2005 Toyota Highlander Seats Problems
2 owner-reported seats complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Seats Recalls (1)
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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.
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.
Owner Complaints (2)
Your passenger seat's heating element overheated and burned through the seat material. While this didn't cause a fire, the heated seat system has failed and caused damage to the seat itself. The heating element will likely need to be replaced or the entire seat may need to be re-upholstered.
Parts you may need:
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I AM A CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN AND HAD A PARENT COME TO ME WITH CONCERN ABOUT THE THIRD ROW SEATING IN HER TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2005. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS IN THIS MODEL ONLY HAS TWO NOTCHES. THE FIRST IS UP ABOUT 4 INCHES AND THE SECOND AROUND 5 INCHES. THERE IS A HUGE GAP IN BETWEEN. THIS SEAT CANNOT BE USED FOR A CHILD IN A NO BACK BOOSTER SINCE THIS HEAD RESTRAINT HAS NO NOTCHES THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE THIS CHILD'S HEAD HEIGHT. IT IS EITHER TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR VEHICLES MEET OR EXCEED ALL SAFETY STANDARDS. THEY REFERRED ME TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL CONSUMER RELATIONS PERSON WHICH THE PARENT IN CONCERN HAD BUT THE GENTLEMAN HAD NO CLUE WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT. UNLESS THIS IS YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS THIS MAY HAVE GONE UNNOTICED BUT THIS PARENT HAD THE CONCERN AND CHECKED INTO IT. SHE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADJUSTED IN SOME WAY. IT SEEMS THAT ADDING A FEW NOTCHES COULD ACCOMMODATE MANY MORE PASSENGERS IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS USELESS TO HER AND THIS IS THE MAIN REASON WHY SHE PURCHASED THIS 7 PASSENGER VEHICLE. *NM