Leather Seats

[charter]

I have a 2018 Outback with 72000 easy miles on it. Just a few months ago in 2025 we noticed a leather seat had a tear or wear spot. Since then both front seats have started to self destruct with several spots where they are coming apart.

I was in the dealer for an oil change yesterday. The tech said he had never seen anything like it.

Anyone else have problems with leather seat quality. We are both average sized people with no strange habits that would cause this.

I do wonder if the heated seats might be part of the issue.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Dick Foster]

They aren't gonna last forever but a decent set of seat covers will get you close.
I've gotten good performance from CoverKing real neoprene cusom made seat covers. Many colors and patterns to chose from. I had a set of Realtree camo covers in the 2004.
Easy to clean, protects the seats, water and mess proof and I think they add comfort from the extra foam.
Your butt isn't gonna get scorched in summertime hot weather or frozen in the winter either. Made from wetsuit material, fabric coated neoprene foam.
Made to fit so it takes a week or two to get em but well worth the wait and the cost.

https://coverking.com/products/seat-cover-cr-grade-neoprene?variant=40326726484130

 

[piste]

And....they are not really leather. And find a new dealer based on what they told you. What you describe happens ALL the time and is VERY common.

 

[bmart]

Are you using quality leather cleaner and conditioner every year once or twice? If not, the oils are probably long gone and they will turn to dust.

 

[bocash3]

I have a 2017 outback limited and this is a common occurrence according to the dealers around here

It appears the sides of the seat or leather, but the center of the seat are a man-made material that easily cracks after it is stressed for a couple years

I am told there’s an upholstery shop that can do a repair for less than $150 and make the seat look like new

 

[piste]

Can always buy a new "leather" cover too. they zip right off.

 

[bmart]

My go-to mesh seat covers are air mesh. I haven't killed a set yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0HGU00?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

Nice and cool in the summer.

 

[Earl n Peg]

Hello, I have a 2016 Outback, the left side of the bottom split. I haven't installed it , but I purchased a replacement covering. It matches the car's existing seat. BTW - I've heard this a common milady with all Subarus.

 

[Dick Foster]

Again, I suggest seat covers to add comfort and prevent recurrence.

https://coverking.com/products/seat-cover-cr-grade-neoprene?variant=40326726484130