This rare problem can make for an exciting ride.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, an independent company from Toyota, will recall 7,749 vehicles across the United States due to a possible fire hazard caused by a short circuit in a seat heater. These models are affected:
2005-2011 4Runner
Avalon 2005-2010
1988-1990, 2005–2010 Camry
2006-2008 Camry Sunterra
1989, 2009-2010 Corolla
2007-2010 FJ Cruiser
2005-2011 Highlander
2010-2012 Prius
2006-2011 RAV4
2005-2011 Sequoia
2005-2011 Sienna
2006-2011 Tacoma
2005-2010 Tundra
2009-2010 Venza
Southeast Toyota Distributors installed aftermarket heaters in these cars, but they discovered that the wiring could be damaged by a driver’s weight over time. This can lead to a short circuit that could cause damage to the wiring and possibly injure the person.
The distributor recalls vehicles in November 2014. At that time, there were three reports of short circuits. The group discovered another example of the problem in a 2007 Sequoia. This incident resulted in no injuries. Southeast Toyota Distributors discovered that there was a larger number of vehicles than it had originally included in its safety campaign.
Because the supplier of the component is no longer in business, the distributor does not have an actual repair. The dealers will instead disconnect the affected seat heaters, and refund owners the original purchase price. The group will notify customers via a letter in July.