2023 4Runner Leather Seat issue

Hi everyone,
I recently bought my brand new 2023 Toyota 4Runner and I have only driven it about 600 kms and I started to notice drive side leather seat (back row) is sagging.
What can I do about it? I never had leather seats before so not sure if something can be done or not? Only my kid sits at the back and hes very light.
Also is this something that I am responsible for or can Toyota dealership look into this and fix it?
Thanks



Please see the photos here: https://imgur.com/a/kUIDBxb

 

This is part of the "natural charm and patina" of real leather. Or at least that's some version of what the dealership will tell you.

 

lol

 

That never happens with Softex.

 

The leather used will do this, even in my Acura the leather did this and eventually started tearing. Just the nature of the leather they use, not much you can do.

The Softex fake leather is far superior. But kids can destroy everything.

 

That looks the same way my 2016 limited did from day one. The softex in my 2020 Pro does not have that issue. It is pretty common in leather interiors.

 

I been "Feeding" the the Leather Seats in My 2000 Benz for 20 Years that is a Convertible with Lexol and they still look and feel almost like new.

 

They don't use that nice plush leather as they used to, even in luxury lines like Lexus.

 

would you say they feel……rich?

Like the finest rich corinthian leather? Sorry, couldnt help myself lol

 

While we are talking leather, I’d like to share a cleaning tip I learned. Wife’s Sequoia has light tan leather seats. They have held up well but the dye from blue jeans transfers onto the leather.

The tip, mix Wool-light and distilled water 50/50, spray affected area and lightly brush with soft bristle brush followed by clean up with towel. Takes a little elbow grease but it removes the blue dye.

 

Get a very good leather look seat covers. I do that with all my vehicles.
WeatherTech floors
After a decade or ownership. My interior still looks new.

The OEM driver side seat will rip eventually. Same with most vehicles.

 

Surprisingly, the entire leather interior of my Acura never had a single tear in it. The was a 2008 TL Type S with 235k miles on it when I sold it in 2016. The only thing that was ever done to the leather was Lexol cleaner and conditioner annually.

 

I have same experience with my 2003 Acura TL. I use lexol once per year the conditioner and it looks like new

 

Meant to post pic in previous

Lexol is great stuff!

 

Those seats are different than my 2004 TL, they look like better quality. Mine totally fell apart after 10 years and 300k, literally had to ductape them together at thew end. Total crap leather.

 

I think the 2004 model of the Acura had the body style more closely resembling the bmws of that time and the leather seats were more “tight” and did not have the excess like mine did.

My Dad had the 03 I bought that you see and my uncle bought the 04. Both great cars. My Dad sold me his which he got when he retired. I bought it for an old girlfriend I thought I was going to marry. Two weeks later she dumped me and I kept the car thankfully. It sits with only 22k miles right now. I need to drive it more.

 

OP, that's outrageous after 600km and should be a warranty issue, and I would fight like all hell to make Toyota fix that under warranty (likely requiring replacement of that seat). All my cars for the past 30 years have had leather seats - never had any problem like that. I also know something about seats from restoring my 1960 Porsche. Sum Ting Wong - make them fix it!

 

In spite of all the 'that's how leather seats are now' posts, I'd personally be back at the dealership with that issue in a heartbeat. Seeing as how you list your mileage in km, I suppose you're in Canada...do you feel like the dealership will take care of this for you?

 

A broken-in seat is not covered under warranty. But as I always say you don't get if you don't ask.

 

Well, that's worry some. I traded in my 12 years old acura TL with Alacante leather seats and the seats looked like new. Never covered them just used good quality leather cleaner and moisturizer at least once a month in summer and once for winter. After 12 years looked like new. Driver had a bit of a wear but it drove my fat ass for 12 years 180,000Km.

On the Limited the front seats seem to have a thick leather I was hoping it will last for a while but now not so sure.

 

Risk is yours to take. All my vehicles use quality Synthetic leathers seat covers. Driver side seat wear out faster - getting in and out especially with jeans

 

I am no expert but have noticed on some car shows on motor trend for instance “b rides” that they use steam if there is slack in the leather when installing anyway.

It might be worth calling a local upholstery shop. I know it’s warranty being a new vehicle though but I doubt a dealer is equipped to deal with that

 

Here is an old pic that I found of my 2016 limited. This picture was taken with 100k+ miles and 3-4 years of use. The leather seemed to hold up just fine.

 

I too just purchased a 2023 limited 4 runner and have the same issue it came in like this