Driver Seat Mis-Shapen

[paddy79]

Hi All,

I am having some issue driver seat it deformed it self after 18k, I was wondering if this is common fault with Avensis? It is in two places, you can see this on attached pictures. How drivers seat is looking in your cars?

Toyota dealer said that this is not covered under warranty, I am still waiting for reason of their decision.

[Devon Aygo]

There are no bulletins concerning this and it is not something I have seen on current model Avensis, as for it not being covered under warranty there should be no reason why its not covered, unless the seat has been modified or damaged.

[paddy79]

Damaged how? I did not done any modification.

[paddy79]

Replay From Toyota Dealer:

"As you will recall, we asked for the car to be on site for inspection by a representative from the Toyota GB Ltd field service management team.

During this inspection, he investigates the customer concern and then inspects for any defect or failure caused by the manufacturing process. On this occasion, he has deemed that no warranty claim can be processed or instructed as there is no evidence that this component has failed through fault of poor quality assembly or any defect within the manufacturing process. He has also stated that he could not see any defect outwith any normal wear and tear of the component.

With all of this mind, and as previously explained on the telephone prior to your collection, we cannot progress this to a successful warranty claim, as the terms and conditions state that a claim can only be processed if there is evidence or proof of the aforementioned failure.

In closing, whilst I am unable to fully satisfy your concern, I must assure you that in this instance we have acted with your best intentions in mind and also at this juncture, I feel it prudent to inform you that the decision of the Toyota GB Ltd field service management team is final. "

[paddy79]

Any Ideas how to deal with this?

[Devon Aygo]

Quite why the dealer involved their FSM ( field service manager ) I don't know, but as the car has been inspected by a manager from Toyota itself, in terms of what a dealer can do his decision is final. As the decision is that the fault is not a warranty issue no warranty claim can be submitted, leaving you with contacting customer relations and lodging a complaint and requesting a goodwill gesture as the only way forwards.

[paddy79]

I contacted contacting customer relations and waiting for feedback, I believe that they replay will the same:( So that will leave me with a faulty seat! great Toyota reliability.

[Valvematic]

Most car seats go mis-shapen, it's all down to the build of the person sitting in it.

[paddy79]

Strange that from 12 cars which I own in the past it happened only in Toyota.

[Valvematic]

Strange that from 12 cars which I own in the past it happened only in Toyota.

I am nearly 12 stone have a big bottom and all the car seats I have sat in have suffered. One thing I do try not to do is slide on the bolster next to the door, I crane myself out. My Avensis has creases in the fabric and that's all so far.

[valentino46]

My seat was creased on the driver seat bolster after only 2000 miles from brand new,,and i do not treat my cars badly or jump in and out with any degree of force ,,,,,When i returned to the main dealer they were only too pleased to offer me that they would remove the seat and have it repaired locally.which was a better deal than you had. However,i decided not to have the seat and all the things relating to it ,removed from a brand new car .It has not got any worse in two years [nearly].,

[FROSTYBALLS]

A few years ago I had a problem with a Nissan seat base, where the foam had compressed slightly leaving the seat covering to wrinkle. The seat base was replaced under warranty.

So its not just Toyotas that can be affected by this sort of issue.

[paddy79]

But Toyota refuses to repair it under warranty!

[avensisd4d786]

have you had a response from Toyota GB.

[paddy79]

Nothing so far, I will phone them later on.

[Mantr1d]

Does it cause discomfort? I recently bought a new 1 year car and its
my third avensis. The seat has the same issue but it actually causes me
pain! It feel like that are is less padded and there is a spring or
something sticking out that causes great discomfort. I got word by word
the same response from my local dealer and they also said they involved
the Field Manager! I have to pad that area of the seat now as it very
uncomfortable. I did show the garage the issue and they showed me a
similar model on which had no indent like your photo and when i sat in
the different car it was a lot comfier! Never had this issue before!

[paddy79]

It cause discomfort, after long ride especially. It is becoming more flat each week! I am still waiting for a replay from Toyota GB. I phoned them up today but they said that it will take them another two days to get back to me!

[Mantr1d]

It cause discomfort, after long ride especially. It is becoming more flat each week! I am still waiting for a replay from Toyota GB. I phoned them up today but they said that it will take them another two days to get back to me!

Yea same here Its in getting looked at for yet another fault since i got it in July . I intend to report this as well so please keep us updated. Once I have it back will post pictures as I am sure I have the same indent. Will also point out on the phot where the spring or screw issue is thats causing most of my issue.

[paddy79]

So got a replay from Toyota GB and they said that I had to damaged the seat! Which is different to what Field Manager said (normal tear and wear)! I think that this is my first and last Toyota in that case.

[paddy79]

Get a final response from Toyota, they said this time that seat was deformed due incorrect sitting position:) that outrageous!

But they offer me £100 for a new seat covers, any ideas where I could find any for 2012 avensis?

Checked eBay and anazon and found nothing:(

[Mantr1d]

Not sure how to post photos as got mine now showing indent and area? I finally got mine sorted but after a very
long fight and also I have major other issues with my car which were
worse! This is clearly a design fault ! One that Toyota wants to avoid
recalling. Seem to be just in recent cars as my old 2008 didn't have this
issue. I spoke with another Driver who had same fault and he pointed out
an easy way to spot it. Just simply gently drag your finger over the
area and you can clearly feel a gap . I tried this on my replacement
seat and it wasn't there! Also the padding on my replacement was so much
better. I think these seats are prone to deforming easy and i hope they
sort it but looks like a seat cover etc may be the way until they do or
avoid Toyota's!

If you find a cover please letus know as I may need one got a funny feeling this seat may go again in the future grrr

[paddy79]

Good that they finally fixed your issue, I had to take my seat to independent specialist who fixed the seat for £150, now it is much better. He said that it is not design fault but poor quality materials used.

I noticed that the same thing start happening with passenger seat as well! This time they can blame me as this seat is barely used. But I am very disappointed with Toyota customer service!!!

[Mantr1d]

Thats shocking!! I totally agree quality is rubbish and such an important part of the car! Shame you ended up having to spend money on it and shame on Toyota! I hope others make sure the check the seats now before buying!