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Toyota Avalon Limited vs. Lexus ES 350 Comparison

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

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

Messages Page 23 of 25

#217 of 239 Re: 2011 Avalon and ES350 [kenb757] by texases

Jan 10, 2011 (11:07 am)

Replying to: kenb757 (Jan 10, 2011 10:35 am)
That sounds like a similar approach Ford is now taking with their latest V6 and V8 engines: list hp for regular, and indicate that premium will net a few more hp.

#218 of 239 Avalon 2011 cooled driver seats issue feel lumps by jimbavalon2011

Jan 10, 2011 (6:58 pm)

I recently purchased a 2011 Avalon Limited, soon I discovered the seat was very uncomfortable after 15-20 minutes of driving. I kept feeling lumps in my drivers seat.
I brought it back to the dealer and they advised it was caused by the cooling fan(s) in the seat. That it is a known issue by Toyota and has NO FIX.
I then drove a new Avalon (w/cooled seats) and it had the same problem. My friend and the Toyota dealer also feel the fan lumps.
I have set-up a case file with Toyota.
Has anyone heard of this problem?
Please advise. Thanks
jim

#219 of 239 Re: Gas Mileage...more [fin] by 55396

Jan 10, 2011 (10:52 pm)

Replying to: fin (Jan 10, 2011 9:01 am)
Input from a friend:
 
It really depends on the fuel table coding. In most cars you will only have a single fuel table that supports 87 octane and therefore anything else is a waste of money. But, if you have DUAL fuel table that is properly calibrated you will see a difference. This one of the changes we add to the GM ECM tune I install it in the 8.1L V8 used in RV's.

#220 of 239 Re: Avalon 2011 cooled driver seats issue feel lumps [jimbavalon2011] by robsis

Jan 11, 2011 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Jan 10, 2011 6:58 pm)
Haven't noticed this on our 2011 Ltd. I wonder if it is variable, vehicle to vehicle? Ours is quite comfortable on long trips....

#221 of 239 Re: Avalon 2011 cooled driver seats issue feel lumps [jimbavalon2011] by snowypines

Feb 18, 2011 (8:58 am)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Jan 10, 2011 6:58 pm)
Yes, my 2008 Avalon Limited is the same with the cooling fan motor poking me on the right side. I finally had to buy a seat cushion, which defeats the purpose of the cooled and heated seats. It is quite uncomfortable without the cushion. But to be fair, my wife does NOT feel it when driving. Therefore, the weight of the person may affect how much they feel it, and since I weight quite a bit more than my wife, that could be it. But couldn't they design a better seat on such a nice car?

#222 of 239 Re: Avalon 2011 cooled driver seats issue feel lumps [snowypines] by jimbavalon2011

Feb 18, 2011 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: snowypines (Feb 18, 2011 8:58 am)
Lumps in seat are real. This is a "Known Issue" to Toyota.
It is not the cooling fan, the single fan is located center front by your crotch.
After my consistent complaint the Toyota Rep meet me at dealer and dealer (I was present) took apart the drivers seat. The problem is the spring(s) are felt by anyone over approx. 200lb. Our weight compresses the foam to the point the bottom springs are contacted & your feel them.
The fix (done on my 2011') is to add a layer of padding.
The seat cover comes off fairly easy, after the seat is removed.
The added padding is not put over the fan area; so both the heat (a heater pad) & fan will fuction properly. Being a known issue, why doesn't Toyota correct this, I ask? It's simply based on # of complaints, I was advised.
Sad.

#223 of 239 Re: Avalon 2011 cooled driver seats issue feel lumps [jimbavalon2011] by cathyouel

Mar 14, 2011 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Feb 18, 2011 8:01 pm)
Just bought a 2011 Avalon and my husband and I have noticed the exact same driver's seat discomfort!!! Frustrating! We did a LOT of research and test drives, and decided on Avalon as the rest of the car is gorgeous and exactly what we wanted! Did not know exactly what was causing the discomfort ( my husband especially notices it after driving 30 minutes or more, as he is 6'4" tall and 225lbs), and was talking to the service manager at our dealership this evening about what to do next to fix this( ...we really don't want another car!!!). Reading this post was incredibly helpful....sounds like we need to get the Toyota rep to our dealership and work it out ASAP.
 
Question: Do you have any more details on the fix that we can describe to our dealership/Toyota rep??? Is there a "standard" fix, or was this a custom solution to your problem? Toyota says there is no Service campaign or bulletin on this as of this writing. How much additional padding did you add? My husband is tall and wants more padding, but not too much or headroom will become an issue! Any help/details/insight appreciated!!!! Thanks!

#224 of 239 Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat by jimbavalon2011

Mar 14, 2011 (7:20 pm)

Get your Toyota factory Rep. involved. They may try to blow you off. Your husband will be very happy with the fix. It was a custom fix that the Orland Park, IL. Toyota rep can explain to your area rep. They can talk. This is a "Known Issue" to Toyota. Once fixed you & husband will love it.
Best Luck,
jimbavalon2011

#225 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [jimbavalon2011] by cathyouel

Mar 15, 2011 (8:46 am)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 14, 2011 7:20 pm)
This is great info and very timely! I am speaking to the dealership's GM today. He gave us another 2011 Avalon to try out for a couple of days to see if that car was any better. Guess what? It too had the exact same driver's side discomfort in the seat bottom. I am going to try to convince him to get the Toyota Rep involved. By any chance do you have any contact info (Name, number, etc) of who you dealt with at Toyota Orland Park IL so I can connect them???? Once again thanks for your note....you've given me hope that this can get resolved the right way!!!

#226 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [cathyouel] by jimbavalon2011

Mar 15, 2011 (5:14 pm)

Replying to: cathyouel (Mar 15, 2011 8:46 am)
I reply because I felt your pain (in butt). Your dealer may not be aware of this Avalon "factory KNOWN issue". Be insistent - the problem really exists.
Ask your dealer to get Toyota Rep. involved. Both should contack Mr. Thomas Barton at Orland Toyota (Orland Park, IL.) 708-429-3900. The Toyota Rep for Orland Toyota is Mr. Melvin Maw. He should have done a report on this work and filed it with Toyota..
ps: I also drove another 2011 Avalon, they ALL have same fault in seat.
Best Luck
Jim

Messages Page 23 of 25

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