Seats Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

My driver seat suddenly stopped working correctly when trying to move the seat forward or backward. It would make this lagging noise and feel like it was jumping. We had to keep the seat in the position that would be safe for me to sit in and operate the car effectively, but needed to get it fixed because my partner could not sit in the same position and operate the vehicle safely from that position. Took my car to the dealership and they found the track on the right side of the seat was inoperable and the whole bottom frame needed to be replaced. The tech could not produce a reason why this happened, simply saying it gave out. No messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. It happened quickly, one day it was working fine and the next it failed.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The seat stops moving forward and back on one side. This issue is caused by a gear that is prone to breaking in models 2019-2024 on the Rav4. As a result, you can't move your seat forward or backward, and it could get stuck. This is a risk because people need to be able to adjust the car seat to fit inside the car properly. If the seat becomes stuck or wedged in the wrong position, it could cause the airbags to deploy incorrectly for the person sitting in the seat. This issue can affect drivers. There is an entire reddit thread dedicated to it, and even a third-party seller of replacement gears, because Toyota's repair cost exceeds $2000, as you have to buy an entire new rail system instead of a single gear. I took it to the dealership and got a quote for the repair. There was no error message, and it just stopped one day after my wife moved the seat up; it would no longer go back. I'm not sure what caused this, but it seems like a significant issue that the driver's side seat can't be adjusted.

Driver's side electronic seat malfunctioning and stopped working not allowing the seat to go forward or backward for the driver. The car only has 24,337 miles on it as of 08/26/2025. I purchased the car from green Toyota in springfield, illinois in 2021. The dealership tells me the seat and tracks all have to be replaced at a cost of over $2,100. 00.

Driver seat locked in full forward position and could not be adjusted for larger driver. Seat track failed and had to be replaced at a cost of $2400. This occurred after only 76,000 miles of use.

Failure of the drivers side power seat.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Front drivers seat no longer capable of moving backwards and forwards. One of the rails will not move, causing the seat to rotate left and right and will not move back and forward. This is a hazard as it now no longer is safe for my wife or I to drive. It is too far back for my wife and too far forward for me. The car is not that old and has not had that many times moving the chair that the expected failure is acceptable.

After driving for 5-10 minutes, the center console screen stated: “a malfunction in the srs airbag system has been detected. Contact your dealer in order to have your vehicle inspected immediately” this continues to happen on subsequent trips. It only happens when somebody is actually sitting in the front passenger seat. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to this message appearing. It makes me very concerned about passenger and driver safety and that the airbags may not deploy when needed.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The seat warmer/heater burned a hole through my driver's side seat and my coat. Luckily, I was not injured but I have severe concerns about this problem also occurring in the passenger seat where my children sit. This problem causes me worry about my own safety and that of my children. I am disappointed to be unable to use a feature that I specifically purchased this vehicle to use and enjoy. I currently have my vehicle at a Toyota dealership for diagnosis and evaluation.

I have been experiencing water intrusion with my vehicle, I first noticed it by a mildew smell. Acknowledged under Toyota’s customer support program 22te05. This water leak has led to multiple secondary issues, including: interior water damage clogged a/c drainage system sunroof drainage issues I reported this issue to a Toyota, but they denied repairs under 22te05, claiming the issue was only due to a sunroof leak and clogged drains. [2/14] – took my car to autonation Toyota due to a persistent water leak. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a clogged sunroof leak and clogged drains but did not provide clear documentation that they properly inspected the roof rail gasket. [2/18] – dealership denied repair under 22te05 but then stated they could replace the roof rail gaskets if my insurance paid for it—which contradicts their claim. [2/18] – I escalated my case to Toyota corporate for review, but I am still waiting for a response. My car was left outside in the rain, potentially worsening the water damage. The dealership never provided me with a written repair estimate. Safety concerns & impact on vehicle use: I am worried about driving my car due to potential electrical system failure and airbag malfunctions caused by water damage. According to industry knowledge and Toyota customer experiences, a roof rail leak can directly contribute to all of the issues the dealership claims my car has: clogged a/c drainage system – water leaking from the roof rails can enter the a/c system, causing drainage backup, mold, and excessive moisture buildup. Sunroof leaks & drainage problems – if excess water enters through roof rail failure, it can overwhelm the sunroof drainage system, making it appear clogged when the root cause is actually the failing roof seal. Interior water damage – if the roof rail clips fail, water leaks into the headliner, side pillars, dashboard, and footwells, leading to electrical issues, carpet damage, and excessive moisture inside.

The seat is not adjustable due to a broken plastic gear that controls seat movement. The seat cannot reach gas or brake pedals because it is not adjustable. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer, who has advised that the repair is $2,222. No warning was when the part falled.

I've spoken with Toyota and confirmed that there is a chance my passenger airbag will not deploy. They have no remedy, and the expected date of resolution has been expired for 10 months. Their only recommended action is to not have a passenger ride in my vehicle!.

Driver seat power motor needs to be replaced for second time this will be the 3rd motor in this vehicle with 27000 miles.

On 5/28/24 the vehicle air bag lights and front passenger seat light was flashing and an alarm continuously went off with a message to visit a dealer for service. On 5/29/24 the vehicle was brought in for inspection to a Toyota dealer. I was told an electrical wiring needed to be replaced. Dealership did that but it did not correct the issue. Codes were not resetting. They are now saying it is a wiring/electrical issue under passenger seat and saying they have been communicating with Toyota. We do not have a Toyota extended warranty but vehicle has 32k miles and are told by dealership Toyota should be covering. I am submitting this to have this on record as we have warning lights, messages, etc. Occurring which is a safety issue under NHTSA. Dealership keeps increasing charges for parts and labor and states our 3rd party warranty may or may not cover charges. They are trying to determine the issue and if Toyota will cover and resolve.

In early March 2024 we received the recall notice for our Toyota Rav4 le because the OCS (air bag sensor) on passenger seat were found to possibly be faulty. I have called the dealer and Toyota's customer service hotline about once a month with no response given that a remedy is available as yet. What is the problem with Toyota taking so long to provide a remedy for this faulty sensor. We are two senior citizens who own a very nice basic Rav4 which we really enjoy especially the 30-32 gasoline mpg even in town. We have absolutely no complaints about the vehicle other than we cannot go anywhere together because no one can sit in the front seat without being a safety hazard. Yes, we could use the back seat but would you like to have to do that? this is very frustrating as a consumer to have purchased a vehicle and we cannot use it or choose not to because of the Toyota recall. Is there any way the government can put some pressure on Toyota to hurry up and get a remedy/replacement parts for the problem. Or have the dealer voluntarily check to see if the current OCS might happened to not be faulty. We would greatly appreciate any intervention or assistance you could provide. Thanks for your time and attention.

I would like to report my safety concerns from the crash accident. Feb. 14 Wednesday I drove my wife’s car 2017 Toyota Rav4 xle. On intersection l stop completely on red stop lights. L was first, had no car up front of me. Than from behind other car Ford focus fit me with a full speed 45. I was only in the car. On the hit my seat slid forward causing my knees to hit the dashboard. Then the seat flattened causing me to fall backward. Also the cover of moonroof got opened. While lying back on flat seat l saw sky. I was able to self extricate. L was in shock from what just happened. 3 hours after the accident l had gradual onset neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and a generalized headache. After 5 hours l went to er on same day , than again er next Monday , than l saw my primary care doctor a week later-next Wednesday. Now if l will have a child in baby seat or teenager or adult seating behind driver , for sure they will get hurt badly or injured or killed. I have reported this situation to Toyota hq. They responded that this accident will be under investigation. P. S. Takata airbags did not blow out.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Toyota issued a preliminary recall in December 2023. I visited my dealership in January 2024, where I purchased my car and learned that there was no fix. Given I use my car to transport my twin babies, I asked for a loaner since they confirmed (at that time) that my car would have a fix later in 2024. I repeatedly checked in on the vehicle and to date, there is no fix. I am paying my car note and do not have possession of my car. I have been told my NY state that since this is a recall, it is not subject to the lemon law program. I've tried working with Toyota and they refuse to rebuy the car or fix the car. They also refuse to release the car to me. I am being forced to drive a loaner vehicle and pay a car note with no fixes or repairs being done to the vehicle. I need assistance getting my car fixed or refunded for the purchase. It's been over a year that they've held the car and they have no plans to fix it. I'm including a letter that details the incident. I'm happy to follow up with other materials (copy of repair slip when the car was taken by Toyota, proof of ownership, etc. ) this should not be allowed to continue. Toyota has had over a year to fix this and we've passed their scheduled remedy month by over 4 months. Thank you for your consideration.

Passenger seat is too high even for a short person and cannot be adjusted. When I get out of the car I hit my head and this can happen often.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Car randomly switches into different driving modes, bsm and anti collision goes off while driving. Seat warmers randomly come on high and can’t be turned off. Dealership identified water damage from leaking roof rack resulting in mold and electrical damage. Possible damage to airbags as water leaking into the pillar at front window. Many instances documented online.

Hi, the driver lower seat frame being detached, the right slide is seized /stuck on the rail track and inoperable causing risk for unsafe driving equipment. I have a child and cannot drive with a broken seat - I don't reach it is a liability for safety! thanks, very respectfully leydi ruiz 813 42069-97.

I have been experiencing a strange burning smell in my Rav4 for the past week but was unable to locate the source. No warning lights were active on the dash and the vehicle was functioning properly. Because I live in a colder climate I generally use the heated seat function daily, but would like to clarify that the use of my vehicle amounts to less than an hour a day with my combined morning and afternoon commute. Today I noted that there is a sizeable hole in my driver seat that is burned and melted from the heated seat function. I have not turned the heated seat function back on for fear of a fire.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My 2021 toytoa Rav4 hybrid limited has memory seat buttons. However they don't light up at night or even if the headlights are turned on. There are two memory seat buttons. In a scenario where there are two drivers and one is a larger driver with more girth, and the second is a much slimmer driver, there will be significant distances between the positions. At nightime(or whenverer it is dark, when the larger driver sits in the vehilce and accidentally presses the power seat memory button for the slimmer driver(this can happen since Toyota decided not to illuminate the button in any way(at least they should have did it while the vehicle is in the parked position), the larger drive can get squished, hurt, possibly even die as the seat moves forward toward the steering wheel. Now in the Toyota manual, it does say that if any power button is pressed again, the seat should stop. What actually happens is that the driver becomes panicked and pressed the button over and over again and the seat continues closer to the steering wheel. I was able to stop this the first time by pure accident by reaching between the door and the seat to my seat position controls. This is an accident waiting to happen! Toyota needs to illuminate the power seat buttons (at least in the parked position). The seat memory buttons cannot to be used in any other driving position so we are thankful for that. There may be other trims and years of the Rav4 that have this issue. The best way to understand this issue is to experience this for yourself. Get a car with memory seat positions. Have two positons set, one positon will be very close to the steering wheel. Have a larger driver with more girth sit in and then press the button for the slimmer driver's postion. Do this at nightime.

I am reporting a problem - the headrests on the front driver and passenger seats will not stay down on my 2020 Toyota Rav4- they always slowly keep moving upwards- I guess from the natural vibrations of the road. I complained at the Toyota service department (at wilde Toyota in milwaukee wisconsin) and they said that is how their headrests work in the Toyota Rav4 - they don't stay down. While this may not be an issue for a tall person, an average person of 5 ft 5 inch tall or shorter would have a serious problem with their head being smacked around when the headrest won't stay down - I have never experienced a headrest that won't lock in place and stay there- I think this could be terrible if I got into an accident and my headrest was in the wrong position. I am shocked that Toyota does not care. I think you should check into this. A manager there did acknowledge he has heard of this problem before and has had a few people complain about it but they don't think it is a big deal. - they were tall men so they didn't care - they like the headrest all the way up as far as it goes.

Seat heater turns on automatically and randomly and gets way too hot. I'm afraid it might burn me. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealership however it's my only mode of transportation and I work 3 hours away from home. This puts me at high risk of getting hurt. None of the lights or any indicators came on. There has been no indication that there might be an issue before today. Today is 6-25-2021.

Tether anchors are missing or not visible. The labels are missing as well. I'm trying to use a carseat forward facing and need to use the tether anchors. Couldn't upload the pictures.

Passenger seat heat warmer isn't working correctly on low or high the seat stays cold and I tired keeping it on from 15-45 minutes and it stays cold.

Unless all back passenger seatbelts are fastened, the �fasten seatbelt seat� light and beeping continuously goes off. This happens when nothing is on the seats and no one is seated in these seats. This has been continuously ongoing, while driving, since the day I drove it off the dealer lot in may 2020.

The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while her husband was at a stop light, a vehicle approaching behind rear ended the vehicle. Due to the impact, the vehicle jolted forward and crashed into the vehicle in front and another vehicle which was to the left. The front driver seat collapsed and was deformed during the impact. In addition, the head rest completely detached from the front drivers seat. The contact was asked about the air bag deployment and confirmed that no air bags deployed during the impact. The driver sustained chest injuries and was taken to the hospital for medical attention. A passenger sitting in an unknown location of the vehicle was also injured and sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a impound lot and then towed by the insurance company where an adjuster was to inspect the vehicle. A police report was filed. A local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

The drivers side seat when moved back, locks in and won't move forward. This happened at a car wash when car was not moving.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Rental vehicle after 10/15/minutes of driving -you had to use both hands on steering wheel vehicle wanted to drift in and out of lane of travel-very hard to steer often referd to as white knuckle driving interstate speeds 70mph-passenger seat was not locking -seat was traveling back and forth. We were hit from the rear. All traffic had stopped- it was then discovered that passenger and drivers seat belts were not working they were not engaging locking device.

Traveling on a trip using drivers heated seat. It got too hot. I turned it off. Got to hotel, checked in settled in for night. Woke up to 3 burns on upper back lower back and upper leg. 3am blisters popped with excruciating pain. Went to doctor, she stated 1-burn 2-3rd degree, 1 burn 2nd degree, 1 burn 1st degree.

Toyota found occupant ecu needed replacement internal failure. Simply the seatbelt light and airbag warning lights came on. . Air bag system automatically shuts off and is not protecting passenger in the event of an accident.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My Rav4--VIN: jtmbk35v765008164--has a problem with the driver side airbag connector. When the warning light is on, it deactivates all of the airbags. It has become permanently on in recent days. It has become a safety hazard. When I start my vehicle and the automatic check up, the airbag light keeps lighting up. The airbag light on the dashboard would be on when stationary or in motion. It will keep on for the duration of the drive. The error code found by my independent mechanic is b1821. But my mechanic can not fix this problem. Even replacing the front driver seat may not fix the problem, according to my mechanics. It was a design problem with the connector. I have asked Toyota to fix this for free. Toyota refused.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My vehicle has never been in an accident. All recalls have been fixed and then I started having an issue with the occupation detector in the passenger seat. It is not registering that there is an occupant over 1/2 the time. Since this is a costly repair (about 500$) I take it to heart knowing my vehicle is not safe at all times. I do have 2 children and this is our primary family vehicle. I do not think this is a part that an owner should be responsible to fix since it is a safety issue. Every now and then it will function but it's been on solid for over two weeks. Hence my email.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Our car is brand new. However we experienced that both front driver and front passenger seats have terrible back support. My wife and I both suffer back pains after seating for more than 10 minutes in the front seat.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The driver's seat back frame wasn't properly closed out which resulted in the degradation of padding and eventual cutting through of the seat cover fabric over the course of time. The frame has a sharp edge that should have been rounded or covered in a manner so as not to cut into the padding. At this point the frame has cut through a portion of the fabric and is cutting into the driver. The primary safety concern is the sharp frame could cause injury to the driver (especially if the vehicle was rear-ended in an off-center, driver side impact) by cutting into the driver's back. Per discussion with their customer hotline today, Toyota will not assist in the repair of the seat.