Recaro seat cracking!

[BrokenSVT]

The vinyl side panel on the lower drivers seat is developing cracks in the creases formed from sitting in it. No, I'm not a fatty. 5'8", 205, 34" waist muscular build. 20k miles on the FiST. Please tell me this is covered, and that it won't be a "this is normal wear" speech from the stealership.

 

[Hijinx]

Do you slide out of the car? Or do you stand up out of the car?

 

[BrokenSVT]

I actually leave the door shut, and from a half-down window, I do a corkscrew backflip, then army roll when I hit the ground. I jump up immediately and dust off, then throw out a confident "I meant to do that"; just in case someone were looking and got the wrong idea.

Honestly speaking, I'm not sure what your question has to do with my $2000+ seats showing ridiculous premature wear. Face it, no two people are going to 'dismount' precisely the same, and any car company should be prepared to accept that when testing/manufacturing/selling a seating product.

 

[Sil3nt611]

As you get in and out of the car if you rub on the bolstering it is going to wear. I've been trying to be aware of that as I've been getting in and out of my car so I can keep the wear to a minimum. It's hard to say what's going on with yours without seeing where the cracks are exactly. Not sure how old your car is or how often you drive it. 20k miles could be all highway and you've only had your car for several months, or it could be you've had it for 2 years and drive the car 3 miles to work everyday in which case you get in and out a lot more often. The leather is prone to crack when sitting around in the sun if you don't keep it conditioned. And if you get in and out often by rubbing against the bolstering it's going to get more worn than the rest of the seat. '92 and '93 Mazda MX3 seats were almost impossible to find in good condition because of the bolstering they had on them. Every single one of them had a perfect passenger seat with the driver's seat back bolstering torn to shreds where the driver gets out. I think I only ever found one that was absolutely perfect and it's likely because the owner knew if they got out of the seat rubbing against it it's going to wear out. That's the approach I'm trying to take with my own seats.

 

[Hijinx]

I actually leave the door shut, and from a half-down window, I do a corkscrew backflip, then army roll when I hit the ground. I jump up immediately and dust off, then throw out a confident "I meant to do that"; just in case someone were looking and got the wrong idea.

Honestly speaking, I'm not sure what your question has to do with my $2000+ seats showing ridiculous premature wear. Face it, no two people are going to 'dismount' precisely the same, and any car company should be prepared to accept that when testing/manufacturing/selling a seating product.

That was uncalled for and ignorant.

As you get in and out of the car if you rub on the bolstering it is going to wear. I've been trying to be aware of that as I've been getting in and out of my car so I can keep the wear to a minimum. It's hard to say what's going on with yours without seeing where the cracks are exactly. Not sure how old your car is or how often you drive it. 20k miles could be all highway and you've only had your car for several months, or it could be you've had it for 2 years and drive the car 3 miles to work everyday in which case you get in and out a lot more often. The leather is prone to crack when sitting around in the sun if you don't keep it conditioned. And if you get in and out often by rubbing against the bolstering it's going to get more worn than the rest of the seat. '92 and '93 Mazda MX3 seats were almost impossible to find in good condition because of the bolstering they had on them. Every single one of them had a perfect passenger seat with the driver's seat back bolstering torn to shreds where the driver gets out. I think I only ever found one that was absolutely perfect and it's likely because the owner knew if they got out of the seat rubbing against it it's going to wear out. That's the approach I'm trying to take with my own seats.

Thank you.

 

[Strife]

Well the warranty is 36k/3 year bumper to bumper. I'd say those seats should be covered. Best bet is to go to the dealership and bring it up. When/if you get new seats you should use a product to keep them conditions and less prone to cracking.

 

[koozy]

It wouldn't hurt to take it in and find out. They may be able to replace the affected part if not the whole seat. I had Mitsubishi replace a broken seat back of my Evo 8 Recaros under warrantee.

 

[RAAMaudio]

With small door openings, high bolsters, in my case short legs and numerous old injuries, I still do my best put as little weight on the bolsters when getting in and out and have reminded my wife a few times as well. I still might end up with some damage over time but 20k miles is pretty early no matter how you get in and out of the car.

Consider this, do you want a mechanic, paid by the job, not an automotive upholstery expert swapping out your seat covers?
I know how to upholster and know it is not that easy a job, just taking the seats out and putting back in place it is very easy to damage the car, takes care to line up everything right so no ripples when done or soon after and the crack may be back in another 20k miles.

If you can just get them to supply the cover perhaps you can have a real shop out it on or store it until the wear is to bad, selling the car, etc.....

 

[BrokenSVT]

That was uncalled for and ignorant.

Frankly, given the details that I provided and the cost of the Recaro upgrade, so was your question. But hey, your feedback didn't go unnoticed. You got quoted.

I'll snap a photo or two tomorrow, but what I have are some of the typical 'wrinkles' in the VINYL(as pointed out in the OP) side panel of the seat, outboard drivers side. Within the wrinkles, the vinyl has cracked in a few small spots. The cracks are sure to spread.

I condition my leather with a quality product, as needed. Hope this puts some minds to rest on that subject.

I've done plenty of upholstering. While I'd love to reupholster in something far more durable and attractive, I shouldn't need to foot the cost of an obviously prematurely worn item.

 

[Strife]

I condition my leather with a quality product, as needed. Hope this puts some minds to rest on that subject.

I've done plenty of upholstering. While I'd love to reupholster in something far more durable and attractive, I shouldn't need to foot the cost of an obviously prematurely worn item.

I agree. Those seats were part of what made me eager to purchase my particular FiST and if they were to wear prematurely, as yours seem to be, I'd be quite upset. It's especially troubling that you condition the seats and take care of them, yet this issue is occurring.

Definitely standing by for pictures and to see how your situation unfolds. I was curious as to whether or not you lived in Florida or California, where there's a lot of sunshine. But it seems you're in Ohio and it's not as big of an issue as it would be in other states. Part of me wants to tint my windows in an effort to help protect the interior from sun damage, though it seems this isnt a factory in your situation.

 

[Hijinx]

Frankly, given the details that I provided and the cost of the Recaro upgrade, so was your question. But hey, your feedback didn't go unnoticed. You got quoted.

I'll snap a photo or two tomorrow, but what I have are some of the typical 'wrinkles' in the VINYL(as pointed out in the OP) side panel of the seat, outboard drivers side. Within the wrinkles, the vinyl has cracked in a few small spots. The cracks are sure to spread.

I condition my leather with a quality product, as needed. Hope this puts some minds to rest on that subject.

I've done plenty of upholstering. While I'd love to reupholster in something far more durable and attractive, I shouldn't need to foot the cost of an obviously prematurely worn item.

It was a question. I'm sorry that I offended you.

 

[BrokenSVT]

Bueller?

 

[Strife]

So... have you talked to your dealership regarding this?

 

[RaptorRacing]

Yeah...I hate to admit it I have little confidence these seats will last the test of time and am not shocked by this post. I have OCD when it comes to getting in and out of my cars to try to preserve the seats, but there is only so much warning you can give passengers. I think the omission of an oh$hit handle on the passenger side was a big no-no and really could have helped getting in/out of the car. At least on the drivers side you can use the steering wheel as leverage, nothing on the passenger side.

Very interested to see what Ford says about this when/if you take your car in.

 

[Joker328]

I will be shocked if any dealer agrees to do anything about this under warranty. The warranty specifically states "The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover surface rust, deterioration and damage of paint, trim, upholstery, and other appearance items that result from use and/or exposure to the elements." While you or I might think the wear and tear is "premature," this clause is basically a "get out of warranty repair free card" for the dealership. Good luck.

 

[TrickSTer]

Still waiting for the pics, really would be appreciated.

 

[TheGreenOne]

My bolsters are showing a bit of wear with only 20k miles. No cracks, but a few creases. At 5'11" 180 lbs, I fill the seat fairly well, so I can imagine yours is filled even more so.

 

[TheStig]

31k miles here, the left side bolster of the drivers side seat (rarely have passengers) is cracked and showing through.

Its wear and tear, happened on my friends BRZ and even to a point on my Mazdaspeed 3.

Sure its a bit premature for that to happen but these are VERY bolstered seats.

Im 5'10 215 pounds 36" waist and treestump legs, if that helps explain my build. Chest width wise i barely fit, that likely does not help.

 

[BrokenSVT]

Here are the cracks.

 

[BrokenSVT]

My bolsters are showing a bit of wear with only 20k miles. No cracks, but a few creases. At 5'11" 180 lbs, I fill the seat fairly well, so I can imagine yours is filled even more so.

Did you just call me fat? Lol...