Seat cover started to peel off, Ford denies warranty

[wholesome]

Thanks a lot for the replies and advice!

I mean, that does look like something I'd describe as "wear and tear" that would not typically be covered by a warranty. It sucks, but just because you can't think of the exact circumstance that caused it, doesn't mean it naturally did it on its own.

I don't think it's fair to consider this "normal" wear and tear since the car is just three months after certification, which, as far as I remember, also certifies that the upholstery is intact (maybe I'm wrong here, but from a consumer point of view, it should be the case, at least it looked fine).

For example, before MME, I was using Mazda CX5 with leather seats, and in 50k miles, there were no problems with seats whatsoever, and I think it is fair to expect the same from a car that costs more. I don't work with any specific materials or anything like this, just usual driving.

Also, Ford claims that this material "is easier to clean, resistant to staining, and more durable than leather while maintaining a premium look and feel over time." Apparently, it's not "more durable" in my case, so I don't think it should be considered "normal."

You could put seat covers on for a lot less money and just keep enjoying your MME.
I put these covers on mine when it was new. It’s just something I do in all my cars

Thanks, I typically don't like covers, but yours looks very nice, I probably will do it since now I don't know what to expect from the car seats.

Look in your warranty book. There’s a procedure for appealing to the BBB.

I had a similar story with a cracked roof. The BBB process was easy, fairly quick and done all on-line and through email. Ford made me an offer on the repair that was reasonable and I accepted. The dealer honored the terms and it got fixed. Try it - nothing to lose.

Good advice, thanks, I will definitely try to appeal the warranty claim with BBB

This is a easy repair for a upholstery repair peep. Should cost between $100 - $150.00.

I will try, do you think upholstery repair shop will be able repair this synthetic material as well?

Hi, there. I'd like to see if I can assist with your car seat concern. Can you send us a message with your VIN and estimated mileage so I can start looking into this on my end?

Thanks, will send you info, hope you could help

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[ack154]

I don't think it's fair to consider this "normal" wear and tear since the car is just three months after certification, which, as far as I remember, also certifies that the upholstery is intact (maybe I'm wrong here, but from a consumer point of view, it should be the case, at least it looked fine).

Not at all suggesting it's "normal"... just saying that it's still "wear and tear". It would be like trying to warranty a fender for a big scuff or scratch in it after just 1000 miles. You may not know exactly what caused the damage or are convinced that it's not anything specific you did, and it's certainly not "normal" behavior, but it would still be considered wear and tear.

On the flip side of that same example. if after 1000 miles (or whatever) you had a section of paint that was bubbling up badly and started to chip/peel, I'd definitely fight that one for some sort of warranty claim or repair.

 

[Babbit]

It’s a bummer that you are getting the runaround.

You could put seat covers on for a lot less money and just keep enjoying your MME.

I put these covers on mine when it was new. It’s just something I do in all my cars.

Curious to know if this makes an difference to the heat level of the seat. Does it get hot on long rides? Since there are no vented seats I was wondering if this helps or harms the cooling factor.

 

[Fixbear]

I’d ask your dealer to appeal it and fight for you that they agree it isn’t from a spill or object, further explaining it’s hard to tell from the picture, but they can confirm it is peeling, etc.

Your picture shows that a chemical solvent was in contact with the surface. Like someone set a rag there and it fumed to deteriorate the surface. I don't think you'll get anywhere protesting the determination. Be aware that the manual specifies what is used as cleaning products. Anything with a fuming solvent is not good for you or the car.

 

[Bruboy]

Curious to know if this makes an difference to the heat level of the seat. Does it get hot on long rides? Since there are no vented seats I was wondering if this helps or harms the cooling factor.

The vented seats do not have the cooling option, not available on the MME

 

[Deleted member 19354]

I bought a used certified 2022 premium three months ago, and recently, my passenger seat cover started to peel off for some reason. I don't know why; this is the first time I've seen a car seat cover peel like this.

Currently, the car has about 15.5k miles, and it's still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, so I went to the dealership today, they submitted a claim and took photos, but Ford denied the claim, saying that the seat was damaged because of a spill (?) or it was a result of damage from a sharp object.

There was no spill of anything, and there was no damage from any sharp objects whatsoever.

The dealership said they were surprised by the denial and suggested calling Ford directly.

I tried, but Ford's customer support said that they are not handling warranty claims over the phone and it should be done through a dealership, and since the dealership said the claim was denied, there is nothing they could do.

The dealership said it would cost 1k$ to change the cover on a seat.

Any advice on what I could do in this situation?

There is plenty they can do, the just choose not to deal with it

 

[Deleted member 19354]

This is why I’d rather just have real leather seats. This pleather is not that different from the old vinyl.

Remember Naugahyde??

 

[david_quick]

Remember Naugahyde??

Yes then the hippies got involved and now Naugas are protected.?

 

[Deleted member 19354]

Yes then the hippies got involved and now Naugas are protected.?

Naugas has feelings too! Enjoy the day sir!

 

[MachJack]

I bought a used certified 2022 premium three months ago, and recently, my passenger seat cover started to peel off for some reason. I don't know why; this is the first time I've seen a car seat cover peel like this.

Currently, the car has about 15.5k miles, and it's still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, so I went to the dealership today, they submitted a claim and took photos, but Ford denied the claim, saying that the seat was damaged because of a spill (?) or it was a result of damage from a sharp object.

There was no spill of anything, and there was no damage from any sharp objects whatsoever.

The dealership said they were surprised by the denial and suggested calling Ford directly.

I tried, but Ford's customer support said that they are not handling warranty claims over the phone and it should be done through a dealership, and since the dealership said the claim was denied, there is nothing they could do.

The dealership said it would cost 1k$ to change the cover on a seat.

Any advice on what I could do in this situation?

This is the result of Ford switching to plastic seats. Leather would never fail like this, and also wouldn't destroy the environment and end up in the oceans for the next billion years. I guess they saved a few bucks, so there's that.

 

[Mach1E]

This is the result of Ford switching to plastic seats. Leather would never fail like this, and also wouldn't destroy the environment and end up in the oceans for the next billion years. I guess they saved a few bucks, so there's that.

It’s less about saving bucks and more about playing follow the leader.

Early on car manufacturers thought all hybrid and electric car drivers would care about “vegan leather.”

Despite the fact that only a small percentage actually are vegan and there isn’t a single “vegan car” on the road (animal products are used elsewhere on every car).

I would definitely like real leather over the plastic seats.

 

[spgordon57]

In my MME, the perforated area of the driver's seat bottom is cracking/ripping between the tiny perforation-holes. Has anyone else seen this?

 

[Vice]

I bought a used certified 2022 premium three months ago, and recently, my passenger seat cover started to peel off for some reason. I don't know why; this is the first time I've seen a car seat cover peel like this.

Currently, the car has about 15.5k miles, and it's still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, so I went to the dealership today, they submitted a claim and took photos, but Ford denied the claim, saying that the seat was damaged because of a spill (?) or it was a result of damage from a sharp object.

There was no spill of anything, and there was no damage from any sharp objects whatsoever.

The dealership said they were surprised by the denial and suggested calling Ford directly.

I tried, but Ford's customer support said that they are not handling warranty claims over the phone and it should be done through a dealership, and since the dealership said the claim was denied, there is nothing they could do.

The dealership said it would cost 1k$ to change the cover on a seat.

Any advice on what I could do in this situation?

Could look like someone used some kind of acid to remove a stain and then ruined the plastic, because it looks like the plastic is pealing. They could then have covered it up with some kind of coloured leather grease which You now have removed over time with Your pants, because to me it doesn't look like wear and tear.

 

[Vice]

I bought a used certified 2022 premium three months ago, and recently, my passenger seat cover started to peel off for some reason. I don't know why; this is the first time I've seen a car seat cover peel like this.

Currently, the car has about 15.5k miles, and it's still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, so I went to the dealership today, they submitted a claim and took photos, but Ford denied the claim, saying that the seat was damaged because of a spill (?) or it was a result of damage from a sharp object.

There was no spill of anything, and there was no damage from any sharp objects whatsoever.

The dealership said they were surprised by the denial and suggested calling Ford directly.

I tried, but Ford's customer support said that they are not handling warranty claims over the phone and it should be done through a dealership, and since the dealership said the claim was denied, there is nothing they could do.

The dealership said it would cost 1k$ to change the cover on a seat.

Any advice on what I could do in this situation?

Doe's it smells of terpentin or gasoline or something strong ?

 

[Stormtrooper]

In my MME, the perforated area of the driver's seat bottom is cracking/ripping between the tiny perforation-holes. Has anyone else seen this?

Yes, mine has started doing that too. 51K miles, early 2021 build.

Not had that happen that quickly in any car I've owned.

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