Premature seat wear - example

[Wobbly]

I like the occasional pie, though I’m not a fanatic. I’m not huge. So when I noticed wear in parts of the Inscription leather in my 28,000 miles 22 month V90, I was concerned. The pictures below show the wear on the bolster and o/s front corner of the seat.

Having seen other threads on the topic, I called Volvo UK and explained my concerns. I was listened to, and I’ve just left the dealer after VCUK arranged an inspection at a dealer of my choice. Apparently the process is that the technician inspects the leather. If it’s obviously premature wear (“no outside influences”), the dealer makes the decision and a warranty claim is agreed on the spot. If it’s less straight forward, the technician sends pictures to Volvo who then make the decision.

In my case, it wasn’t disputed and the seat will be removed and both base and backrest covers replaced under warranty. So far it’s been a very efficient process, and I hope these examples of what has been deemed to be premature wear will be of use.

[CoopsSA]

I fear this on my R Design seats with the pronounced bolsters I think they will wear quite quickly.

[Philip Fisher]

Maybe it is my eyes but I am struggling to see any wear in the 2nd photo.

[Quacker]

It looks to me as if the leather could do with some feeding with a leather balm.
Cream or very light leather is difficult to keep clean and scuff-free at the best of times, which is why I prefer a darker grey. None of these marks would show on a mid-grey seat. Neither would dirt and stains generally.

Also I must say that there is a lot to be said for the part vinyl seats that are on my Land Cruiser and Mercedes use a lot of. It wears better than leather.

[Bash D Bishop]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

Maybe it is my eyes but I am struggling to see any wear in the 2nd photo.

Look at the upper stitching arc and between the 2 lines of stitching you will see it is a slightly different colour.

From my view of the photos it looks like standard discoloration over 28k miles so I'm surprised they have agreed to replace rather than simply treat it. I tend to steer clear of light coloured interiors for this very reason.

[MCV60]

Had similar perishing on my napa leather at 6 month old. FI noticed within the first 4 week of my ownership. As per the OP the dealership swapped out the cover with no hassle.

[Philip Fisher]

I have amber nappa on an 80k mile T8. There is some very slight cracking on one bolster but to be honest I am very happy with how it has worn.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by Quacker

It looks to me as if the leather could do with some feeding with a leather balm.
Cream or very light leather is difficult to keep clean and scuff-free at the best of times, which is why I prefer a darker grey. None of these marks would show on a mid-grey seat. Neither would dirt and stains generally.

Also I must say that there is a lot to be said for the part vinyl seats that are on my Land Cruiser and Mercedes use a lot of. It wears better than leather.

You’re probably right - it’s due a feed with the “lotion” contained in the Volvo leather cleaning kit. I thoroughly clean and feed a couple of times a year, with the intention of removing whatever the quick clean leather wipes leave behind in the interim.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by Bash D Bishop

Look at the upper stitching arc and between the 2 lines of stitching you will see it is a slightly different colour.

From my view of the photos it looks like standard discoloration over 28k miles so I'm surprised they have agreed to replace rather than simply treat it. I tend to steer clear of light coloured interiors for this very reason.

I don’t think it’s discolouration - the surface is wearing away. I was thinking of treating it, but am glad I didn’t. Apparently there is a recognised issue with premature wear, which explains the lack of fuss about the replacement.

[Quacker]

I occasionally use some beeswax-lookalike stuff that I bought at a county show. Its quite amazing stuff, applied using a sponge cube. Very little goes a long way and it soaks into the leather beautifully. Even my matt black Nappa leather.
I've used very similar products over the years on my Land Cruiser and while the steering wheel leather has long disintegrated, the seats are all like new, including the driver's seat which has had 20 years and 200,000 miles of my 20 stone on it. Pity there is now a need to spend quite a lot of money on it mechanically, at an age where it may well not be viable to do so.