Cindy McCrossen 
2015 Toyota Highlander SUV LE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Safety Concern-Blind Spot In Unique Area
 Overall, I like my Toyota Highlander.  I will say that when I purchased the vehicle on the lot I was a little disappointed in the fact that I had to buy the BASE model in order to get the bench in the middle row.  However, I needed that one extra seat.  And unfortunately, the base model didn't offer factory leather seating according to my dealership.  Cloth seats are NOT ideal for people with children.  That being said, my husband and I just agreed that once we got tired of the need to constantly clean the seats or fed up with how bad they look, then we would pay $2000 to a local company to transition all seating in the car to leather.  While I will do this, I still know that there is nothing better than the factory installing the leather.  I'm sure I will run into problems along the way.  This complaint is simply a cosmetic issue.  However, I have discovered a real safety concern over the past 16 months that I've had my Highlander.  On 3 separate occasions, I missed an accident by a mere second -- literally.  I am only 5'1" tall, and unfortunately the way that the BULKY side mirrors are it creates a MAJOR blind spot for me in the front of my car when making turns based on my height in the seat.  At first I fooled around with the seat adjustments to try to figure out how to raise the seats, and couldn't figure it out.  Finally, when I brought it to the dealership for an oil change, I told the service man that if they couldn't figure out how to raise my seat for me, then I was probably going to have to sell the car.  I have 3 children that I drive in that car every day and I simply couldn't continue to take the risk.  Fortunately, he showed me that one of the seat adjustment buttons actually allowed the seat to go front to back AND up and down.  So, I was able to get a little more height in the seat.  And it is helping a little.  But the judgement is still out because we just figured this out two weeks ago.  Honestly, if I have one more scare with this. I will sell the car.  Of course, some might say just put a seat cushion to help lift you up.  However, when I paid over $30,000 for a car, I don't think that I should have to use a $10 seat cushion to make it safe.  I think it also doesn't help that the side line of the windshield is bulky as well.....adding to the issue of blocking the view of cars that are literally in front but to the side of you on the driver side.  I have literally watched cars coming at me from a distance and watched how at a certain point they simply DISAPPEAR from my view completely for a second.  I am a very conscientious and defensive driver.  I have had many cars over the years, and have NEVER experience a blind spot in the front side of my car.  My only other complaint is that I don't find that the AC blows extremely cold air. It never really has from the beginning.  If I end up having to get rid of the car, it will be a shame because overall I like the car.  I hope Toyota does something to redesign for future models.