A vehicle seat and a backrest adjuster (1) for a vehicle seat are provided in order to adjust the inclination of a backrest (2.1) of a vehicle seat (2). The backrest adjuster includes a transmission element (5) that is coupled to a fitting (4) and to a pivot bearing (3). A clamping element (11) is mounted in the region of the pivot bearing (3) and in the region of the fitting (4) lying opposite the pivot bearing. In the region between the pivot bearing (3) and the fitting (4), the clamping element (11) is arranged at least in part in the transmission element (5).