Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 18 | 5% | — |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 17,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% | 13,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% | 19,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% | 183,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% | 113,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
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. …
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, her pregnant daughter attempted to move the driver's seat back, and the seat failed to respond as intended. The contact stated the vehicle could not be driven because the seat distance could not be adjusted to drive properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
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. …
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to adjust the front driver's side seat when the seat adjuster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat track assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
I am reporting a concern regarding the driver's seat design in my Toyota RAV4. While driving this vehicle, I experience consistent back pain that can begin within approximately 15 minutes of driving and often persists for about two hours after driving has ended. The pain includes sharp discomfort in my mid-to-upper back and occurs despite adjusting the seat position and using aftermarket lumbar and seat supports. I do not experience similar pain when driving other vehicles for comparable durations, including a Toyota Highlander, Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Rivian truck, or a pickup truck. This strongly suggests the issue is related to the RAV4's seat ergonomics rather than a preexisting condition. Because of this issue, I have begun avoiding driving my own vehicle when possible. …
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. …
Driver's side headrest rises approx. 2-1/2 to 3 inches from lowest position during the normal course of driving. I do not adjust the height of the headrest, ever, other than to correct this unusual phenomenon. This happens constantly and repeatedly in as little as 10-15 miles driving over paved, smooth roads while driving speeds ranging from 45-75mph. Has happened sporadically since we purchased the vehicle new, but happens regularly and consistently now. Interestingly, this same phenomenon has occurred with other toyotas I purchased new, namely my 2006 corolla and 2008 corolla le. Never thought about it being a potential safety issue until I saw it recurring on my 2017 RAV4. …
Related recalls (2)
Seats › Critical fasteners
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 RAV 4 vehicles. The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat bracket welds as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
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 RAV4 years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (18), 2019 (11), 2007 (6), 2020 (6) and 2006 (5) model years. Seat complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Toyota RAV4 seat problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 26V-256 (critical fasteners, Apr 22, 2026); 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 RAV4 seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles; 73% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › head restraint (3 mentions), followed by the front assembly › recliner (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.