Here is the story, We took our 2001 RX300 to the dealer to fix some rattles for the fourth time. The car came back rattle free but the driver's leather seat was cracked by the lumbar support on the door side of the seat; this was not on the seat when dropped off. We asked the dealer for a new seat but we were talked into repairing the leather. We were willing to work with the dealer if the repair was unnoticable. The repair looked good but only lasted about two months and the leather cracked again. We asked for a new seat- the dealer installed a new seat cover. It fits loosely and is not as contoured as the passenger's seat. The dealer says it will shrink with time- about two months. We got a list of reasons why they can not replace a seat. Also, the dealer damaged our door during this repair which now needs to be repaired (I'm venting here).

Questions are:
1. Is it reasonable for leather to shrink? I thought leather stretched

2. Has anyone else had issues with their leater seats cracking?

3. Are we being unreasonble expecting a replacement seat on a young vehicle (8k miles)?

4. What is our recourse?

My wife and I are frustrated by the amount of time we spend at the dealership, the damage they have done to our vehicle and that they can not fix anything in the first visit.

Thanks for any input.

 

I had a crack in my driver seat and they replaced it. I dident even buy it at that dealer. I dont think anything is going to be shrinking either. Make them fix the door and try another dealer on the seat without a word about dealer #1.

My new seat, starting to crack too. That lasted 6 months.

 

Hey Melnme2

Ever bought a new pair of Leather boots, and had them shrink over time......
Ha Ha Ha....Neither have I...

Your Dealer's Technician obviously didn't do as good a job as my Tech did.....

I had my driver's seat bottom replaced due to what appeared to be scratches or maybe cracks....don't know, the Warranty guy said it was to be replaced, and who was I to complain...

I can't tell the difference between the two front seats.

My advice on dropping your vehicle at that dealer is to do a walk-around with them whenever you drop by for service, so you both know exactly what scratches are there before and after.

Good Luck, be persistant....they will listen (eventually)

 

So leather is guaranteed under the Lexus warranty? That's good to know.

Any idea about a Certified Pre-owned Lexus? My guess is 'no'. I bought a certified '99 and the drivers' side seat is starting to crack. I've been bathing it in Lexol, with minor improvements. If they cover it, time for me to book an appointment!

 

The good news is, the dealer is taking care of everything and replacing the seat.

But it concerns me that the leather does not seem to hold up well in an upscale car like this.

Thanks for the input.

 

Seems odd to me, too. My wife's 99 has 41k on it (and the seats) and they are showing slight wear, no more than I would expect with leather. Little Lexol now and then, otherwise no special treatment.

Something isn't quite right with an '01 showing cracks so quickly.

Beaker, my thoughts exactly. NONE of my leather shoes/boots has ever shrunk. The usual dealer double step tap dance......sad to say.

 

Why is it dealers are so reluctant to repair items under warranty?

Don't they get reimbursed by the factory for such items? There must be some financial incentive for them not to to do warranty work.

I have had some issues with Lexus service as well as other dealers.

It's a shame, I had expected more from Lexus.