Need Help and Advice on Leather Seat

[S Dhuper]

1 hour ago, Pm4 said:

Any comments on the results after the steam treatment? 

Hi Guy's, 

Was busy at work, this is how it went :

Dropped the car off on the 19th and was given a Loan 23 Plate UX 250H Sport, got a phone call telling me this Steam machine will be coming on the 20th. 

Got a phone call saying it's done, so I went the next day, I was very disappointed after the treatment the creases were slightly visable, but after a week they're back to how it was. 

I told the service agent the creases are still there and she said give it a couple of months, I'm not waiting that long I'll give it couple of days. 

She said something very interesting "Are you guys aware that the Leather seats on the Takumi are just seat Covers" 

She said the 1st attempt is to steam the crease out, which it didn't, and the next is to change the Leather seat cover, and not only that steaming the cover they left a couple of scuff marks. 

I'm sending some photos, you can compare the photos of the seat from my first post to this one 

 

[Boomer54]

4 minutes ago, S Dhuper said:

Hi Guy's, 

Was busy at work, this is how it went :

Dropped the car off on the 19th and was given a Loan 23 Plate UX 250H Sport, got a phone call telling me this Steam machine will be coming on the 20th. 

Got a phone call saying it's done, so I went the next day, I was very disappointed after the treatment the creases were slightly visable, but after a week they're back to how it was. 

I told the service agent the creases are still there and she said give it a couple of months, I'm not waiting that long I'll give it couple of days. 

She said something very interesting "Are you guys aware that the Leather seats on the Takumi are just seat Covers" 

She said the 1st attempt is to steam the crease out, which it didn't, and the next is to change the Leather seat cover, and not only that steaming the cover they left a couple of scuff marks. 

I'm sending some photos, you can compare the photos of the seat from my first post to this one 

 

I don't understand why leaving it any time at all would change the current situation. The heat is supposed to basically tighten the leather at a structural level (fibres). However, when the heat is removed and the temperature of the material normalises the effect stops and you are left with whatever you have got. I see no logic in the agents suggestion.

You have my sympathy on this one. I would be unhappy to be buying leatherwork to see it degrade that quickly.

Hold out for better.

[Gary H]

Many thanks for the update, I was wondering about this thread only the other day and where we were up to with the case... 

I had a feeling that steaming the seat wouldn't really work but didn't want to say anything at the time in case I was proven wrong. I could imagine a steamer flattening out the creases for sure, but not actually doing anything with regards to the marks caused by the creases - which looks to be the case judging from your pictures. 

I'm happy that they suggested it as an option to begin with but now it's become clear it really needs a new cover (I'm surprised to hear that they are just covers...). This is something that I would be perusing, personally. 

[S Dhuper]

18 minutes ago, Boomer54 said:

I don't understand why leaving it any time at all would change the current situation. The heat is supposed to basically tighten the leather at a structural level (fibres). However, when the heat is removed and the temperature of the material normalises the effect stops and you are left with whatever you have got. I see no logic in the agents suggestion.

You have my sympathy on this one. I would be unhappy to be buying leatherwork to see it degrade that quickly.

Hold out for better.

Thanks for those kind words, with the money I spent on the 350H Takumi I could have gone for any of the Germans, but Lexus is supposed to be the best of best for Luxury, Refinement, Reliability only time will tell, this could be just a one of, the Passenger seat is in immaculate condition and it does get used a

[S Dhuper]

8 minutes ago, Gary H said:

Many thanks for the update, I was wondering about this thread only the other day and where we were up to with the case... 

I had a feeling that steaming the seat wouldn't really work but didn't want to say anything at the time in case I was proven wrong. I could imagine a steamer flattening out the creases for sure, but not actually doing anything with regards to the marks caused by the creases - which looks to be the case judging from your pictures. 

I'm happy that they suggested it as an option to begin with but now it's become clear it really needs a new cover (I'm surprised to hear that they are just covers...). This is something that I would be perusing, personally. 

I'll Leave it until Monday and give them a call, even I was surprised being a seat cover, but she showed me the Zipper, if you open the rear door and look on the side of the seat you can see the Zip 

[SH20]

Sudershan, I refer back to my opinion in that the seat cover when fitted at the factory wasn't stretched  enough when it was fastened to the frame.   Look at any YouTube video which shows a factory built car in the leather/trim area of the factory and you will often see trimmers  pulling the covers taught before they secure  in place.  The seat covers are all built to the same pattern/size so there would be no variation in size, i.e  a smaller or larger seat cover.  

 

If the cover is not stretched enough then further down the line, a few months in your case the small amount of slack will allow the cover to move.  If it can move then creases are the result.   I agree with Boomer54, this is the dealer trying to fob you off with the cheapest alternative to what the seat really needs which is,   either the complete dismantling of the seat base, re stretch the cover and secure it or if it were me I would demand a new seat cover.   A professional trimmer would take this problem in his stride and fix it permanently.  

The photo is of my driver's seat which is 6.5 years old.   It is a LS Premier model the equivalent today of what they now call Takumi level.  It is semi analine leather like yours and has done 34,000 miles and there are  no creases or issues with the leather.   

Send a contact form off to Lexus via their website and complain and tell them you feel you are being messed around by the dealer.  Just how many more weeks does this dealer want to string this out?

    

 

 

 

 

[S Dhuper]

1 hour ago, SH20 said:

Sudershan, I refer back to my opinion in that the seat cover when fitted at the factory wasn't stretched  enough when it was fastened to the frame.   Look at any YouTube video which shows a factory built car in the leather/trim area of the factory and you will often see trimmers  pulling the covers taught before they secure  in place.  The seat covers are all built to the same pattern/size so there would be no variation in size, i.e  a smaller or larger seat cover.  

 

If the cover is not stretched enough then further down the line, a few months in your case the small amount of slack will allow the cover to move.  If it can move then creases are the result.   I agree with Boomer54, this is the dealer trying to fob you off with the cheapest alternative to what the seat really needs which is,   either the complete dismantling of the seat base, re stretch the cover and secure it or if it were me I would demand a new seat cover.   A professional trimmer would take this problem in his stride and fix it permanently.  

The photo is of my driver's seat which is 6.5 years old.   It is a LS Premier model the equivalent today of what they now call Takumi level.  It is semi analine leather like yours and has done 34,000 miles and there are  no creases or issues with the leather.   

Send a contact form off to Lexus via their website and complain and tell them you feel you are being messed around by the dealer.  Just how many more weeks does this dealer want to string this out?

    

 

 

 

 

I'm going to call them on Monday and see what they say, that's what I thought originally the seat cover is too loose. 

Your seats looking good for a six year old 

[foxes1884]

Thanks for posting this topic @S Dhuper

I came on here again looking to see which products folks used to care for the leather seats.  My driver seat has some minor creases at 6 months and 4,500 miles, but nowhere near the markings on yours.  

Having also gone through the saga for a 2^nd key fob, getting the locking wheel nuts fitted and the original lifetime wait for the car in the first place I was hoping I could just enjoy the car.  A little concerned that my driver seat might start to resemble a Prius taxi that’s done 150,000 miles.

I’ve got my first service in August so will see if it gets any worse by then. 

[S Dhuper]

On 3/27/2024 at 6:16 PM, S Dhuper said:

I'm going to call them on Monday and see what they say, that's what I thought originally the seat cover is too loose. 

Your seats looking good for a six year old 

Hi Everyone, 

An update, 

I rang the Dealer told him I've waited a long time, but seat is still the same. 

They asked me to bring the car in so they can take pictures of the seat, which was yesterday, today I got the call from them saying it's being approved by Lexus UK for new Leather seat cover for the whole seat. They said it'll take about 4 weeks because the covers are  coming from Japan. 

[SH20]

RESULT !!

Now all you have to do is to make sure that your dealer ensures a professional trimmer is used to fit it.  Not saying a dealer in house technician couldn't fit it but you want a pro to do this job to guarantee the new cover is stretched fully. 

[S Dhuper]

31 minutes ago, SH20 said:

RESULT !!

Now all you have to do is to make sure that your dealer ensures a professional trimmer is used to fit it.  Not saying a dealer in house technician couldn't fit it but you want a pro to do this job to guarantee the new cover is stretched fully. 

Thanks, 

Is this something I can request to have a Pro fit the seat cover? Although on their attempt to steam the Leather seat, I would assume they removed the seat cover first to steam it, but they did a good job refitting the cover. 

[SH20]

Wooahhh !!!!!!    I am 100% certain that they would NOT have removed the cover to  try and steam out the creases, far too much work for something that would have taken minutes to do, the actual steaming I mean.      The steamer will be what the valeters would use for general cleaning of interiors.   Just because they may have had your car a few days was due to scheduling of the dealer's work loads.  It probably sat a while waiting for it's turn.  

Just ask to speak to the  Service Manager at the dealer and ask who they will use to fit the cover.  If they say we will fit it then make it clear you want the cover stretched sufficiently during fitting  or preferably a specialist trimmer be used.  They will have one, someone who does this sort of work day in day out.   The problem as I see it is dealers want you to think all their specialist services are in house.    Take windscreens, another specialist service that needs people who know how to get a front bonded screen out, clean out the old sealant, prepare the metal aperture with a bonding agent , use the correct 2 pack adhesive with the correct applicator etc etc.    Unlike the Lexus Tahara synthetic leather, real leather will show it's age eventually, fine lines as it flexes but if fed regularly will stay supple  but no sagging or folds should occur during it's long term use.