Ask the Car People.SM


Toyota Avalon Limited vs Lexus ES 350

239 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2013 at 5:46 AM

You are in the Toyota Avalon Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 350

Messages Page 24 of 24

#230 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [jimbavalon2011] by marco33

Mar 16, 2011 (6:57 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 16, 2011 2:02 pm)
Hi Jim & Sylvester,
 
Cathy's husband here, Marc. Cathy and I both feel that the passenger side also has an issue, but it is not nearly as severe or pronounced as the driver's seat. I am not sure why. Would have thought the seats are identical, but I have noticed one definite difference. Driver's has extended thigh support adjustment ( not sure what Toyota calls this) but passenger does not. You can basically extend the front edge of the driver's seat bottom to provide more thigh support, but you can't do that on the passenger side. Otherwise, I think the seats are identical. Maybe this is the reason the passenger side is not as bad ????? Maybe there is a motor bracket or something for the driver's side that is NOT there on passenger side??? Just my theory. Bottom line is that Toyota should fix BOTH seats, but driver's side is really our primary concern at this point, since driver comfort could potentially result in safety concern (i.e. shifting in seat at speed to get comfortable)
 
BTW, totally agree on the >200lb criteria Jim mentioned. Others who weigh less don't seem to have the same complaint, which would seem to make sense. However, I would want to make sure ALL those drivers <200 lbs drive the car for at least an hour first!!! Then if they don't feel the discomfort, I would be convinced!!! Jim, our dealership GM is reaching out to the contacts you provided in IL...he has been VERY cooperative and receptvie to what we have to say on this matter. I remain optimistic!!!! Will definitely keep you and Sylvester updated. Thanks again for the help and suggestions!!!

#232 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [jimbavalon2011] by marco33

Mar 22, 2011 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 16, 2011 2:02 pm)
Hello Jim,
  
Bad news to report. My Toyota GM ( or service manager) called the Orland Park IL contacts you provided. The bottom line that I got back was that the fix that they did to your Avalon driver's was not "sanctioned" by Toyota. They told me they replaced your seat with a "Sequoia seat, but that was not a "Toyota-approved" solution from a warranty viewpoint. Can you comment? My dealership GM is telling me he can't unilaterally change the seat or it potentially voids warranty and/or safety ( air bag). This makes sense on one hand, as I can understand he cant just go and start modifying things without Toyota's approval. So how did you get to your Sequoia seat solution??? Who suggested it??? Thanks!

#234 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [jimbavalon2011] by marco33

Mar 28, 2011 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 16, 2011 2:02 pm)
Hello again Jim,
  
Tried calling the contact (Thomas Barton) at Orland Park IL Toyota where you had your Avalon seat fixed. Unfortunately, he no longer works there.!!! I am trying to resolve your description of the fix ( added padding to your seat) vs what my dealership GM told me after they talked to Orland ( replaced with a Sequoia seat???). I am hoping to meet the factory rep this week and having this info would be really helpful. Is there anyone else at Orland you dealt with that is familiar with your repair that I could speak with ????

#235 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [jimbavalon2011] by marco33

Apr 12, 2011 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 16, 2011 2:02 pm)
Jim,
 
Sorry I have not posted in a while. We are still struggling with Toyota on this issue. They sent their rep- - very nice and professional - - but he was not very forthcoming with any information. He did his internet research and did say Toyota is "aware" of all these complaints, and that there is " alot out there" this issue. He also acknowledged the lumps that my wife and I are feeling in the seat, but officially states there is no defect and that the seats conforms to its design! He has spoken directly to your Orland Toyota rep, but he told me your "fix" was "dealer-sponsored" and not anything that Toyota devised or sanctioned. So my dealership won't do for me, what yours did for you!!! ugh.
 
What Toyota HQ has told me TWICE now is to fill out out the claim form in the glove box with all the manuals, and start the third party arbitration process. Basically, I have been advised that I can claim the full price of the car and see what I get! Wouldn't inserting a 1/2 piece of foam for $20 between the frame and seat bottom make more sense for everyone? The ONLY reason I am going though all this aggravation is because my wife and i love....I mean LOVE.... the rest of the car....its a home run ( except for the seat lump). Customer loyalty should not be this hard...(Toyota if you are reading this PLEASE invite me to a customer focus group!!!)
 
BTW, that "lump" in my case (Avalon Limited) is a small rigid plastic air plenum that connects the flexible air hose to the blower motor for cooled seats. The plastic plenum is a "connector" ( somewhat similar to the end of a garden hose) that directs cool air into a hole in the seat bottom padding. There are built in air ducts in the seat pad that direct air through the holes in the leather. What I am feeling is that rigid plastic "connector". I have asked the dealership to remove that plastic piece, as I dont car about cooled seats. But so far no luck. No one wants to touch it!
 
That's the update! I'll keep you posted!

#236 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [marco33] by jimbavalon2011

Apr 12, 2011 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: marco33 (Apr 12, 2011 7:25 pm)
Hi Marco, I was wondering what your out come was, sad how Toyota treats their customers - "Fill out the form". There IS a problem with the seat, I & you call it a defect; Toyota calls it "A Know Issue". I guess my dealer DID do me a favor.
I advise you just get it fixed by a auto upholstery shop. As you correctly stated the material used for the fix won't be much money, mainly labor.
I can't tell you the thickness or density of the material- for I did not see it.
The upholstery guy when he opens the seat (and talks to you) will figure out the correct fix. I estimate the time to remove seat, fix(add padding) & reinstall at 2 hour +/-. The seat cover comes off easy. You will keep heat & cooling.
My seat now is perfect, yours will be also. Soon you will forget this pain in the ass ordeal.
I wonder the real number of complaints on this problem., how many other forums is this talked about.
Keep it touch - best luck.
Jim B.
Frankfort, IL.

#237 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [marco33] by robin5

Oct 16, 2011 (10:47 pm)

Replying to: marco33 (Apr 12, 2011 7:25 pm)
I have a 2011 Avalon and there are NO lumps in my seat. Believe me, I would feel it if anyone would. What I can't stand is how the car doesn't sense the remotes. I've been complaining since 12/2010 and in 8/2011 finally insisted they show me they, "Work every time". The car is in for the second time and they can't figure out what's wrong, but at least they're trying. Or say they are.

#238 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [marco33] by motorhead21

Nov 11, 2011 (4:47 am)

Replying to: marco33 (Apr 12, 2011 7:25 pm)
I have been reading about the lump in seat problem. I have a 2005 Avalon without heated/cooled seats and have no problem. I have noticed that the interior of the Avalon has changed. I sat in a 2012 Avalon in the showroom the other day and didn't notice a problem. but I wasn't looking for one at that time.

#239 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [marco33] by dan445

May 16, 2013 (5:46 am)

Replying to: marco33 (Mar 28, 2011 1:56 pm)
I just picked up a 2013 Avalon Ltd with heated and cooled seats. Not only do I have the piece of plastic near the rear of the seat (cooler connection), the seat itself is very uncomfortable - lumpy is a good word.
 
Car has 300 miles on it. Love it, but very uncomfortable and I drive 1 hr each way to work.
 
I'm guessing Toyota won't help? Answer seems to be to take it to a car upholstery company and get another layer of cushion installed? I would do that if it works. Love the car so far.
 
Will come back after my visit to Toyota next week.

Messages Page 24 of 24

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement