2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Both the front driver and passenger seat backs in my 2026 Toyota Camry XSE hybrid with 7,500 miles exhibit a distinct, physical popping sensation, shifting, and structural looseness during normal driving conditions (such as acceleration, braking, and turning). The internal frame or components of both seat backs feel unstable, as though they are not fully locking into place. I took the vehicle to the authorized dealer (Toyota of Plano) for inspection, but they declined to perform a repair, stating there is 'no repair at this time.' This unexpected shifting of the seat back while operating the vehicle is a safety distraction and raises concerns that the seat may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a sudden stop or collision."

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the front driver and passenger seatbacks on my 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid. Vehicle: 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Mileage: approximately 5,200 miles I first noticed the problem approximately two weeks ago. Both the driver and front passenger seatbacks have noticeable popping/clicking noises and feel loose. The condition occurs when leaning back against the seatback, accelerating, braking, turning, and when getting into or out of the vehicle. The seatbacks feel as though there is excessive movement or play in the seatback mechanism. The popping/clicking occurs during normal use and normal driving conditions. I am concerned that the looseness and abnormal movement of both front seatbacks could indicate a defect involving the seatback reclining/locking mechanism, seat structure, mounting, or another component that could affect occupant protection in a crash. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Plano on September 5, 2026, to have the issue inspected. I reported the condition to the dealership. I was told that there is currently no repair available for the problem. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA because the problem affects both front seating positions and involves abnormal looseness and movement of the seatbacks. I believe this condition should be investigated to determine whether it represents a safety-related defect that may affect other 2026 Toyota Camry vehicles. I have documentation from the Toyota dealership visit and can provide repair-order information, photographs, video, or other documentation demonstrating the seatback movement and popping/clicking. I request that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether this condition represents a potential safety defect or a developing defect trend involving the 2026 Toyota Camry. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front seat assemblies in my 2026 Toyota Camry XSE have developed an abnormal creaking/popping movement and noise during normal use. The issue appears to involve the seat structure, frame, mounting mechanism, or related components underneath the front seats. The vehicle and affected seat components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My concern is that the abnormal popping/creaking and movement may indicate looseness or another problem within the seat structure or mounting system. Because the seat is an occupant-restraint-related component and is designed to remain securely positioned during normal driving and a collision, I am concerned about whether the seat would perform as intended in an emergency or crash. I have not experienced a crash or injury related to this issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for evaluation of the front-seat creaking/popping concern. The dealership was able to evaluate the concern and advised me that they were seeking authorization from Toyota regarding repair of the seats. I was subsequently asked to pick up the vehicle while they waited for Toyota's decision/authorization on how to proceed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected/evaluated by an authorized Toyota dealership regarding the seat concern. To my knowledge, the vehicle itself has not been physically inspected by Toyota corporate/manufacturer representatives, police, or insurance representatives. The dealership has communicated with Toyota regarding authorization for the repair. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they

Driver seat feels like something is loose in the back and is popping randomly almost like somebody’s kicking you in the back. It can be very distracting while driving. This happened on the 2026LE I had that I turned in because of that problem. I’ve had it seen several times by the dealership for this issue and there’s no solution. There’s also an issue with the wiper blades going extremely too slow for rain, especially in South Florida with weather that includes torrential downpour. You cannot safely see even at full speed wiper. This may seem like a time in which you should just pull over, but I was born and raised driving in South Florida in the rain and I’ve had multiple vehicles that I’ve never had this issue before. Electronic system can be fidgety. The rear cross traffic warning stopped working. I was not aware and did not realize I had somebody in close proximity that could happen accidentally hit.

I am reporting an issue with the driver seat in my 2026 Toyota Camry SE model. The seat exhibits abnormal movement, shifting, instability, and popping sensations in the seatback (lumper support) area during normal driving conditions, specifically while accelerating or coming to a stop. It is also more noticeable during warming climates than cooler climates. The issue feels like looseness or movement of internal seat components and creates a distraction and potential safety concern while operating the vehicle. It has become very uncomfortable to sit and drive the vehicle. It feels like if someone is kicking the seat from behind. I brought the vehicle to three different Toyota dealership for inspection. The dealership acknowledged the issue and opened a TAS (Technical Assistance System) case with Toyota Motor Corporation. An attempted repair and inspection were performed; however, the issue still persists. After researching online owner forums and discussions, I found multiple reports from other Toyota Camry owners describing similar driver seat problems, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident. The ongoing seat movement negatively affects driver confidence and comfort and may create a safety risk by distracting the driver or altering seating position while driving.