Sides of front seats splitting

[RuthieB]

I wonder how much worse this splitting/delamination will get over the next few years if left “as is”.

The concern is that the actual white backing cloth material may begin to fail allowing the foam guts of the cushion to be forced out each time the bolster is compressed.
Doubtless we’ll see further pictures of this degradation (if there aren’t some already!?)

[RuthieB]

 have just found the signed order form for our 2021 Jazz EX and it clearly states that the Interior Trim is Cloth / leather - Black so surely there is now a case for the dealer to answer under aforementioned UK consumer law?

See attached picture…..

[Tombola]

Honda UK Jazz configurator states interior trim "Half Leather Black" but the specification section states "Soft pad Leather" (Synthetic) for Advance and Sport models
Either way, is the issue the seat material or the fact that the seats are splitting? Irrespective of the material used the seats are not up to standard, if it turns out the seat material is synthetic leather is it going to be claimed that if the seats were leather the splitting wouldn't occur and visa versa

[RuthieB]

It’s going to be the latter scenario. If the bolsters were comprised of genuine leather (ie: animal hide) as claimed then the bolsters wouldn’t be expected to be failing.

What Honda has done is blatantly misleading and the dealer has echoed that false description in its documentation (brochure and dealer order form).

The financial liability now clearly exists with the supplying dealer as they have given a false and misleading description of the material used and the subsequent premature failure of the synthetic material actually used.

[RuthieB]

I received several quotations from Honda Stealers today indicating just the cost of either the seat covers and the seat cushions for both front seats.
Parts available within 8 days with the exception of the passenger seat cushion which may be months apparently!
Eye watering is an understatement!

See attached…….

[Kremmen]

And no doubt it could fail again within years

[RuthieB]

I've been in contact with honda.uk.escalations@honda-eu.com and, so far, had two refusals to accept responsibility for the sub-standard 'material' used in side panels - when compared with earlier Jazz models and 'Crosstar' models.  This was after my application for it to be repaired on (extended) warranty was refused via the dealer and a second attempt instigated by the Group Operations Director of my dealer was also rejected by Honda.
I would be very pleased, dfconnolly, if you pursued Honda by the same or any alternative route you have available!
In my claim I quoted extracts from about 15 individuals who have reported these issues on Club Jazz forum over the past 2 or 3 years (including one or two who have claimed successfully - in Italy, Japan and Boston) and the response was (paraphrased) 'whilst we acknowledge the evidence you have provided and claim of substandard materials, we are going to do nothing'.
honda.uk.escalations@honda-eu.com  suggest the next step is the motor ombudsman, but I'm thinking, that before the ombudsman the 'Consumer Rights Act 2015' might be useful.  It seems (I'll do more research) that for 6 years after purchase you can claim that the seller - i.e the dealer (not manufacturer - which seem unfair!) sold goods which were not of merchantable quality or durability.  Durability seems the key thing here - you surely shouldn't expect car seats which have been used, in my case 45,000 miles, to fall apart - and with the same 'pattern' of falling apart as illustrated by other contributors.

Here is what could happen going down the ombudsman route but your claim (as many posters have commented) will be AGAINST THE DEALER and you’d need proof that they falsely claimed the material was LEATHER!

Mercedes-Benz has faced accusations and a ruling by the UK Motor Ombudsman for misleading advertising regarding the composition of their car seats. The seats, described simply as "leather," were found to be only partially genuine leather, with other parts made from synthetic materials (vinyl/polyurethane).
Details of the Case
The Complaint: In 2019, a retired British businessman, Mr. Costello, became suspicious of his Mercedes E-Class SE's "leather" interior after reading about a similar case. He had samples of the seat upholstery analyzed in a laboratory, which confirmed that while the main seating surface was genuine bovine leather, the sides and some other areas were a synthetic polyurethane material.
Mercedes' Response: Mercedes-Benz argued that the seats were compliant with rules regarding what could be described as leather, stating they used other materials "to give it rigidity and structure". A spokesman also admitted the company could have been clearer in its brochures.
The Ruling: The independent Motor Ombudsman ruled in favor of the customer, stating that if a document says the interior is "leather," the assumption is that it is fully leather and the description was therefore "misleading".
Outcome: Mr. Costello was awarded £850 (approximately $1,100 USD) in compensation, and it was suggested that the ruling could open the door for other similar claims. In a separate but related incident, another customer received a full refund and returned the car.

As usual all thoughts and comments appreciated

[RuthieB]

As per my posting reply#44 on "Sides of Front Seats Splitting"

"Here is what could happen going down the ombudsman route but your claim (as many posters have commented) will be AGAINST THE DEALER and you’d need proof that they falsely claimed the material was LEATHER!

Mercedes-Benz has faced accusations and a ruling by the UK Motor Ombudsman for misleading advertising regarding the composition of their car seats. The seats, described simply as "leather," were found to be only partially genuine leather, with other parts made from synthetic materials (vinyl/polyurethane).
Details of the Case
The Complaint: In 2019, a retired British businessman, Mr. Costello, became suspicious of his Mercedes E-Class SE's "leather" interior after reading about a similar case. He had samples of the seat upholstery analyzed in a laboratory, which confirmed that while the main seating surface was genuine bovine leather, the sides and some other areas were a synthetic polyurethane material.
Mercedes' Response: Mercedes-Benz argued that the seats were compliant with rules regarding what could be described as leather, stating they used other materials "to give it rigidity and structure". A spokesman also admitted the company could have been clearer in its brochures.
The Ruling: The independent Motor Ombudsman ruled in favor of the customer, stating that if a document says the interior is "leather," the assumption is that it is fully leather and the description was therefore "misleading".
Outcome: Mr. Costello was awarded £850 (approximately $1,100 USD) in compensation, and it was suggested that the ruling could open the door for other similar claims. In a separate but related incident, another customer received a full refund and returned the car."

Game On!?

[RichardA]

Topics  Sides of front seats splitting and Driver's seat wear merged.

[RuthieB]

Topics  Sides of front seats splitting and Driver's seat wear merged.

I was hoping that a merge would happen as I was getting confused flicking between the two posts, so Many thanks for that Richard.

I must say that I am embarrassed by the number of times I have posted on this subject so apologies to everybody for the overload !!

[RuthieB]

And no doubt it could fail again within years

Not necessarily, the part numbers for both front seat covers have now been superseded TWICE now ending with a -JL2ZC vis 81131-TZA-JL2ZC and 8153-TZA-JL2ZC………….the originals were different part numbers ending in ……ZA.

This is specifically for a 21 Sunburst White with Black/grey trim.

[RuthieB]

I had a reply from the dealer today regarding my claim..........

"" Thank you for information provided below, I have not received anything official from Honda as of yet, I did speak with a Honda colleague yesterday whilst at a conference they pointed out the brochure does state a mixture of both Fabric and leather which I believe is what has been provided to you, it does not assist me the fact that your car is no longer in warranty as its coming up to 5 years old.

I understand you are dissatisfied with the condition of your seats after 58 months of ownership, Unfortunately Holdcroft will not being offering any financial compensation in this case. You claim Holdcroft miss sold to you, I cannot accept this claim and feel we have not in anyway provided you with a dishonest service or information.

Another option if you would consider is to look at the option of upgrading your car, I would look after you personally and ensure the best possible deal.

If Honda do offer any goodwill I will be in touch, whilst this is not the resolution you seek this is our final response"

I did consider The Motor Ombudsman as a possible way pf pursuing the case but I would be wasting my time having read Trust Pilot Reviews on TMO.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.themotorombudsman.org

Looks like Money Claims Online (MCOL) is the only option left or move on and trade in the car for something else

[JB]

I knew this bit would be in there, Would you consider upgrading your car??? £££

[Lord Voltermore]

Upgrading it to what? Do Honda have cars that actually feature genuine leather seats   , or just ones where the brochures and sales spiel are now more honest about how they describe  plastic with a leather effect pattern? 

I think gear knobs and steering wheels are occasionally 'genuine leather' because it wears and grips better   but rarely for large areas such as seats these days . Too many objections  on animal welfare and religious grounds. And expense . Cutting leather panels from individual and varying animal hides to upholster consistent car seats  doesnt lend itself to volume car production.   Luxury brands that might still offer genuine leather seats  would probably make a big song and dance about   how genuine and real their leather  is.  (and hopefully offer a fabric alternative)

Honda and others will probably try to justify their sloppy descriptions  of 'leather'   as 'common usage' for artificial leather.     Especially if Honda are not alone in using this description.    Its not fair.  So good luck if you wish to pursue the matter further.  Only you you know if your outrage and sense of justice is worth any stress it may be causing you.   . Its not unknown for  companies to capitulate  ,even when convinced they are in the right, when faced with the cost of defending a small claims court case and  adverse publicity.   They might win on the basis of 'fair wear and tear' on a 5 year old car, but not a false description.     

Maybe my view is biased because I had/have no splitting on either of my mk 4 Jazz  (2021 27K miles,2024 12 K miles) . Maybe other car brands  will have their own similar issues and disputes if you delve deep enough.

[Kremmen]

I'm quite sure my 2013 Civic EX was proper leather seats

All over, not part fabric