Leather Seat Cracking...what to do?

[DavidD]

I just turned over 16,000 miles in my 2010 S4 and my driver's side seat bolster has some small cracking in the leather. I've kept the seats clean and used leather conditioner. Do you think Audi/dealership will do anything to fix or replace the seat? Anyone else having this issue? (PS: I'm not a very big guy either, 5'11" 190, so I figure I'm not stressing the leather anymore than usual)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e75/audisport98/seatcrack.jpg

Thanks
David

[The_Transporter]

That's pretty disappointing considering its only a 2010. My 2009 looks as if no one has ever sat in my seats.
Audi should step up & replace the seat. Pretty absurd. I've had convertibles (Benz, Lexus & Jaguar) that were constantly in the sun and never cracked like that...

[laakness]

I see the same thing on other cars too. Is this the drivers seat and the side closest to the door? I think its from sliding your leg across when getting out of the car. I have to make a very specific standing up motion with my left leg to not press on that side of the seat when getting out.

Edit, is that the back of the seat and not the bottom?

[DavidD]

I see the same thing on other cars too. Is this the drivers seat and the side closest to the door? I think its from sliding your leg across when getting out of the car. I have to make a very specific standing up motion with my left leg to not press on that side of the seat when getting out.

Edit, is that the back of the seat and not the bottom?

Yes, this is the drivers side seat, top side bolster near the door. I try to sit down as careful as I can to not stress the side bolster, but to crack after only 16k miles is disappointing.

[Leor604]

Wow, that looks bad for only 16000 miles. I have approx. the same mileage but my seats look brand new in comparison, and I've done nothing other than an occasional wipe down with a damp MF cloth. Also, I try not to crush or rub hard against the bolsters as I get in our out.

Our seats ARE leather, but they have a urethane top coat that, as I understand, does NOT need any sort of conditioning. I wonder if the leather conditioner you have been using did something to degrade the urethane?

I *think* you can replace the entire seat covering, but $$$. Good luck with the dealer, but I think you'll get the "normal wear and tear" line.

[Scotty@Advanced]

I had a new VW JEtta and my Ex wife managed to destroy the seat with her fat ass. I took it to VW and asked WTF, and 3 hours later it was new looking, paid for under their "Fit and Finish" warranty which IIRC was a very short time period (12,000 miles and 1 year). However it looks like yours may be a defect in the leather, the coloring appears to be flaking off, I'd bring it up with your Audi dealer. My S6 seats with 125K don't look that bad.

[Borti]

What cleaner / conditioner do you use? Your seats have quite the sheen to them and the cracking indicates that your cleaner / conditioner did absolutely nothing.

From my experience - 95% of leather conditioners on the market are crap, and a lot of the cleaners do nothing.

You can buy a leather restoration kit from Leather Masters to repair the holes and wrinkles in the leather. Swissvax also makes a recolor kit. Not too much of a process and not too difficult and it will provide you with 100% correction and could very well be more durable than the standard top coat in the silk nappa leather.

[DavidD]

What cleaner / conditioner do you use? Your seats have quite the sheen to them and the cracking indicates that your cleaner / conditioner did absolutely nothing.

From my experience - 95% of leather conditioners on the market are crap, and a lot of the cleaners do nothing.

You can buy a leather restoration kit from Leather Masters to repair the holes and wrinkles in the leather. Swissvax also makes a recolor kit. Not too much of a process and not too difficult and it will provide you with 100% correction and could very well be more durable than the standard top coat in the silk nappa leather.

I used Griots leather care. The sheen you see is all from the flash of the camera.

[DavidD]

I sent AoA an email, we'll see what they come back with...fingers crossed.

[Borti]

I used Griots leather care. The sheen you see is all from the flash of the camera.

What were you using to clean your seats?

[DavidD]

What were you using to clean your seats?

Griots interior cleaner, not much product actually goes on the seats, spray lightly on a rag and wipe the seat down. I honestly don't believe that any product I've used caused the cracking, if so it would have caused the same cracking on the passenger side or on the lower bolster.

[rkdiddy]

I was going to ask the same question - but was thinking more along the lines that the product didn't help protect from cracking.

[DavidD]

I was going to ask the same question - but was thinking more along the lines that the product didn't help protect from cracking.

Agreed. I've been using these products for a long time too...I had 135,000 miles on my B5 A4 and it didn't crack like this.

[Borti]

Griots interior cleaner, not much product actually goes on the seats, spray lightly on a rag and wipe the seat down. I honestly don't believe that any product I've used caused the cracking, if so it would have caused the same cracking on the passenger side or on the lower bolster.

I don't think it was the product that caused the cracking... I simply think it didn't clean the seat and didn't protect the seat from oils / contamination.

It's likely that the cleaner you were using wasn't strong enough to remove trapped dirt and oils, and this was compounded by the conditioner further trapping them in the top coat. That, and the conditioner might have promoted oil buildup rather than protecting against it.

It's not just a Griot's thing... a lot of conditioners as well as cleaners are ineffective. A Leather Masters or Swissvax protectant is much more useful.

If your dealer won't fix this - then buy a recoloring kit. I promise you - if done correctly your Leather will look as good as factory and be more durable.

[The_Transporter]

Only 16,000miles??? That's pretty aggressive wear & tear. I've certainly had minor cracking in leather seats before, but not until OVER 30,00miles. And not that level of cracking.

[Tracker_168]

Is the "leather" on the Alcantara seats actual leather or the same leather as Silk Nappa?

[queue]

[QUOTE=DavidD;8189879]I just turned over 16,000 miles in my 2010 S4 and my driver's side seat bolster has some small cracking in the leather. I've kept the seats clean and used leather conditioner. Do you think Audi/dealership will do anything to fix or replace the seat? Anyone else having this issue? (PS: I'm not a very big guy either, 5'11" 190, so I figure I'm not stressing the leather anymore than usual)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e75/audisport98/seatcrack.jpg
[QUOTE]


This isn't such a big deal here. Don't worry, the leather isn't cracking, just the finish. A proper fix and maybe a newfound awareness of how aggressively bolstered these seats are should be a good cure.
1. That's just a painted finish (the leather matched with the alcantara in the S4 is a corrected grain with a heavy finish) that can be easily repaired and you're not doing anything wrong (my opinion is that you are brushing that spot when you enter/exit the car).
2. It appears that it is getting some wear - not because you're fat - you've established that - just the way you slide into/ out of the seat. The sheen on the leather most likely is from friction buffing the surface of the leather not oils, etc. Unless you're grabbing the seat bolster to get in/out of the car. It is shiny and reflecting your flash - thats OK. Maybe it is your favorite belt or jeans rubbing that spot over a 2 year period?
3. Leather is a natural substance that can have different wear properties and always changes with time and use. That is how/why there are profitable companies that repair and refinished automotive leather.

This is an easy, relatively inexpensive fix that looks like it is due to wear, not a material flaw - but you have the right to argue that if you feel it is fair.

Edit: I have used Griots on 6 different Audi Leather interiors and it has never caused any negative effect to the finishes - great interior cleaners/conditioners.

Let us know how this plays out for you.

[jdwk]

I had an instructional day with my wife years ago when I first took her for a ride in my C6 to show her how to get into a car without crushing the bolster. If you do it right, you won't even touch it. Be especially careful with jeans.

[DavidD]

I feel like I'm very careful getting in and out of the seat, so if this isn't happening to anyone else, I feel its an issue Audi should take care of. Guess I'll wait to see what the reponse from AoA is, then possibly take it to my nearest stealership.

[MrFunk]

I had a new VW JEtta and my Ex wife managed to destroy the seat with her fat ass.

HAHAHAH - LOLOLOLOL!!!! God bless Audizine for making me laugh once in a while! [az]



Edit: ok - after a few more laughs i'm ready to type.

That wear and tear is unacceptable for a 60k car with only 16k mileage on it. That is BARELY any miles for this caliber car. If I were in the market for an S4 and I saw your seat I would pass and buy someone else's. It's gonna kill your re-sale. I'd be very aggressive in having Audi remedy this... I'd expect this with a car with over 100k on it...

[staticuxo]

you're not going to get audi to replace it, i can guarantee that. it's normal wear and tear.

i feel audi has cheapened out a lot on the whole B8 interior.. my B8 S5 seats with 14k miles on them looked WAY worse than my B7 S4's OEM Recaros did with 65k miles when i sold it. my b8 s4 is starting to show wear like yours as well.. and i'm 5'-10" 165lbs and try to be careful.

[Okan509]

i read on the forums that only the middle piece of the seat is leather and the bolsters are faux, or the other way around - don't remember now.. Nut they should give you a new seat cover - I've heard people having no issues under warranty

[MrFunk]

i read on the forums that only the middle piece of the seat is leather and the bolsters are faux, or the other way around - don't remember now.. Nut they should give you a new seat cover - I've heard people having no issues under warranty

If you don't have Silk Nap leather are the bolsters real leather?

[DavidD]

I honestly can't say that any part of me agrees with the statement that this cracking is "normal wear and tear", not after 16K miles.

[ENV²]

Mine do not look like that but I do full Leather Masters (from DD) treatment every 6 months including strong cleaner, vital conditioner and protection cream.

[MailmanOdd]

Hey David,

My seat looks similar to that. Sadly, mine is a 2012 with 20k miles on it. Same as you I am not a big guy (5'10" 170) and it's taken some damage. I am also very careful getting in and out. Let us know your resolution...good luck.

[Okan509]

If you don't have Silk Nap leather are the bolsters real leather?

I don't know - couldn't say - just remembering reading what I wrote.

They should replace it - take it in.

[DavidD]

Hey David,

My seat looks similar to that. Sadly, mine is a 2012 with 20k miles on it. Same as you I am not a big guy (5'10" 170) and it's taken some damage. I am also very careful getting in and out. Let us know your resolution...good luck.

Sure thing man, I hope they aren't too irrational about it!

[thedollardoctor]

Not to be a noob or shitty, but could it be from TOO MUCH treatment of the leather? I've had leather seats in my last 4 cars, never treated any of it with a cleaner, and have NEVER had this issue, even after 120,000 miles in my 03' G35.

Or it could just be a bad batch of leather, if that exists.

My guess is dealership will say it's "wear and tear". Good luck man!

[Okan509]

Not to be a noob or shitty, but could it be from TOO MUCH treatment of the leather? I've had leather seats in my last 4 cars, never treated any of it with a cleaner, and have NEVER had this issue, even after 120,000 miles in my 03' G35.

Or it could just be a bad batch of leather, if that exists.

My guess is dealership will say it's "wear and tear". Good luck man!

I also don't treat my leather and they look great @ 39k.. Just a little water and oxy clean once a month to cut the grime - same thing for the leather couches in the house

[staticuxo]

I also don't treat my leather and they look great @ 39k.. Just a little water and oxy clean once a month to cut the grime - same thing for the leather couches in the house

i'm almost positive A4 leather is different material.. i noticed this in my B7 A4 when i got my B7 S4, which had nappa leather Recaros.. i'm sure it's the same deal with B8's. leather does wear and it is natural.. but i guarantee the dealer will not replace this.

i don't agree with it as the wear seems excessive. like i said mine are starting to get this way also with 22k miles, but i'm sure the dealers will say it's 'normal.'

[jamesj2k]

25k here in an 2011 S4. 6'4" 200lbs...Still looks good

[Okan509]

i'm almost positive A4 leather is different material.. i noticed this in my B7 A4 when i got my B7 S4, which had nappa leather Recaros.. i'm sure it's the same deal with B8's. leather does wear and it is natural.. but i guarantee the dealer will not replace this.

i don't agree with it as the wear seems excessive. like i said mine are starting to get this way also with 22k miles, but i'm sure the dealers will say it's 'normal.'

I've seen guys have it replaced under warranty, think they said something like "you only get one" or some nonsense.

[ahcow]

Mine is in for detailing every 6 months and the leather gets treated. I will take a look when I get it back but from memory they are fine. A little stretching in the middle (bubbling up) but nothing major.

[dawei213]

Hey DavidD, any response for AoA? My 2012 only has 10.5k and just a year old I'm beginning to see the same issue. I'm not a big guy (5'6" 140lbs) and am pretty careful coming in and out the car but same thing. The leather in my Mazda6s for 9 years and nearly 90k never had any sort of issues with it's seat. This is a bit disappointing.

[QSonx]

I have the same issue on my 2011 with ~18k miles. I've had the issue since like 10k miles though. I thoroughly detail my car every 3-6 months and treat my leather too. This is the first car I've owned or seen that has this issue this fast. I'm 5'10" 165lbs and I try to be conscientious about not "leaning" on that bolster.

[mattchat]

Sigh, just noticed this happening on my 2013....anyone else having this issue and same as everyone else, I'm not big. Likely just rubbing it getting in and out but I try to be careful. My friends Porsche 911 is getting the same wear as well and his is only a 2011. I'm past my 20,000 km first year fit and finish so I'm sure Audi would just wave it off as wear and tear now.

[lapisia]

Yep I have the same issue, 2013...

[Meehow]

Same thing here. Audi dealer had the upholstery guy touch it up with liquid vinyl, gratis. Cracks are actually in the black finish, not in the leather.

[cspcrx]

I had this happen on my last car and it was caused by my butt rubbing across the bulster as I got in and out.

I have shorter legs, 30in inseam, so I have position 1 set as my driving position. Position 2 is just slid back so I can easily get in and out with out rubbing up against the bulster so much.

[FatalBert]

Hey OP I thought that was my pic until I saw the date! Nearly exactly the same as mine! (I used no cleaners prior to this pic)

http://s6.postimg.org/wc8akekch/20130609_205556.jpg


I used griots leather upholstery cleaner and it looked much better:
http://s6.postimg.org/wsrridddt/20130612_195029.jpg

but it came right back after about a week or so

[Madbusy168]

Damn, you guys with the 2013 are letting the Audi Dealer push you around like that? Theres no real excuse for this nonsense, unless you have over 50k on your 2013. You guys are way too soft, spending over $50k on a brand new car and the leather cracks within the first year and you let them tell you its wear and tear? I see 20 years old Mercedes at the junkyard with seats that are basically still perfect with the exception of a few wrinkles.. CMON the damn car is only 1 year old. I would bitch like a mofo if my 2013 seats are like that and they wont warranty it.. Shit, Post it on their Facebook Acct. "Look, my 2013 $50k+ car with 15,000 miles on it has cracked leather in it already and AUDI says sorry, not covered under warranty, its normal WEAR and TEAR... See what they gonna say.. Betcha you will get it covered in NO TIME...

[Madbusy168]

Hey OP I thought that was my pic until I saw the date! Nearly exactly the same as mine! (I used no cleaners prior to this pic)

http://s6.postimg.org/wc8akekch/20130609_205556.jpg


I used griots leather upholstery cleaner and it looked much better:
http://s6.postimg.org/wsrridddt/20130612_195029.jpg

but it came right back after about a week or so

Flat black spray paint, quick spray and wipe off immediately with a towel, the paint will fill in the cracks.

[theKB]

the leather they use in these cars is just complete garbage, it is probably one of the lowest grades available.

Even looking at a GLK which is a fairly low end mercedes the leather seemed as though it was tougher and more designed for the long term than any of the leather I have found in the VAG products we own.

[adbender]

It came on for me year 3...leather is not wearing, just the finish. Will probably get it touched up.

[Akatsuki...]

2012 w 22xxxkm ... Same issue.. Not as bad. Started using black fire leather conditioner. A little better but not a whole lot. The leater audi uses now is definitely a lot worse quality...

[Akatsuki...]

2012 w 22xxxkm ... Same issue.. Not as bad. Started using black fire leather conditioner. A little better but not a whole lot. The leater audi uses now is definitely a lot worse quality...

I am 5'7 160 lbs.. I find pushing the seat back to get in and out reduces pushing on the bolsters

[riegeraudi]

the leather they use in these cars is just complete garbage, it is probably one of the lowest grades available.

Even looking at a GLK which is a fairly low end mercedes the leather seemed as though it was tougher and more designed for the long term than any of the leather I have found in the VAG products we own.

Tougher the leather the cheaper it is. I have had many MB's and the leather wears better but it isn't of high quality and does the same even in the E-class and S-class just not as fast. The GLK you were in was most likely the ARTICO leather which is man made leather.
Try some black shoe polish on it and then buff it out and make sure the polish is removed. I think it will fix your problem if Audi doesn't want to fix it.

[220013047]

I used zaino leather in a bottle to soften the leather and pushed it back so it does not stick and chip. my 5 cents