I think I'd be finding a specialist automotive trimmer/upholsterer who takes seats apart every day.

If it's a cable, that's easy enough to make up. If it's a plastic component, someone with a 3D printer may be your best friend for not a lot of money.

This is assuming it's not repaired under warranty, obviously.

Edited by mcb100 on 12/02/2021 at 08:19

Heck...that's an interesting one....be even more interesting to see how it all works out for you.

To me, and I'm NO expert on these matters, I would see that as a pretty dangerous and unacceptable mechanical failure tbh that ought at be fixed at little or no cost to you...particularly given the age and useage you mention.

Hopefully there is no sign of anyone else having "had a look at it".?..that would be a potential "get out" I suspect..but maybe I'm just cynical and naive.

Anyway, I'm sure peeps here will be able to advise more and I hope that you get a good result.

Hi,

Just looking some advice I own a 2016 Vauxhall Astra VXR, and I've got a issued with my passenger seat it's reclined and won't go back up, these cars have Recaro performance seats which are a nightmare to fix most common is handles break at the back but this isn't my issue.

I had a local garage look at it and once they opened the lever side of the seat they said that's over their head needs to go to Vauxhall so it's booked in for next Wednesday, I've owned the car for two years and it's out of warranty but I do pay big money for a extended warranty which does state won't cover interior or upholstery.

So looking online and doing my homework if anything goes wrong with these seats Vauxhall (can't be bothered repairing) and just offer a new seat at anywhere between £1400-£2000! So I'm looking advice here, the car has 18000 miles, 4 years old, seats are immaculate! I don't have kids so it's not like they are in and out of the back!

If they turn round and say you need a £2k seat would you take that? or would I at least have a case that a premium racing seat isn't fit for purpose with 18k on the clock? I'm hoping some sort of goodwill through dealership/warranty etc I know my warranty doesn't cover it as it's classed as interior trim but it's more mechanical to me.

Just a what would you do question? I'm trying to prepare myself as best as possible.

Thanks

At 2016 MY, it will be out of manufacturer's warranty so no onus on the dealer to fix for free. Has the car been regularly serviced by a franchise dealer? If so, you might be able to play on this and ask if the dealer and or Vauxhall would make a goodwill payment if you are looking a £1400-2000.

Otherwise, not sure who'd be able to fix a car seat, one of those reclining sofa repairers?

It will need up the visual as appearance but can you buy just get a big standard seat fun a breaker. Presumably it won't matter if the passenger moves around a bit. Might be only £50 for passenger seat.

From the description, the seat has suffered a (probably simple) mechanism failure. A trim specialist should identify the fault and advise whether the failed part can be replaced. And I agree with Skidpan that while a different seat will make the car roadsafe, it will be a botch job.

As for 3D printers, I doubt that one could create a part able to stand the stresses some passengers put on their seats. Any comment ?