Split Armrest Issue

[Az1982]

Thanks Peter. I actually searched, "armrest splitting" titles and got no hits for some reason. I'm surprised and also disappointed at the same time how many people clearly have this issue with their explorer. I will just ask my dealer to see if they will arrange with Ford to fix this issue. Should absolutely not happen on a 2.5 year old car. The last time this happened to a car I owned, it was a 12 year old 1985 ford escort! I will also PM Crystal to see if she can help me out and save me from an extra dealer visit.

I have the same issue with my 2014 limited edition explorer....2 months over the 3 year warrantee ....I only have 33k on the vehicle and would have never expected this to happen so soon. I have the extended warranty as well but by the sounds of it wont make a difference. Does anyone have any luck having Ford honouring this defect? Not sure if I will ever buy another Ford again because of this and some other issues I have had with the vehicle.

 

[JETZ]

Had the same issue on driver side on my 2012 Limited. Ford covered the cost for a complete new door panel.

 

[Az1982]

Had the same issue on driver side on my 2012 Limited. Ford covered the cost for a complete new door panel.

Thanks for the reply.....did you do this recently or within the first 3 years 60km?

Thanks for your help.

 

[JETZ]

Had it done last summer, and it was out of warranty.
Contacted one of the Ford reps here. They gave me contact info for a rep in Florida who sent the paper work to my buying dealer, worked out well.

Thanks for the reply.....did you do this recently or within the first 3 years 60km?

Thanks for your help.

 

[kk239]

Update - I fixed my armrest using waxed thread and made a Youtube video of the process since I couldn't find any other repair videos or photos online. I used waxed thread because it allows a square knot to slip after it is tight. (I explain this in the video and you can try it with a piece of waxed dental floss to see what I mean.)

The video is a bit long and a bit redundant so I suggest watching the first stitch and then skipping to the end to see the finished product (15:24) or the middle (12:30).

Did this repair today on my EX arm rest after watching the video and it came out great. Thank you for posting this.

I have the lighter interior so finding waxed thread to match perfectly was tough, but it closed up the split perfectly and the stitches sit seamlessly with the fake stitches. Would be virtually unnoticeable for anyone with the black interior who made this repair using black waxed thread. Easy to do, just be patient and take your time.

 

[esandye]

I fixed my 2 splits with Krazy glue. Just put it on both edges and held it together with my fingers for 30 seconds. It has held for more than a month with no recurrence. I was surprised but pleased. I didn't have to have stitches showing. I didn't trust myself to sew it anyway.

 

[Chuckman]

I fixed my 2 splits with Krazy glue. Just put it on both edges and held it together with my fingers for 30 seconds. It has held for more than a month with no recurrence. I was surprised but pleased. I didn't have to have stitches showing. I didn't trust myself to sew it anyway.

I have the same issue with my 2015 Explorer XLT where it split in the fake seam, but it has also split directly above that in the middle of the flat spot. Now that the cold weather has hit, the split in the top portion is continually getting bigger. What is really troublesome is that I don't even rest my arm on that spot. The tear on the flat spot is jagged. Is there a way to repair this?

I can't believe that, in this day and age, this type of flaw can continue for years with the manufacturer knowing it and they don't fix it. I've never seen this in any other vehicle that was less than 20 years old. I had an '08 Edge before my Explorer and drove it 225,000 km in 7 years before trading for my Explorer. I didn't hestitate getting another Ford as my Edge was so great. Now I find myself wanting to trade in my Explorer on another make. I really wish I'd uncovered this manufacturer's defect before I made the decision on my Explorer. Can't see myself buying another Ford if they won't do what's right for their owners.

 

[kk239]

What is really troublesome is that I don't even rest my arm on that spot.

I was puzzled by the same thing. I never rest on the door armrest while driving and could not figure out what was causing it to split. I finally noticed whenever I get in and out of the car I use the armrest to push the door open as well as support myself getting out in the exact spot it's splitting. I repaired the split in the faux seam using the video someone posted a YouTube link to (I reference it in the above post #285).

Not sure about the other tear however. That sounds like it would be more difficult to repair.

 

[peterk9]

I really never checked my new vehicle's armrest before now. It has actual stitching.

Peter

 

[deewan]

I wanted to give a little update. After a year my armrest has decided to start another crack. Again, this is in an area where I do not rest my arm. I'm sure it's caused by the cold/hot/dry/humid changes here in the Midwest.

I spoke to the guy who fixed my previous cracks about one year ago and he said he has spoken to a lot of repair guys that see this issue with the Ford doors. Most guys won't even repair the cracks anymore because the issue comes back. Lucky for me the guy who repaired mine said he will come out and repair it again free of charge. Whew!

 

[lorimcox]

My 2014 XLT is doing this same thing. I took it into the dealership -- no dice with repair since it's out of the 36-month warranty, and it's not covered by my extended 5-year/100K mile warranty either. Since this thread is now five years old, I would think Ford would more sufficiently address this issue. And the fix cost? $450 (plus labor and tax!). Even asked my service guy if he would work with me. Nope. So disappointed in this issue.

 

[peterk9]

My 2014 XLT is doing this same thing. I took it into the dealership -- no dice with repair since it's out of the 36-month warranty, and it's not covered by my extended 5-year/100K mile warranty either. Since this thread is now five years old, I would think Ford would more sufficiently address this issue. And the fix cost? $450 (plus labor and tax!). Even asked my service guy if he would work with me. Nope. So disappointed in this issue.

Welcome to the Forum.
Sorry your first post had to be about this.

Peter

 

[lorimcox]

Yeah, I was more irritated that they blew me off like, "Oh, regular wear and tear." On a part I hardly touch.

But you all seem nice, so at least I found other Explorers.

 

[Schmoopie11]

just noticed I have the same issue with my 2014 XLT explorer. drive armrest is splitting. I assume I just need to suck it up and pay anywhere else to go but dealer?

 

[peterk9]

just noticed I have the same issue with my 2014 XLT explorer. drive armrest is splitting. I assume I just need to suck it up and pay anywhere else to go but dealer?

The only thing the Dealer can do is to replace the entire door panel. So unless you want to do that then, yes, take it elsewhere to have it repaired.

Peter

 

[BMan5150]

So I finally decided I'd get my separated drivers side armrest repaired at a local reputable Auto upholstery shop here in Central Ohio. You know what he said? "We see tons of late model explorers with this issue. We don't recommend repairing a split door arm rest because of where and how it's splitting. The repair could last a while but will likely split again. If you really want it fixed, get a ford dealer to replace the panel. But you won't like the cost-around $450 for the panel before labor. They just were not made well and we continue to see this issue on even relatively new explorers."

Well that's a real bummer. And super disappointing as far as my opinion of Ford. We've bought 5 new Fords in the last 17 years. I remember when I was looking at the Ex Sport right before I bought it going, "man, the door panels and even the rear lift gate are not aligned well. But I ignored it since I was in love with the way the car drove and of course the ecoboost. Well, there is no way I'm shelling out $50k again and having door panels split. I will likely move on to a V8 equipped Durango, Tahoe or Grand Cherokee.

I'd almost consider just getting a new panel installed, but it seems like I'd just have the same problem again. How ridiculous is that? Anyone know if they've ever PI updated this part?

 

[peterk9]

......I'd almost consider just getting a new panel installed, but it seems like I'd just have the same problem again. How ridiculous is that? Anyone know if they've ever PI updated this part?

I don't think it was updated but the design changed on the 2016/17 models. Here is what the one on my Platinum looks like. Unlike my 2011 armrest, that is real stitching.

 

[jcaltman]

My 2011 Ford Explorer drivers side armrest has started to split along the seam between the fake stitches. My husband tried to repair it with super glue. It didn't hold. Any luck with repairs as my vehicle has 93000+ miles so is way out of warranty ?

 

[ssmorol]

This is happening on our Explorer that we bought used.
I can see that stitching it with the waxed thread is probably the best option, but I am not that handy with a needle. Has anyone else had luck with super glue? Crazy glue? Gorilla Glue? Tinted black (for black interior) glue? I couldn't find where someone explained how they glued it and some seem to have worked, and some seem to not have worked. Just looking for some more detailed input. Thanks guys!

 

[deewan]

As posted on this page, I had a professional repair guy fix mine. He is one of the best int eh state and normally does aviation stuff. Long story short, he is good and despite fixing mine twice (once for a fee and the other time for free) the trim has split again. I called him again asking if he would come take a look and try to repair it. He won't repair it even when I offered to pay for his services. He said he has seen a ton of them and he was the last repair guy who would fix them with glue and now he is calling it quits.

So I think our options are:
1) Buy a new door panel from Ford and hope it doesn't split for 4-5 years.
2) Try the waxed thread and needle option.

I think I will try the thread and needle. I just hope I don't stick myself!