jonlow Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 I have an '04 Impreza TS, with approx. 27,000 kms (~17,000 miles) on it. I just noticed that on the side of the driver's seat, there is a very worn spot in the fabric, a little below where my elbow would be if at my side. The spot is about 1/2" wide, 3" long. If I press on the worn spot, just below the fabric, I can feel what I think is a piece of hard plastic, probably what forms the side bolsters. At this rate, I'll have a hole in 6 months. Needless to say, I'll be discussing it with the dealership soon, though I am concerned that they'll consider it wear and tear rather than a defect. There is no other visible wear inside the car. My last Subaru was a 1993 Impreza, which I bought new and drove until I bought the 2004. The 1993 is still in the family, being driven by my sister-in-law. The seats in the '93 are fine. Has anyone else seen or heard of this problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwatt Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 I have an '04 Impreza TS, with approx. 27,000 kms (~17,000 miles) on it. I just noticed that on the side of the driver's seat, there is a very worn spot in the fabric, a little below where my elbow would be if at my side. The spot is about 1/2" wide, 3" long. If I press on the worn spot, just below the fabric, I can feel what I think is a piece of hard plastic, probably what forms the side bolsters. At this rate, I'll have a hole in 6 months. Needless to say, I'll be discussing it with the dealership soon, though I am concerned that they'll consider it wear and tear rather than a defect. There is no other visible wear inside the car. My last Subaru was a 1993 Impreza, which I bought new and drove until I bought the 2004. The 1993 is still in the family, being driven by my sister-in-law. The seats in the '93 are fine. Has anyone else seen or heard of this problem? In my experience working at a dealer (but not a Subaru dealer), this kind of situation was handled on a case-by-case basis. It might be best if you present the situation as "the seat bottom cushion frame is pushing through the fabric resulting in fabric damage". But the dealer may very well look at the way you enter and exit the vehicle, as well as your physical size, to make a decision. At the GM dealer where I worked, sometimes the cushion cover (fabric) was replaced under warranty. Sometimes, the fabric was "sectioned"--that is--only the damaged section of the cushion cover was replaced by a local auto trim shop (and billed to the dealer). You may want to insist that additional foam padding be placed on the existing foam cushion so that the seat frame won't push thru the fabric in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyKeith Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 If the spot is on the left side it could be something to do with the side air bag. They are built into the seat and can be located by an emblem on the side of the seat where the air bag is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 i'd take a picture of your seat from the 1993 subaru you bought and show the perfectly good drivers seat after 11 years of ownership if they question anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outback_97 Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 I've seen other people mention this: http://www.carvoice.com/cvsurveys/subaruimp.html (read the first one, left column) And a couple in here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240474 It looks like at least a couple people have had some warranty work done. No obvious problems in our '03 TS, it has similar mileage to yours (18K or so miles). It might have a bit of wear that I haven't noticed yet though. I don't think 04 TS's have side air bags... just WRX's IIRC. I know my '03 doesn't. I think the only significant change (except for the looks up front) was adding disc brakes to the back and EBD. And you can't open the back hatch with a key Glad ours has that. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlow Posted July 22, 2005 Author Share Posted July 22, 2005 You're right Steve, no side air-bags in my Impreza (wish there were). I have been noticing whether I touch that part of the seat when I get in and out of the car, and as far as I can tell, I don't, though once one starts thinking about it, one might unconsciously change how one does it. Thanks for the advice. The dealer has been truly excellent, as well as competitive for service like oil changes. If they continue to perform as they have been so far, I won't ever take the car anywhere else. This is my first, totally dealership positive experience buying and servicing a new car. Now I only wish I could find a competent Mazda dealer for the spousal unit's vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlow Posted August 11, 2005 Author Share Posted August 11, 2005 Yesterday at N/C the dealership replaced the seat cover with a brand new one, after adding some padding to protect the cover from the form that keep the side bolsters in shape. This dealership is really exceptional. I've been back 6 times in just under 2 years, and been happy every time. Not so with other new car dealerships I have experienced. If anyone needs a dealer in Toronto, I'd highly recommend Marino's on Lakeshore Blvd West. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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