The shiny bolsters on the top part is just oils and stains. I had mine like that too due to years of use. I just used a good leather cleaner and applied leather conditioner after it dried, I was mindblown how my seats looked like brand new again. These seats are pretty good quality!
I appreciate your time and effort in producing this video. I believe I have everyone beat but not in a good way. I have a '19 Outback Limited that just turned 38K that I've noticed tell tale signs of the left thigh vinyl?? portion of the drivers seat cracking. I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to DIY car repair and saving money so with your detailed steps, I'm going to give this a go. Can't believe it'd be any harder than changing the spark plugs in a Boxer 4 (2017 OB)!! 😂 Thanks again sir!
Thank you so much for this video! I just got a forester with the "leather" upholstery and I'm just now learning about all the issues with the vinyl sides. I have a decent amount of sewing/leather work experience, and I'm planning on replacing the vinyl parts with actual leather if (when) they go bad. I have absolutely zero automotive upholstery experience though, and this video has tons of new-to-me information in it.
Glad it was helpful! - We're just about to hit 200k miles this summer on the Outback, and that's really the only thing that we've had to address/repair outside of general maintenance or recall/warranty work. Very happy with the vehicle!
Noticed a hairline crack on my drivers side seat thigh bolster at 48k mikes. Now at 54k it’s destroyed. Can’t believe it, never had this happen at such low miles in any other car I’ve owned. It’s not an isolated incident either. I’ve seen plenty of customers Subarus from the same generation with the same tears in the same spots. I mean, look how new the seat is in this video.
True.. Ours happened over 150k miles though which I think is over what many experienced. Most miles were highway trips commuting from ND to MN about 250 miles each way, so not a ton of in/out all day. That may have something to do with it. We're at 193k miles now, and after a good wash and vac'ing, it still looks nearly new.
Thanks for the video. Super helpful! I found a hog ring tool on Amazon for $13 with a few hundred rings, huge time saver. Could use a little more detail on how to remove the plugs. I completed the whole repair including after market seat cover and tool for $110.
Glad it helped! It was pretty difficult to get the camera down where the plugs were, so I do apologize for that. Happy to hear you got your seat fixed up!
@@lnlyby_yt Here is the link to the specific seat bottom for our '15 Outback! www.subarudirectwholesale.com/oem-parts/subaru-cushion-cover-64140al09ewm
Thank you so much for doing this video. I am about to embark on this same process for my '17 Outback touring. The seat bottom is absolutely destroyed looking starting around 65k miles. There are chunks several inches long missing. Both it and the leather steering wheel cover disintegrated due to hand sanitizer use during the pandemic. The back is beginning to develop a crack too. Most of the cushion cover IS NOT LEATHER it is vinyl. It appears only the perforated center portion is leather. All the rest is plastic with fabric backing. You're lucky all the parts unique to the touring model cost 40% to 300% more than for the Limited. If i had it to do over. There is not enough difference to justify buying the touring model.
OOF -- Sorry to hear of your issues! I think we really got a good vehicle. I know Subaru has a good name, and with almost 200k miles (mostly highway) we've had literally no issues that weren't covered by the warranty. My biggest gripe is the wheels keep losing air, and the issue cannot be tracked down, yet they don't believe me that it's the valve stem to the TPMS sensor... Overall, it's been a solid car.
So funny I put LED is my car from you vid 8 months ago or so. Now my seat tire google search and you poped up again lol. Not sure if I wanna tackle that though
HAH - Nice to know I'm relevant! It really was not a hard job to do. I was a bit leery at first, and saw an old write up with poor photos, and I was able to get it done.
@@DachsAutos ok I'll get it done. I found what looks to be a OEM seat cover for around 250. BTW very happy with head lights still. I want to do the fogs to led to make them match. Just drove Spokane to Grand junction today...1kmiles 31.5 mpg... Have 137k on car and want to keep it for awhile.
Whats funny about these factory covers that subaru calls "leather" the center of the seat is the only part that is leather the rest is vinyl thats why it falls apart like it does
I also have a 2015. According to the vin I have warm ivory. I purchased the dye for it and it’s way too dark. I believe I might have the same problem you had. What color/# was the first one you purchased? I think I just replace the cover rather than go the dye route.
Here's the link to the cover- www.subarudirectwholesale.com/oem-parts/subaru-cushion-cover-64140al09ewm - I've found with a few other parts, there can be some 'dealer' options added post build that don't make it on the VIN inventory, but not sure a whole interior color would be swapped out.
My 2015 Outback driver's seat is in much worse shape with 85k miles. I couldn't find a color match - it's this dark blue that apparently was a limited release color. I picked up a black replacement on eBay that looks pretty close. I was not able to get the bolts off, so I'm going to need to go to my local garage. I also don't have the hog ring plier tool. I had tried leather patches before but they don't last long at all.
I didn't try the patches being on the seam for ours, but I hear what you're saying. The hog ring tool was pretty inexpensive, and seeing as I"ll have at least 2 full restorations with interior to complete, the price seems pretty reasonable. Odd that 85k miles and you've got that much damage. We just turned 190k now, and 3/4 of those miles were long commutes for work (about 250 miles each way at the start and end of the week)
@@DachsAutos can you share a link to the hog ring tool? I see a bunch on Amazon with different size rings and want to get the right one. My local garage said they wouldn't do it since they don't have that tool.
It looks like the Dewalt P7DW - I am going to get it. I think it may be handy for other things too. Any excuse to add to the tool library is good, right?
I just purchased an OEM cover as well after not being impressed at all with the knockoff. Just shy of $500 after tax. Fun fact, Subaru describes their Grey Leather as Black. If you buy a knockoff Black cover it will most certainly be Black not Grey.
7:30 How hard was it to get the side panel off for the control switches and to snap back into place? I wasnt sure if theres tabs that could easily break off while removing that panel.
MIght have been easier if I found that Phillips screw first and could have slid the side trim forward a 1/2" before removing. Otherwise, it was not hard, I had pressure on it, but didn't feel like just ripping stuff off, so that's why you see my pause in taking it off.
The shiny bolsters on the top part is just oils and stains. I had mine like that too due to years of use. I just used a good leather cleaner and applied leather conditioner after it dried, I was mindblown how my seats looked like brand new again. These seats are pretty good quality!
I appreciate your time and effort in producing this video. I believe I have everyone beat but not in a good way. I have a '19 Outback Limited that just turned 38K that I've noticed tell tale signs of the left thigh vinyl?? portion of the drivers seat cracking. I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to DIY car repair and saving money so with your detailed steps, I'm going to give this a go. Can't believe it'd be any harder than changing the spark plugs in a Boxer 4 (2017 OB)!! 😂 Thanks again sir!
Right on! - Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you so much for this video! I just got a forester with the "leather" upholstery and I'm just now learning about all the issues with the vinyl sides. I have a decent amount of sewing/leather work experience, and I'm planning on replacing the vinyl parts with actual leather if (when) they go bad. I have absolutely zero automotive upholstery experience though, and this video has tons of new-to-me information in it.
Glad it was helpful! - We're just about to hit 200k miles this summer on the Outback, and that's really the only thing that we've had to address/repair outside of general maintenance or recall/warranty work. Very happy with the vehicle!
Thanks for the video. Helped me replace my cover!
Glad it helped!
Great step by step video. I will be doing this replacement on my 2016 Subaru Outback that tore in the same area.
Right on! Feel free to msg me if you run into any issue.
hi, what did you use to repair the rip?
I have it taped right now. I already have the replacement just have to get the time to replace it.@@titagee
@@titagee This is the product I used: a.co/d/a4Jzhhm
My 2015 Outback has damage in the same spot as well. I've been asked to fix it for awhile, great timing on this video
Glad it helped Matt - Lucky for you, you're close to me if you need a hand :)
Noticed a hairline crack on my drivers side seat thigh bolster at 48k mikes. Now at 54k it’s destroyed. Can’t believe it, never had this happen at such low miles in any other car I’ve owned. It’s not an isolated incident either. I’ve seen plenty of customers Subarus from the same generation with the same tears in the same spots. I mean, look how new the seat is in this video.
True.. Ours happened over 150k miles though which I think is over what many experienced. Most miles were highway trips commuting from ND to MN about 250 miles each way, so not a ton of in/out all day. That may have something to do with it. We're at 193k miles now, and after a good wash and vac'ing, it still looks nearly new.
Man, that was some hard work. I've got a Subaru Outback with 285,0000 mile on it. I have to replace the seat cushions in the front..
It wasn't super hard, but indeed tedious that's for sure! Good luck!
@DachsAutos
Very tedious indeed.
Thanks for the video. Super helpful! I found a hog ring tool on Amazon for $13 with a few hundred rings, huge time saver. Could use a little more detail on how to remove the plugs. I completed the whole repair including after market seat cover and tool for $110.
Glad it helped! It was pretty difficult to get the camera down where the plugs were, so I do apologize for that. Happy to hear you got your seat fixed up!
@@lnlyby_yt Here is the link to the specific seat bottom for our '15 Outback! www.subarudirectwholesale.com/oem-parts/subaru-cushion-cover-64140al09ewm
Thank you so much for doing this video. I am about to embark on this same process for my '17 Outback touring. The seat bottom is absolutely destroyed looking starting around 65k miles. There are chunks several inches long missing. Both it and the leather steering wheel cover disintegrated due to hand sanitizer use during the pandemic. The back is beginning to develop a crack too.
Most of the cushion cover IS NOT LEATHER it is vinyl. It appears only the perforated center portion is leather. All the rest is plastic with fabric backing.
You're lucky all the parts unique to the touring model cost 40% to 300% more than for the Limited. If i had it to do over. There is not enough difference to justify buying the touring model.
OOF -- Sorry to hear of your issues! I think we really got a good vehicle. I know Subaru has a good name, and with almost 200k miles (mostly highway) we've had literally no issues that weren't covered by the warranty. My biggest gripe is the wheels keep losing air, and the issue cannot be tracked down, yet they don't believe me that it's the valve stem to the TPMS sensor... Overall, it's been a solid car.
Had not heard "do-dads" in quite a while!
Excellent video. HUGE help!!!!
Glad to hear it!
So funny I put LED is my car from you vid 8 months ago or so. Now my seat tire google search and you poped up again lol. Not sure if I wanna tackle that though
HAH - Nice to know I'm relevant! It really was not a hard job to do. I was a bit leery at first, and saw an old write up with poor photos, and I was able to get it done.
@@DachsAutos ok I'll get it done. I found what looks to be a OEM seat cover for around 250. BTW very happy with head lights still. I want to do the fogs to led to make them match. Just drove Spokane to Grand junction today...1kmiles 31.5 mpg... Have 137k on car and want to keep it for awhile.
Whats funny about these factory covers that subaru calls "leather" the center of the seat is the only part that is leather the rest is vinyl thats why it falls apart like it does
Yeah, it sure didn't seem like luxury leather, but hey, for almost 190k miles now, it's served well!
Great video, I am kinda stuck with that yellow connector , you said you will mention it how to take it out but didn’t find it anywhere
2:55 I show a bit how it comes off. it's more of wiggling that connector until it comes loose. I hope you got it!
I also have a 2015. According to the vin I have warm ivory. I purchased the dye for it and it’s way too dark. I believe I might have the same problem you had. What color/# was the first one you purchased?
I think I just replace the cover rather than go the dye route.
Here's the link to the cover- www.subarudirectwholesale.com/oem-parts/subaru-cushion-cover-64140al09ewm - I've found with a few other parts, there can be some 'dealer' options added post build that don't make it on the VIN inventory, but not sure a whole interior color would be swapped out.
My 2015 Outback driver's seat is in much worse shape with 85k miles. I couldn't find a color match - it's this dark blue that apparently was a limited release color. I picked up a black replacement on eBay that looks pretty close. I was not able to get the bolts off, so I'm going to need to go to my local garage. I also don't have the hog ring plier tool. I had tried leather patches before but they don't last long at all.
I didn't try the patches being on the seam for ours, but I hear what you're saying. The hog ring tool was pretty inexpensive, and seeing as I"ll have at least 2 full restorations with interior to complete, the price seems pretty reasonable. Odd that 85k miles and you've got that much damage. We just turned 190k now, and 3/4 of those miles were long commutes for work (about 250 miles each way at the start and end of the week)
@@DachsAutos can you share a link to the hog ring tool? I see a bunch on Amazon with different size rings and want to get the right one. My local garage said they wouldn't do it since they don't have that tool.
It looks like the Dewalt P7DW - I am going to get it. I think it may be handy for other things too. Any excuse to add to the tool library is good, right?
@@gordontyler9317 a.co/d/a4Jzhhm
Thanks for the video. Convinced me not to do that myself. :) I would probably break something.
hah give it a try! If this hack can do it, anyone can!
What size hog rings? 3/8” closed? Thanks. Planning this job on Forester leather. Oem part: $541!!
These were 11/16 that came with my tool- Here's the link to what I purchased. - a.co/d/ikltNkG
I just purchased an OEM cover as well after not being impressed at all with the knockoff. Just shy of $500 after tax. Fun fact, Subaru describes their Grey Leather as Black. If you buy a knockoff Black cover it will most certainly be Black not Grey.
Do you have heated seats? What about the heating element?
The heating element stays in the seat foam/frame. This did not need to be removed.
@@DachsAutos thank you
7:30 How hard was it to get the side panel off for the control switches and to snap back into place? I wasnt sure if theres tabs that could easily break off while removing that panel.
MIght have been easier if I found that Phillips screw first and could have slid the side trim forward a 1/2" before removing. Otherwise, it was not hard, I had pressure on it, but didn't feel like just ripping stuff off, so that's why you see my pause in taking it off.