Weird armrest problem

[WayCoolJr]

The leather in my 2019 GT2 is coming apart from the molding underneath. I took it to the dealer and they are saying it could possibly be wear and tear because my elbow sits there. The dealer was going to talk to somebody and see if it will be covered. Is this really "wear and tear"? I have had other cars for longer than 3 years and this never happened. Has anybody seen this on their car?

 

[MerlintheMad]

No. Sorry, that's the first case of this I've seen on the forum. Premature seat wear is a thing. And having the faux metal coating come off your driver's side grab handle because you drive in shorts and the coating doesn't like your knee, I've seen a couple of those. But nothing like this. It looks awful. I hope they replace for you.

I never rest my arms on the armrest or the center console: I keep my hands on the wheel, thumbs lightly hooked over the spokes, so, no chance of rubbing.

 

[JSolo]

I keep a towel on the center rest and left arm is usually on the window sill with hand at 9 oclock on the wheel.

 

[Jasonarmstrong]

I would consider it wear and tear if we were in year 2029....but not after 3 years. They should do the right thing and fix it.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

They had to make it $50k car somehow. Using cheap materials is one way of doing it. Hopefully it will be covered.

 

[WayCoolJr]

Here is the dealerships reply.. Would it help to call Kia USA?

Good Morning, I tried to email the response from my warranty DPSM kia rep to the email you provided but it did not go through. Maybe i wrote it down incorrectly. I sent over the pictures of your arm rest and he stated this would be considered wear and tear and not a warrantable condition. He said possibly a leather repair or interior shop could repair or improve the appearance of the rippled area.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Here is the dealerships reply.. Would it help to call Kia USA?

Good Morning, I tried to email the response from my warranty DPSM kia rep to the email you provided but it did not go through. Maybe i wrote it down incorrectly. I sent over the pictures of your arm rest and he stated this would be considered wear and tear and not a warrantable condition. He said possibly a leather repair or interior shop could repair or improve the appearance of the rippled area.

That sucks. Calling Kia can't hurt. If that doesn't work, you can get used panel for around $150

 

[WayCoolJr]

UPDATE: Called Kia USA last week and they stated they might be able to pay for it to be repaired. Called two companies, both stated that they can't fix it. One stated they have no way to remove the door panel. The other, a "vinyl auto repair" company, stated their fix would not hold up due to the location that needed to be fixed. So I call Kia USA back and let them know. They said they would call the dealer back and get back with me. They called today and stated there was nothing they could do. The dealer still thinks it is "wear and tear".

I am pretty pissed. I think they throw the "wear and tear" around whenever they want. If my engine fails, even though under warranty, could that be classified as "wear and tear"? Where does it end? I am not a happy Kia owner at this moment.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Your CAI and Catback Exhaust void the armrest warranty.