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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 24 of 25

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

Mar 15, 2011 (6:06 pm)

Replying to: jimbavalon2011 (Mar 15, 2011 5:14 pm)
Jim,
 
You have no idea how much I appreciate your quick replies and the information you just provided!!! This is fantastic!!! I will DEFINITELY let you know how I make out on this. LOVE the car and just want this fixed...Thank you! Cathy

#228 of 239 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [cathyouel] by sylvester2

Mar 16, 2011 (5:57 am)

Replying to: cathyouel (Mar 15, 2011 6:06 pm)
Cathy and Jim,
 
I have been following your dialogue, as I have the same problem with my 2011 Avalon that I bought in February. I am in the process of having the driver's seat repaired in the same manner as had Jim. I was wondering if the passenger's seat should also be re-padded, as it is only slightly more comfortable than the driver's seat.
 
Jim, I think I also feel something hard against my tailbone that feels like it resides in the bottom of the seat back as opposed to the seat cushion. I do not know if you experienced that as well. All I do know is that I feel pain in my coccyx, butt and upper thighs and sure hope this re-padding addresses all of those issues.
 
Thanks to both of you for having shared. It has been extremely helpful.

#229 of 239 Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat by jimbavalon2011

Mar 16, 2011 (2:02 pm)

Cathy & Sylvester, Please keep me informed of your out come(s). The pasenger seat seems not to have this problem (or as eventent), I don't know why, as I would thing it is a mirror image of the drivers seat. I feel the main fault of seat is it can't handle a weight over >200lb.
Although this may not be called a safety issue, Toyota should advise dealers of this problem and supply a FIX (a proper cut out of correct density material to be added) for their customers over 5'8" and/or weighting over 200 pounds.

#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.

Messages Page 24 of 25

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