R36 Seats

[gripmoto]

Hi, Is anyone else disappointed with the trim quality of the front seats in the R36. The foam on the edge of the seat base has collapsed, from where I get in and out, this is after 18 months 30 000k. The trim here is fine just the foam under is stuffed so the trim is very baggy. Also the side of the back of the seat has nearly worn through where there is a piece of hard trim you can feel under the trim. This sure is caused from me getting in and out, I feel it is bad design. VW does not want to know about it at all, wear and tear they say although they will not talk to me about it, just through the dealer. I know Subaru does cover this type of thing.

[Transporter]

IMO it should be covered by warranty. I had MB Vito in early 2000 and had the driver seat redone by seat trimmers under the warranty. So, I don't think that passenger car wouldn't be covered for this type of premature wear.

[gripmoto]

Agreed...VWA is not replying to any email either.

[Burkey]

And another one to add to the baggy seat collection.

The R36 has 52,000km on it now and the driver seat foam is turning to mush. I'm not the biggest guy around and a bit disapointed in the response or lack there of from the dealer and VW.

Anyone else had this one sorted by VW?

[Pana]

yep - 20 months old and 36K and having the same problem with the side of the seat base - tbh I'm not really suprised this has happened as it does come up pretty high and unavoidable that you put some weight on it getting in and out of the seat.

[111]

mine has 20k and ive got the same problem, im happy if we all get together and hit them up for new front seats

[Steve]

I've no problems after 30000km in 33-ish months.

Good luck!

[R34]

Yep I've got the same problem 8 months old @15,000kms
Dealer took some pics of it at the service last week and I'm yet to hear back
Had a similar problem (not as bad) with a WRX @95,000kms and Subaru replaced the seat no problem.

Not liking what I'm hearing from you guys.
Never had a warranty issue with any other company but VW could be the first by the sound of it

[jasspa]

Yes I too have this issue and have only 12000 km.

[GHW]

Drivers side bolster collapsed but VW replaced it for me during the 30k service, thats what warranties are for and they didn't hesitate.

[gripmoto]

I gave up no one would talk to me and VW didn't reply. Spend $300 got it fixed. Was not worth the aggro chasing them. Good job and all just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, shall remember it when it's time for my next car. I also had no drama from Subaru with a similar problem.

[Rthirsty6]

A bit OT, but I had the driver side door armrest cracked in the spot where I rest my elbow in my previous Audi. The Dealer showed it to the Regional Rep from Audi and they replaced it under warranty, this was when the car was 6 Months outside the warranty!

[sloutch]

I gave up no one would talk to me and VW didn't reply. Spend $300 got it fixed. Was not worth the aggro chasing them. Good job and all just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, shall remember it when it's time for my next car. I also had no drama from Subaru with a similar problem.

How did you get it fixed in the end?

[Phrak]

It's a bit of a worry that this is happening after relatively few KMs. And it's likely to be an issue for more than just the R36's - The newer (MY10.5) Passat's allegedly have the same seats as the R36.

Can anyone with a newish Passat confirm if they are/aren't having the same issue?

Also, OP - are you able to add a poll to this post? You might get better stats so we can make it a bigger issue for VWA.

[kleung]

The newer (MY10.5) Passat's allegedly have the same seats as the R36.

From some time in 2009 onwards, VW were fitting 'sports luxury' seats to the higher-spec Passats (Highline models), but the R36 seats are exclusive to the R36. The sports luxury seats have better side bolstering (compared to effectively no bolstering on the 'comfort' seats), but are not nearly as extreme as bolstering on the R36 seats.