This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
About a week ago, driver seat could not return to upright position after adjusting angle. Then we noticed large piece of seat back frame was protruding on the left-hand side. Upon removal of covering and cushion to uncover the back frame, we discovered that, of the two solid-steel arms attaching the back frame to the bottom part of the bucket seat (the adjuster mechanism), the arm on the left-hand side has been split into two separate pieces, along a horizontal break in the steel itself. In short, the left half of the seat back frame is not attached anymore. Initially we suspected vandalism, but the break is definitely not a saw cut (even if were possible); and we also discovered that the steel arm on the right-hand side has a half-inch long crack in almost exactly the same spot, and also horizontal. This led us to conclude that the break on the left arm was due to a developing crack in the steel, and the right arm is clearly headed towards an identical fracture -- which would completely separate the seat back frame from the bucket seat altogether! the two steel arms are clearly made of sub-standard material. Without considering the significant cost of replacing the bucket seat, this is clearly a serious safety hazard, since at any moment the seat back could collapse completely due to sub-standard steel parts tearing apart. It is fortunate this was discovered while the vehicle was not in motion. This is definitely a safety recall issue. We have several photos of these defects, including close-ups, ready to send you upon request.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated the driver's side seat frame was fractured. When accelerating, the seat would slide backwards and forward. The dealer replaced the seat but the frame was bent which prevented the seat from staying in place. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Corolla. While driving at approximate speeds of 45 mph, the driver's seat frame fractured. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the seat was replaced. The failure mileage was 49,000 and the current mileage was 83,000. Updated 05/13/10.
Driver's seat does not lock into place. When driving along driver's seat will suddenly and without warning slide backwards to the farthest position making it difficult for driver to reach the break and clutch. A number of near accidents have occurred when this happens making the car difficult to stop. The dealer was notified, checked the problem, and recommended that the seat be replaced at the owners expense.
The seat did not stay in place and this happened on the passenger and driver side. The manufacturer was contacted and fixed the drivers seat but they did not fix the passenger's seat. There were seat release problems. When the problem was first experienced, the driver's seat made noise after the seat released. (upon acceleration, stopping going up an incline) the noise occurred prior to release. This caused the driver to be thrown away from the brake and gas pedal.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mobile, AL, USA