Toyota Recall 16V-396: Seats – seat heater/cooler

Affected: 2005–2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2005–2010 Toyota Avalon, 2005–2010 Toyota Camry and 11 more. Filed with NHTSA on June 2, 2016, covering about 7,749 vehicles.

The problem

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

The risk

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign16V-396 (16V396000)
Manufacturer numberSET16B
ManufacturerToyota Motor Corporation
ComponentSeats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Report dateJune 2, 2016
Owners notifiedJuly 14, 2016
Vehicles affected7,749
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the a/c & heater

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 16V-396 repair free?

Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 7,749 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.