota Highlander to work and turned on the heated seat. It has burned her leg at the hamstring under thigh area pretty bad.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

In February 2010, I noticed my driver leather seat was torn on its side, I contacted Toyota about this defect, since the vehicle was purchased in January 2006. This is a fully upgrade limited vehicle. All I do is slip in and out of the seat and I take extremely excellent care of my vehicle. I believe the leather material used in the vehicle is of poor quality. On 4/28/10 Toyota eventually responded to my complaint, stating the warranty for the seat is 3-years or 36,000 miles: their file # 1003280070; incident 100426-000166. They suggested I contact a dealer, which I did:on 7/27/10 I had a Toyota dealer look at the seat and they concluded that the warranty had expire. I am obviously not satisfied with Toyota's response; their estimate for me to replace the seat cushion cover is $1123. 36 incl taxes. I believe such an expensive vehicle should be outfitted with a higher grade leather seat cover. I have had cheaper vehicles with leather seats which lasted many more years through the life of the vehicle. Toyota has done an injustice with the installation of this poor quality leather and I feel cheated by such action. There must be other owners who have the same experience that I have with the seat. The seat was not deliberately torn or cut and we are quite petite people. When I view the leather in my other car the corners where the driver slides in seems to be stronger and possibly re-enforced to facilitate the driver's initial weight. Toyota has not done a good job to ensure the lasting wear and tear of the seat. Is this deliberate? how did they come up with a 3year, 36000 warranty? what testing did they perform to decide the seat will only last up to that period, therefore they were sure to make a lot of monies on replacement after the warranty expired? this is unfair. Please let me know if I have any recourse to get Toyota to replace the seat. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the suspension was loose and the braking system would not operate properly. The brakes would go to the floorboard when depressed. The brakes would not engage intermittently when depressed. The contact stated that the driver's seat would no longer move backward, and was positioned entirely too close to he steering wheel. The contact stated there was little room for movement when driving. The vehicle was taken to four separate dealers and the contact was told that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 400 and the current mileage was 6,500. The consumer stated when she realized a police officer was behind she attempted to stop, the vehicle continued to accelerate and the brakes collapsed very low to the floor. The consumer had to pump the brakes to slow the vehicle down. The consumer also stated the lug nuts broke on the front driver side wheel. The cruise control was inoperative, and the engine had a slight ticking sound and the rotors were rusting. Updated evoq 12/23/10.

The drivers seat does not rise up enough to see over the outside rearview mirror. Also, the outside rearview mirror is large and continuous to the doorpost producing a visual block from windshield side of the doorpost to the far end of the outside mirror - about 16 inches. Project this visual block-out across to a side-street intersection and it blocks the view of the entire side-street intersection and then some when traveling on a four lane street with a meridian in the middle. This is gross hazard for me and a vehicle in the intersection and for pedestrians. I had one collision when leaving a church parking lot onto a two lane rural road - traveling about 10 mph and the other vehicle was stopped in his lane. Occurred in spring of 2008, about 5 pm - clear sunny day. I did not see his car - and the collision repair cost for his vehicle was $2,500 and for my repair cost was $4,000 +-. Also, I have hit the low concrete divider with my left front tire - located under the freeway overpass when turning - this turn I have done 5 days a week for 5 years on the way to work with no problem until driving this 2008 Highlander. Also, I have had several near collisions with unseen vehicles and pedestrians. At night with vehicle behind me the light glare in the outside mirror is such that it is impossible to see over or around to see a side-street intersection. Similar problems exist for the right outside mirror. To correct this problem the mirror needs to be lowered. Also, a gap between the edge of the mirror and the doorpost would be a major great help. My height is 5'-5" not too short - by pushing hard with my left foot on the floorboard step I am able to see over the outside mirror and gain a reasonable view of the side-street intersection - but this movement takes away from my concentration and agility to drive on.