Skip advert
Advertisement

Watchdog: Owner rages over wear to artificial leather trim

Owner claims 2014 Mercedes’ leather shouldn’t be cracked, but maker won’t cover repair

Wear and tear items like clutches, interior trim and tyres are regularly a source of heated debate between owners and manufacturers when repairs are needed. Often a verdict from a dealer or independent inspector can resolve the issue, but a manufacturer may still dig its heels in.

That’s what Allan Christopher from Kittle, Swansea, found after nearly two years of owning his Mercedes ML350. He bought the SUV from Mercedes-Benz of Bedford in September 2014, but earlier this year, Allan found the condition of the driver’s seat had deteriorated significantly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Artico leather had started to crack, and he said it now looked as if the car had done far more than the 20,000 miles on the clock. "The seat shouldn’t be in such bad condition. I take good care of the car," Allan said.

He contacted his local dealer – Mercedes-Benz of Swansea – and set up an inspection. "The dealer told me the wear was excessive and said that it would get in touch with Mercedes and set up a warranty claim on the £402 repairs," Allan told us.

Knowing that independent inspections can often help to convince manufacturers, Allan also had his car inspected by local specialist Automotive Leather Interiors Ltd, which confirmed that his M-Class’s hide trim was faulty and in need of repairs, which he hoped Mercedes would cover.

But Allan said: "Mercedes refused to help. It told me the damage was from wear and tear." We called the maker to ask why it wouldn’t repair the seats after inspections by both a Mercedes dealer and an independent engineer. Its spokeswoman said the dealer had advised the condition of the leather "is not due to a manufacturing fault", adding: "We consider this specific case to be general wear and tear, as shown by the most apparent wear being on the driver’s seat."

Allan disagreed with Mercedes and is now considering taking legal action over the worn seats, using his independent report as evidence. He said: "Mercedes has only seen the seat in photos: those who see it in person agree there is a fault."

Allan added: "My dealer agreed to cover half of the repair costs, but I’m committed to recovering the rest from Mercedes."

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Black Editions: T-Cross and Tiguan get a stylish upgrade
Tiguan Black Edition
News
10 Dec 2024

Volkswagen Black Editions: T-Cross and Tiguan get a stylish upgrade

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV
Skoda Elroq
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
13 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024