jollick

Seat Heater Non-Compliance Issue Creates Temporary Stop Sale On Certain Toyota Models

January 30, 2014

Toyota has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it has initiated a stop sale of certain Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles equipped with seat heaters in order to address a non-compliance issue.

In involved vehicles, the seat heater, which is a small portion of the soft materials of the seat assembly, does not meet a provision of U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requiring materials to retard flame at a specified rate. Toyota is preparing a modification for this condition, which will be implemented on all covered vehicles in dealer inventory.

There have been no reports globally of any related incidents in the field with units in operation. Per NHTSA regulations, Toyota will file a Non-Compliance Information Report today.

edablx13

thank you very much for the photo.

I own a 2013 ES 350 with 5000 miles to date.

I notice the indents on the two front seats.

Will follow up with the dealer.

trubatgioi

My 2014 is just 2 months old and the passenger seat shows the indents too. My kids and my wife are not big, ~120-145 lbs. Will ask the dealership to take a look when I am free

lesz

I have no idea whether there is any connection between what some are seeing happening to their seats and the heated seats, but it might be helpful if those who are seeing the problem would also indicate whether they often use the heated seats and, especially, if they frequently use the heated seats on the maximum setting, which is very hot.

MrlexEd88

Im having the same problem with only 13,000 miles

Pics attached

amphipri0n

That looks awful

MrlexEd88

I did went in today for a wash only at Lexus of Sliver Spring in MD, I was told by another service advisor "they probably won't be able to do much about it but to tell my service advisor to document it." Decided not to mention it since this is not the dealer I purchase and service my car.

Eagleguy

I only have 4800 miles on my ES350 and already the driver and to a lesser extent passenger seats are starting to show the problem outlined in this thread. Has anyone out there in Lexus land received any positive feedback from the dealers or Lexus corporate on fixing the problem?

Canesguy

So this upholstery pitting is only occurring on the perforated leather seats?

Eagleguy

My wife cranks up the seat heater to high after start especially during the cold Idaho winters. If the problem is with the heater/leather seat or just with the leather Lexus still has a problem. Seats should last for 100K+ or 10+ years

uncle

You need to push on this. I guarantee you, this will become much worse and more obvious. I would say the seat cover backing material is too thin, or on the heated perforated seats, not present.
At present, the seat looks like it has 5 years of wear on it.

pherbst

Last week I took my 2013 ES to a local auto upholstery shop to get their opinion of the seats. This shop has been in business over 35 years in Dallas and has an excellent reputation for their work. The owner of the shop said that it is "premature" for the seats to look like they do. He said that the problem could be corrected by installing what he called a "stiffiner" between the seat cushion and the leather (at a cost of $400 per seat). So I think that "Uncle"'s comment above about the backing material may have some merit.

Lexus Customer Care is going to schedule an inspection of my seats this month if a slot is available. If not, it will be March. Apparently the inspector is only in the Dallas area once a month.

Lexusxoxo

Is it only the 350's or is this happening in the 300h too?

jollick

My ES300h UL with Parchment Interior is 13 months old and 10,000 miles. My seats look as new.

Lexusxoxo

I'm so happy to hear that. I have the UL seats too!