V50 General : - Splits starting on driver's seat squab.

Ian21401 · Jul 1st, 2012, 22:47

V50, 2007, D5 (29,000 miles)
I don't know the correct name for the seat covering or whether it is leather or some man made material. The owner's handbook simply advises about the special treatment the leather seat covering has had in manufacture and how to clean it. I've tried searching this site but no "hits".
The driver's seat covering outside raised area (more or less where one's right buttock rests) has started to split from the stitching holes at a seam. There are four splits adjacent to each other, each about 3mms. long and two of the splits have joined allowing a small flap of material to lift away from the layer beneath. I've glued the flap back down for the time being.
I'm not happy about a fault such as this on a 5 years old supposedly quality car with only 29,000 miles on the clock.
Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone know whether there is a decent repair method?

jigharha · Jul 2nd, 2012, 12:15

The standard upholstery on the V50 is an innovative T-Tec fabric that Volvo claims resists wear and staining. Most reviewers are impressed by the material however, they need love and care for them to last.
The leather ones also need to be treated periodically with leather cream to condition it, if not they will start cracking which is typical of leather materials. You can use any leather cream from Asda, Tessco or Halford.
Ro better still:
http://accessories.volvocars.com/Acc...eb/Accessories
Condition them at least 4 times a year and you will enjoy leather. If leather is not soft through conditioning, they will become hard and will start to crack.
Check the back of some car magazine and you will have some restorers of leather.

MacV50 · Jul 2nd, 2012, 14:17

Should be repairable. Try an upholsterer.

Not good given the mileage or age. Maybe lots of short journeys so lots of getting into and out of the car?

Alan C30 · Jul 4th, 2012, 19:46

Mine failed at VERY low milage (same vintage) and was fixed under warranty, shame they made an a**e of connecting the SIPS/sir bag gear
see photo

Ian21401 · Jul 4th, 2012, 22:06

I'll make some enquiries.

Jul 1st, 2012, 22:47	#1
Ian21401 Premier Member Last Online: Feb 11th, 2023 20:32 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Blyth, Northumberland	Splits starting on driver's seat squab. V50, 2007, D5 (29,000 miles) I don't know the correct name for the seat covering or whether it is leather or some man made material. The owner's handbook simply advises about the special treatment the leather seat covering has had in manufacture and how to clean it. I've tried searching this site but no "hits". The driver's seat covering outside raised area (more or less where one's right buttock rests) has started to split from the stitching holes at a seam. There are four splits adjacent to each other, each about 3mms. long and two of the splits have joined allowing a small flap of material to lift away from the layer beneath. I've glued the flap back down for the time being. I'm not happy about a fault such as this on a 5 years old supposedly quality car with only 29,000 miles on the clock. Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone know whether there is a decent repair method?

Jul 4th, 2012, 22:06	#5
Ian21401 Premier Member Last Online: Feb 11th, 2023 20:32 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Blyth, Northumberland	Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll make some enquiries.

Jul 2nd, 2012, 12:15	#2
jigharha Member Last Online: Sep 16th, 2015 12:53 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Luton/Bedfordshire	The standard upholstery on the V50 is an innovative T-Tec fabric that Volvo claims resists wear and staining. Most reviewers are impressed by the material however, they need love and care for them to last. The leather ones also need to be treated periodically with leather cream to condition it, if not they will start cracking which is typical of leather materials. You can use any leather cream from Asda, Tessco or Halford. Ro better still: http://accessories.volvocars.com/Acc...eb/Accessories Condition them at least 4 times a year and you will enjoy leather. If leather is not soft through conditioning, they will become hard and will start to crack. Check the back of some car magazine and you will have some restorers of leather.

Jul 2nd, 2012, 14:17	#3
MacV50 Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 08:52 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Aberdeen	Should be repairable. Try an upholsterer. Not good given the mileage or age. Maybe lots of short journeys so lots of getting into and out of the car?

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