Leather seat repair

I had the same problem start last fall. Got a repair kit from Amazon and fixed it up. It held up for about 2 months. Since then the tear got larger. I got a quote to fix it that came in at $425. The guy said it's a common issue on Subaru's. That was too much for me, and I feared even if he fixed it, the issue would just come back because I never had anything sharp on me to cause the issue in the first place.

So just a couple weeks ago I got a patch called Masta Plasta to cover the area and prevent it from expanding and then put on Black Panther leather seat bottom covers from Amazon for both front seats (I'm just assuming the passenger seat will eventually develop the same issue otherwise). The seat bottom covers seem nice and thick so I expect them to hold up for a long time. The wrinkles you see in the picture have subsided greatly over the couple of weeks I've had them.

So that's ~$60 fix if you're looking to spend less (more like $40 if you didn't get a cover for the passenger seat).

My problem is the seat back, it wore where the back button on my work pants hit it over and over. I don't want covers but I may consider a patch for the short term. Overall the seats are in good shape.

I am disappointed with some of the interior pieces of this car. I wore out the cruise control/radio switch assembly and the steering wheel was de-laminating, replaced both at the same time. The chrome is flaking off the e-brake switch, now the operation of that is fluky. 135K miles in a little over 4.5 years, it was the work car, now it is the weekend car.

It is still shiny though. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qlCFN-F5Y_6VBq7YVr2VFtyoYNKyoxxi/view?usp=sharing

Just got denied warranty service for our 2018 Outback 3.6R, 16800 miles. I called SOA, they gave me a case # and will call me back before 5PM tomorrow.

I pointed out to SOA, This is the second Outback 3.6R in this Gen we have purchased, traded in the 2016 on the 2018. I also mentioned the 2009 Spec B 93,000 miles leather is in great shape, also mentioned I have bought a 2005 GT wagon new, a 2000 GT wagon new and a 1998 GT wagon new.

Just heard back from SOA.

After talking with him I feel much better. He understands the amount of money I've spent with them over the last 22 years.

He will try and get back to me tomorrow, if not then by the middle of next week, after Labor Day.

I will add that I bought American for years ...

You do realize, I hope, that your Legacy was built in Lafayette, Indiana, USA, and most of its OE parts suppliers are domestic as well.

FWIW, both my Legacy and Outback have higher "American" content than either of the two vehicles they replaced: a 1991 Buick Regal (major parts sourced from Mexico) and a 1998 Dodge Caravan (built in Canada).

Heard back from SOA earlier today, I missed the call. I called back, left a voice mail.

He just called and told me they will give me $500 towards the repair because I have been a loyal customer. This is my 5th new Subaru.

I'll call the dealership in the AM and sit up an appointment.

I had the same problem start last fall. Got a repair kit from Amazon and fixed it up. It held up for about 2 months. Since then the tear got larger. I got a quote to fix it that came in at $425. The guy said it's a common issue on Subaru's. That was too much for me, and I feared even if he fixed it, the issue would just come back because I never had anything sharp on me to cause the issue in the first place.

 

 

 

So just a couple weeks ago I got a patch called Masta Plasta to cover the area and prevent it from expanding and then put on Black Panther leather seat bottom covers from Amazon for both front seats (I'm just assuming the passenger seat will eventually develop the same issue otherwise). The seat bottom covers seem nice and thick so I expect them to hold up for a long time. The wrinkles you see in the picture have subsided greatly over the couple of weeks I've had them.

 

 

 

So that's ~$60 fix if you're looking to spend less (more like $40 if you didn't get a cover for the passenger seat).

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That is my car right now in that same exact spot [emoji17]

 

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Hopefully your tear is small. I regret not getting a quote from a pro until the tear became large. I'm guessing that's a big part of why the quote I got was as high as it was.

With that said, I'm still pretty happy with how I addressed the issue. The biggest downside will be in the winter when the bottom of the heated seat won't be as effective.

Hopefully your tear is small. I regret not getting a quote from a pro until the tear became large. I'm guessing that's a big part of why the quote I got was as high as it was.

 

 

 

With that said, I'm still pretty happy with how I addressed the issue. The biggest downside will be in the winter when the bottom of the heated seat won't be as effective.

I noticed that when I was putting the patch on. My tear is on the outer bottom so my heat vents are okay. Thinking about it now I wonder if the heated seats ruin the seats over time. Wait I take that back, that pleather is just straight garbage.

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I had my seat repaired at the trim shop. It's a better piece of leather than what was in there.

Oh no, a rip in the driver's seat is always a bummer! Before going for a new cover, you might want to check with a trim shop. They often work wonders repairing specific panels. Also, if you're into quality leather, Von Baer has some fantastic options that could be worth exploring. Check them out for inspiration.