Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% | 26,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 86,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% | 0 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 26,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% | 8,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% | 106,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% | 147,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% | 218,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% | 253,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% | 210,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I turned in the ignition and wasn't even around the block from my home, when I noticed my seat overheating along with a strong burning electrical/wire smell. The heat was hotter than the highest setting because it was uncomfortable to remain seated. I checked the power switch, which was off, then toggled it anyway to see if it would turn off. I had to pull over as the seat was too hot and feared it injure me and/or would ignite. After turning off the ignition, the heating stopped. However, I got back in and started to drive, it heated up again. I returned home to look under the seat but didn't see anything unusual, except for the strong burning wires smell. Also, my skin was red with a lingering sting in two areas where the heat was more intense. I conducted on online search about the problem and discovered others experienced the abrupt overheating seats.
I was driving my car and the seat started getting hot. I checked to make sure the switch was off. It was, but I turned it on then off, just to make sure. The seat heater stayed on and got hotter, and I started to smell something burning. I stopped, got out, and checked under the seat but couldn't see anything under there. I was close to home, but had to roll my windows down the smell was so bad...and the seat was unpleasantly hot! My husband drove it the next day and the problem was still there. He pulled the fuse this morning...I'll see if that fixed the issue temporarily.
I have a 2006 Toyota 4runner. My drivers seat clicks and shifts each time I accelerate or turn, whether its left or right. I have taken it to a Toyota dealership to be fixed, however when they returned it to me, it continued to do the same. It is very annoying and frustrating. I did a search on the internet for "seat clicks, Toyota 4runner" and pulled up multiple forums of Toyota owners who are experiencing the same thing. It seems that this problem is occurring in older models, as well. I understand Toyota is beginning to "slow" their manufacturing process down to ensure higher quality than what they have been making over the past couple of years. I have never seen the 4runner mentioned as a vehicle with defaults, but it definitely need to be made public.
The driver seat on my 2006 Toyota 4runner sport 4x4 is loose and getting looser by the day. I did some research online and other 4runner owners are similar issues. The issue is so bad that Toyota put out a TSB for the issue. The TSB is only for manual seats though and I have power seats. I do not feel safe in a vehicle when the driver seat moves, I think that is rather self explanatory. I would hate to get into and accident and have my seat dislodge from the track resulting in injuries that could have been avoided if the seat was properly secured. I am only asking that Toyota extend the TSB to power seats so that I can feel safe in my vehicle.
When accelerating it feels like the frame shifts on the body lots of rust,, as well as the power steering was a little low I added power steering fluid next thing you know it stopped working and driver seats is falling apart and collapse in Woodson within itself as well as the airbags didn't go off upon rear-ending a vehicle they came to a sudden stop in front of me at least 25 miles per hour
New 2005 Toyota 4runner 4x4 started to show seat rattles after 500 miles. Talked to dealer and two service departments, Toyota dealerships has deemed the seat rattle an "inherent Toyota" problem. No service can be done until Toyota issues tsbs. Since all new 4runners come from Japan with the rattle, service dept. Does not know how to fix. But more improtantly, they will not fix b/c all other 4runners in the dealership lot come with rattles. Now, 1600 miles and two moths old, the driver seat rattles more than ever. This problem was "inherent" since 2003 whent the 4th generation 4runner was completely redesigned. Tons of unhappy customers on the internet "www.toyot-4runner.org" all report the same problem and same lack of "serivice" from Toyota. No quality control before the trucks are delivered? I find this hard to believe. Dashboard rattles are fixed easily, why not a driver seat? …
Rust on the frame including the rear bumper, crack in the dashboard from drivers side over to the center of car. Drivers seat excessive movement at attachment between seat back and base on external portion of seat. The vehicle was parked at various times when inspected. Repainted rims that paint had flaked and peeled.
Drivers seat on Toyota 4 runner, when adjusted and locked in place, has way too much lateral movement. The seat "rocks" from side to side approximately 1-2 inches. It is most noticeable when you are strapped into the seat, with the seat belt on and seat locked in place. I had my independent mechanic check the seat to make sure it was securely bolted/fastened to the frame of the vehicle. He told me it was, but that the problem was actually the seat frame, and that the word he was getting is that Toyota maybe instituting a safety recall soon. This is a serious safety hazard. In the event of a collision or accident, I am certain the seat will not stay in place, putting the driver at serious risk of harm or even death.
Related recalls (1)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota 4Runner years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (21), 2004 (14), 1999 (7) and 2005 (6) model years. Seat complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Toyota 4Runner seat problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-014 (seats, Jan 16, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota 4Runner seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 70% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (10 mentions), followed by the front assembly › power adjust (2).
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.