Is this normal seat wear?

[TheBigBroncowski]

Had my bronco for almost 2 years, a little under 14k miles. Got in today and notice the leather on the right side a little below shoulder height has separated from the stitching. The other side looks like it's on track to as well. Is anyone experiencing this? Everywhere else looks normal/is wear free but those 2 spots. I know side bolster is typically a wear point but wasnt sure about this.

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[Rumbloki]

That part of the seat is vinyl. After 25k miles, mine are not doing that.

 

[Doc TOC]

Technically, it is a manufacturing defect due to over tensioning during sewing. The fabric was over stretched on the seam bend when sewn and had micro tears. It may also have been thinner in the vinyl layer at that spot in the fabric. UV, heat, body pressure pushed it along. It was probably happening for some time, then one day became catastrophically noticeable. Eventually, left as is, the support layer will fail and tear, mostly from just people sitting in the seat.

You should try to get it warranted through the dealership (South Bay or Galpin, not Marina) since you are still under the 36 month period. They will have to pull in the area Ford rep to authorize it, who probably doesn't know anything about the actual construction of the car seat cover. Just stand your ground. They may offer a partial credit for the "wear" item (seats and carpets). If you have an extended warranty (depending on the level), you may get a better resolution.

If that doesn't pan out, Culver City has some great car upholstery shops around there. Ask if a local shop would vinyl paint it to minimize/stop the damage for a reasonable amount. Try either Richie's or ATS. Both do highly competent work.

 

[TheBigBroncowski]

Technically, it is a manufacturing defect due to over tensioning during sewing. The fabric was over stretched on the seam bend when sewn and had micro tears. It may also have been thinner in the vinyl layer at that spot in the fabric. UV, heat, body pressure pushed it along. It was probably happening for some time, then one day became catastrophically noticeable. Eventually, left as is, the support layer will fail and tear, mostly from just people sitting in the seat.

You should try to get it warranted through the dealership (South Bay or Galpin, not Marina) since you are still under the 36 month period. They will have to pull in the area Ford rep to authorize it, who probably doesn't know anything about the actual construction of the car seat cover. Just stand your ground. They may offer a partial credit for the "wear" item (seats and carpets). If you have an extended warranty (depending on the level), you may get a better resolution.

If that doesn't pan out, Culver City has some great car upholstery shops around there. Ask if a local shop would vinyl paint it to minimize/stop the damage for a reasonable amount. Try either Richie's or ATS. Both do highly competent work.

Better answer than I could've hoped for. Got mine through Galpin, and reached out to them today about this so hopefully they will be accommodating, given it's still under the factory warranty and again the rest of the seat looks near 100% new. But just wasn't sure if this was a weak point on the bronco seat upholstery, that I should've been more cautious about

 

[bf4445]

Better answer than I could've hoped for. Got mine through Galpin, and reached out to them today about this so hopefully they will be accommodating, given it's still under the factory warranty and again the rest of the seat looks near 100% new. But just wasn't sure if this was a weak point on the bronco seat upholstery, that I should've been more cautious about

Sounds to me like Doc Toc has done some upholstering himself from his description. Thats going to be an expensive repair if they have to take the seat apart guess they most likely would replace the whole seat but then it won't match the one on the other side

 

[Rumbloki]

https://austin.craigslist.org/pts/d/austin-leather-seat-covers-uppers/7864991490.html

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