Parts Question: Heated Cloth Seats for third generation Outback?

[Arvex]

I picked up a 2001 Outback VDC recently and find that I'm not at all fond of the leather seats. I'd have tolerated if my dog didn't slide off the back seat and hit his head on the center console while braking to make a turn. I'm not the type for throwing seat covers over and would rather just find some good cloth seats to replace them with. I wanted to know if there was any option for heated/powered cloth seats on that model or if it was possible to mix and match pieces of the leather seats and the cloth seats to make one that will work with both the heated seat controls and powered seat controls.

If OEM options existed, I just need part numbers and I can go from there.

[wtdash]

Any of the '00-'04 seats will bolt up - nothing newer - from a used/salvage/auto parts yard.  All OB driver seats were electric/powered. Those w/the cold weather package were heated. - Cars101.com - for reference. 

The GT and L models will also fit, but may not be powered, nor heated.

You could likely - although it may be a lot of work - swap the cloth seat covers to yours -but no experience.  

Something to note: Your VDC (and LImited) model may have side airbags; non-VDC and/or non-Limited may not. If you swap seats and don't have a plug, you'll likely get an 'airbag' warning light. That may be tough to find - non-leather WITH airbags???

Can't help with part #'s but there are numerous online Subaru parts dealers that might - but also may be discontinued. 

Also, there was an OB sedan (VDC?). Front seats should swap, too. 

Edited January 21 by wtdash

[biggman100]

On 1/19/2025 at 1:54 PM, Arvex said:

I picked up a 2001 Outback VDC recently and find that I'm not at all fond of the leather seats. I'd have tolerated if my dog didn't slide off the back seat and hit his head on the center console while braking to make a turn. I'm not the type for throwing seat covers over and would rather just find some good cloth seats to replace them with. I wanted to know if there was any option for heated/powered cloth seats on that model or if it was possible to mix and match pieces of the leather seats and the cloth seats to make one that will work with both the heated seat controls and powered seat controls.

If OEM options existed, I just need part numbers and I can go from there.

Look for a 2001-2004 OB sedan or wagon without the limited or premium package, but has the cold weather package. Every OB I have owned in the 2001-2004 range had cloth heated seats, so they should be plentiful in most local salvage yards. I am not a fan of leather, so I only look for vehicles with cloth seats.

[Stelcom66]

I'm also not a fan of leather, and really liked the heated seats in my '02 Outback and then Forester. One of the main reasons I went with the older Forester I have now, the Premium model with the all weather package. I considered a similar year Honda CR-V EXL, the only model with heated and powered seats, but leather.

The heated cloth seats were most welcome last week on the way to work. Leaving the parking garage they're much appreciated too before the heater is able to produce heat. I can't imagine what -30º F would be like!

 

 

Edited 9 hours ago by Stelcom66