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Toyota Avalon Limited vs. Lexus ES 350 Comparison

243 messages,  Last post on Jun 03, 2013 at 11:28 AM

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

Messages Page 25 of 25

#234 of 243 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 243 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 243 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 243 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 243 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 243 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.

#240 of 243 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [dan445] by dan445

May 30, 2013 (10:55 am)

Replying to: dan445 (May 16, 2013 5:46 am)
Good news!
 
Went back to Toyota dealer with a print out of this thread along with another posted elsewhere. They did the right thing! They sent the car out to a seat upholsterer and they added a little foam. Took one day; got a loaner. Seems to be fine now. They said it was not a "sanctioned" fix, but were going to try anyways. Seems to have worked - still have cooling and heating in seat.
 
My 4th Toyota in 10 years. Way to go DCH of Mamaroneck NY!!

#241 of 243 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [dan445] by nvbanker

May 30, 2013 (5:01 pm)

Replying to: dan445 (May 30, 2013 10:55 am)
Went back to Toyota dealer with a print out of this thread along with another posted elsewhere. They did the right thing! They sent the car out to a seat upholsterer and they added a little foam. Took one day; got a loaner. Seems to be fine now. They said it was not a "sanctioned" fix, but were going to try anyways. Seems to have worked - still have cooling and heating in seat.
  
My 4th Toyota in 10 years. Way to go DCH of Mamaroneck NY!!
 
I have also ran into this kind of service at Toyota dealers. Pretty amazing in these times. I lost my only key to an Avalon once that was 10 years old. Towed it to the dealer - where I DIDN'T buy it, and they put a new computer in the car and gave me 2 new keys, with 100,000 miles on the car. I was stunned!

#242 of 243 Excellent Video Critique and Review of 2013 Avy vs ES by ushy66

Jun 01, 2013 (9:57 pm)

link title

#243 of 243 Re: Lumps in 2011 Avalon seat [dan445] by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Jun 03, 2013 (11:28 am)

Replying to: dan445 (May 30, 2013 10:55 am)
I'm sure your dealership's service department would appreciate your thanks in the form of a nice review for them: http://www.edmunds.com/dealer-reviews/
 
Plus, other owners searching for a good dealership in your area will see the good review and hopefully reward them with more business.

Messages Page 25 of 25

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