Split Armrest Issue

[LukerDooker]

...what is it made of? i have been wondering the entire time.

 

[peterk9]

...what is it made of? i have been wondering the entire time.

I would guess it is some kind of vinyl made to look like leather.

Peter

 

[sdmcwilliams]

...what is it made of? i have been wondering the entire time.

Pleather

 

[ieee_raider]

Pleather

I don't think it's even pleather... It's not even real stitching.
It's just a molded plastic / rubber formulation.

That picture isn't torn material, it's plastic split open. Some type of glue is your only chance at repair. It can't be "re-stitched" because it isn't stitched in the first place.

 

[FordService]

...I'm going to make an appointment; I sure hope they take care of it...

Let me know what the diagnosis from the dealership is, JohnC12. If you need any assistance from me, just send a PM my way.

Crystal

 

[JohnC12]

Let me know what the diagnosis from the dealership is, JohnC12. If you need any assistance from me, just send a PM my way.

Crystal

Thank you, Crystal! I'll keep you posted.

 

[mt1481]

Split armrest

Well, since Ford won't fix the two issues I have(leather tear and wheel damage), I guess I have to throw a patch on the rear armrest to make sure the tear doesn't get worse.

Any ideas where to get one?

And in the spring I need to find some new wheels for it.

I had issue with armrest too .Had to get new panel the split is in an area that will not hold up with a repair. Went to ford customer care bypassed dealer and got aFord to cover part of cost

 

[mt1481]

I don't think it's even pleather... It's not even real stitching.
It's just a molded plastic / rubber formulation.

That picture isn't torn material, it's plastic split open. Some type of glue is your only chance at repair. It can't be "re-stitched" because it isn't stitched in the first place.

This cant be glued it will just split again had same issue on my explorer/. It is too bad that Ford is putting out junk like that and they make you feel like your the only one with the problem .

 

[mt1481]

Armrest is junk was made wrong Ford needs to address this issue

 

[gorilla33]

I have a split that looks identical, just on a black door panel. I took it to an upholstery shop and they said it is heat molded and the only option is to have the panel replaced. I have 37k, so am I going to have to eat this? Or is Ford stepping up for it because it is so common?

 

[peterk9]

I have a split that looks identical, just on a black door panel. I took it to an upholstery shop and they said it is heat molded and the only option is to have the panel replaced. I have 37k, so am I going to have to eat this? Or is Ford stepping up for it because it is so common?

This definitely is not a common problem, at least not by the number of posts on this Forum. I think you should speak with your dealer about this problem. Perhaps they can cover a portion of it.
I would suggest that you also contact Crystal, the Ford rep, and see if there is anything she can do for you by contacting your regional customer service manager.
You really have nothing to lose since the entire cost would be on you now anyway.
Good luck.

Peter

 

[gorilla33]

This definitely is not a common problem, at least not by the number of posts on this Forum. I think you should speak with your dealer about this problem. Perhaps they can cover a portion of it.
I would suggest that you also contact Crystal, the Ford rep, and see if there is anything she can do for you by contacting your regional customer service manager.
You really have nothing to lose since the entire cost would be on you now anyway.
Good luck.

Peter

How do I get in touch with Crystal?

 

[peterk9]

How do I get in touch with Crystal?

Go back up to post #13. Click on FordService in the left margin and from the drop down list select, "Send a private message to....." I believe Ashley is on the evening shift and Crystal on day shift. They will require your full name, phone number, mileage, VIN, and dealer info.

Peter

 

[gorilla33]

This definitely is not a common problem, at least not by the number of posts on this Forum. I think you should speak with your dealer about this problem. Perhaps they can cover a portion of it.
I would suggest that you also contact Crystal, the Ford rep, and see if there is anything she can do for you by contacting your regional customer service manager.
You really have nothing to lose since the entire cost would be on you now anyway.
Good luck.

Peter

How do I get in touch with Crystal?

 

[JohnC12]

I've scheduled an appointment with the Ford Dealership for this upcoming Friday. I'm requesting that three TSB's be taken care of (tin roof noise, passenger side A pillar buzz and transmission thump issue), and of course the door trim panel.

The adviser I spoke to said that they'll need to take pictures of the door panel and send to Ford for pre-approval before they can replace it. I have to ask - pre-approval for what? It's split and under warranty, right? Hmmmm... I sent him the pictures I've taken, but dollars to donuts says they have to be the ones who take the pictures.

He also said that they don't carry this part in-stock and they can't overnight the panel due to its size. In other words, lets hope Ford approves it, and yes, another trip back to the dealership. Here we go...

 

[new to ford]

splitting of the arm rest doesn't surprise one bit, it's a fake stitching molded part...

 

[mt1481]

More Common than we know

This definitely is not a common problem, at least not by the number of posts on this Forum. I think you should speak with your dealer about this problem. Perhaps they can cover a portion of it.
I would suggest that you also contact Crystal, the Ford rep, and see if there is anything she can do for you by contacting your regional customer service manager.
You really have nothing to lose since the entire cost would be on you now anyway.
Good luck.

Peter

My armrest did the exact same thing 37,000 miles , Called ford rep they agreed to pay for most of the cost which is $250 for the panel. People are just not posting on site it is a flaw that should be taken care of. I know in a few years mine will probably split again so off with the ford

 

[ieee_raider]

For those with splitting arm rests, what kind of environment are you in?
I'm not looking to "excuse" anything based on environment, just wondering if there's a link.
Like hot environment without tinted windows. Or leaving sun roof open all the time.
Anything along those lines...
Just curious.

 

[FordService]

How do I get in touch with Crystal?

Hi gorilla33,

I received your message and responded, so clearly you figured out how to PM me. Check out your inbox for my reply and let me know if you have any questions.

Crystal

 

[JohnC12]

For those with splitting arm rests, what kind of environment are you in?
I'm not looking to "excuse" anything based on environment, just wondering if there's a link.
Like hot environment without tinted windows. Or leaving sun roof open all the time.
Anything along those lines...
Just curious.

I too am curious. The interesting thing is, I don't really use the armrest. I typically lean to my right when I drive with my elbow on the center console. If I lean to the left, my arm is typically on the upper sill, not on the armrest itself as I have my seat in the full up position as I like to sit up high. It's just not comfortable having my arm resting on the armrest.

I live in Virginia where we have hot summers and mild winters. July and August are generally in the mid to upper 90's with high humidity. Winters average in the 30's.

I have stock window tinting and no sunroof. While I've only had my Ex since February, it's garage kept 100% of the time.

How the previous driver may have used or abused it is beyond me. Though it was not split when I bought it.