FX leather seats TEARING - TORN!!!

T

TJFX35

Member
Hi all, I am new to infiniti scene. I found this site while researching issues with the FX seats tearing and quickly learned this is a long time-ongoing issue. The infiniti dealer informed me that it was beyond the warranty. Damn, wish I had started complaining when I first noticed it. We are UNDER the mileage warranty, but not years, so NO GO on helping us! This certainly seems like a 'well known' issue for infiniti and feels like a strong case to get them to cover the expense. I was informed today that the back portion of the driver seat is $1,900 and the 'seat bottom' is $1,700! Seriously $4000 to get ONE new seat! I also had it confirmed that not only is the leather poor quality (ours is a 10/2005 model), but the sides and other areas are VINYL (NOT leather)! :eek.: We did not buy a $60,000 car to have CRAPPY materials used and 'then' have the manufacturer NOT stand by their product.

I saw a post from someone about a possible Class Action suit and I am going to look into that option.

If you are (or have) experienced the same issue, please share your thoughts, suggestions, solutions... it is Greatly Appreciated!
 
You may be able to get them re-upholstered for a much cheaper price with better materials. I would look into katzkin leather. I don't think it is as expensive as replacing the original vinyl/leather and you are going to get better material. Most likely your bet is going aftermarket.
 
Thanks! I checked on that option today, and it does sound like a 'better' deal and 'better' quality! I'm so shocked by the popularity of this issue, that I am not ready to give up my fight with infiniti yet. They should have issued a RECALL, once they became aware of this situation... just like the 'finally' did with the dashboard bubbling. Thankfully we managed to get the new dashboard!
 
Yup. Both my driver side and passenger side vinyl portion is torn. The driver side is horrible, it makes me cringe every time getting in the car. I was actually just going to start looking for a shop to reupholster that section.
 
They don't care cuz people are still buying them! Your lucky if you can get them to replace or repair any warranty part, Infiniti's warranty sucks!
 
I remember a person or two got their dealer to repair/replace a seat out of warranty out of good faith, but it was definitely not the standard practice. I would love to see Infiniti step up and do right by owners but am not holding my breath either at this point. Might be easier to find a shop to replace the side panels.
 
My brand new RWD with sport/tech was $38K in 2004 - not sure which FX35s were $60K in the first generation? I mean I love my FX just as much (or more) than most but let's be honest with the pricepoint (and therefore quality).

I've owned two 1st gen FXs and the side panels start to crack around 75,000 miles. Replacing only the ripped side panel at an upholstery shop was $150. I took apart the seat and brought in just the cover that needed repair. The shop removes the broken panel, uses it as a template for a new panel, then sew it in. Not tough for a shop worth a salt. Infiniti prices are to replace the whole seat bottom or seat back - not just the individual panel. Stay away from stealership crazy prices.

I do agree the seat materials are not the best quality but I don't agree Infiniti should pay for wear and tear. There is a reason the warranty runs out after a number of years. Outside the warranty period then you can't expect any satisfaction. Inside the warranty period it isn't an issue - Infiniti should honor a repair. We are approaching a decade on the road for the first year FX35 - seat wear is not unexpected in my experience.

Expect your wheel bearings (all four corners) to go out at some point between 75,000 and 125,000 miles as well. Both of my FXs had that experience.
 
Lots of "luxury" brands use vinyl on the areas that you don't sit on. Benz comes to mind. Infiniti leather is fragile relative to other brands, but it's also a wear item so I doubt that a class action suit would ever happen. As others have said, take it to an upholstery shop, it will be reasonable.
 
I agree with Jumbo. I've had a small tear for a couple of years and I don't like it either. I've also never seen ANY upholstery or furniture that remains the same after regular use. Stuff wears out. Take good care of it, enjoy the heck out of it, and replace it as needed. There are upholstery shops all over the place because of this. Katzkin is great quality and there in LA, so not too awefully far if you want good stuff.
I love my FX. No complaints here.
 
It is a wear item, but Infiniti leather is fragile compared to other brands. When compared to the leather in my old Lexus, Infiniti leather is a joke. The fit and finish of the overall car is also not up to par with some other brands. Overall though, it's a great car, but there are minor annoyances.

porkandbeans said:
I agree with Jumbo. I've had a small tear for a couple of years and I don't like it either. I've also never seen ANY upholstery or furniture that remains the same after regular use. Stuff wears out. Take good care of it, enjoy the heck out of it, and replace it as needed. There are upholstery shops all over the place because of this. Katzkin is great quality and there in LA, so not too awefully far if you want good stuff.
I love my FX. No complaints here.
Click to expand...
 
So if its a wear item and they don't give a crap why didn't they just use paper? Ive seen some BS but this is a little much serious my drivers seat is torn to all hell!
 
I also have a 2005 fx35. The leather wrapping the seat controls have torn too. I think its normal wear and tear dealer ship cant really do much about wear and tear items.
 
I have the black interior and at 94,000 miles, absolutely no rips. Maybe the problem is with different interiors or the prior owners on my car had seat covers. It definitely does not seem like thick good quality leather though. I guess we will see if they will last me another 60,000 miles.
 
@ drew... let me know if you find a decent inexpensive shop in Jersey.. im by the meadowlands and i too need to get the tear repaired.. keep me posted.. thank you in advance
 
I posted my results in a few other threads on the same topic - heres mine
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I found a local upholstery shop and had them redo it for $60

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I can't post any pictures yet, but I have similar issue, my side on the cushion is all torn up. I would no suggest repairing it (unless you replace whole bottom). I had "professional" my dealership suggested to repair it (using a piece of material and color matching) and it was back to torn within 6 months... Kinda sucks, not really sure what I will do now...

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Pscilne:
That looks really nice. So did they replace the whole bottom side panel all around the seat? Or just patched it?
 
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