Bubble in headrest, Tesla might be caused by interior cleaner/conditioner

[Huskyfan]

Had a bubble form in my headrest. Mobile service replaced the headrest. The technician said it was replaced under “goodwill” but it might be caused by using a leather cleaner/conditioner. He said any type of propellant type spray on the seats could damage them, causing the fake leather to pull away from the under backing. I assured him only thing I’ve used is Griott’s leather conditioner and wipes. He said even that might cause damage to the fake leather. He asked me if anyone might use hair gels or hair spray, which could also potentially damage the fake leather. I assured him no one in my house uses that stuff.

Anyone have previous incidents of damage to fake leather due to cleaning with armor all or other type of products?

I checked owners manual. Here is what is says:
“Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on interior components can cause damage.”

Now I’m going to have to be much more careful on what I clean the seats with.

 

[JoshFalken]

No problems here but I only use a microfiber towel with warm water and occasionally a baby wipe.

 

[Huskyfan]

Gonna have to start using only warm water.

 

[Gasaraki]

You never said what you cleaned your headrest with...

 

[brkaus]

Lots of threads here on the topic.

 

[MP3Mike]

You never said what you cleaned your headrest with...

Sure they did:

I assured him only thing I’ve used is Griott’s leather conditioner and wipes.

 

[Gasaraki]

Sure they did:

Yeah... sure. I believe that. We all put leather conditioner on a small spot in the middle of the headrest like that. Look like a burn mark to me.

 

[quikshifter]

I had this and never washed the headrest.... they replaced it but not under goodwill.

 

[pnwadventures]

TL;DR I’ve only ever had problems with fake leather: cracking, wearing away, discoloring, etc. In general, it’s junk, like fake wood.

However, real leather is unsustainable at the level it’s demanded. I would love to see “fake leather” be retired in favor of recycled nylon or other reclaimed materials which sacrifice the appearance of being leather in exchange for increased durability and lower carbon footprint.

 

[ODWms]

This is how mine looked. Tesla ended up replacing it, saying it was a one time ‘goodwill’ service.

https://imgur.com/a/B1WDVvc

 

[Candleflame]

nothing to do with cleaner. multiple reports of this happening to a few users.
it must be a reaction to a chemical inside hairgel, hairwash, showergel etc.

TL;DR I’ve only ever had problems with fake leather: cracking, wearing away, discoloring, etc. In general, it’s junk, like fake wood.

However, real leather is unsustainable at the level it’s demanded. I would love to see “fake leather” be retired in favor of recycled nylon or other reclaimed materials which sacrifice the appearance of being leather in exchange for increased durability and lower carbon footprint.

from what i heard leather is sustainable as the demand for meat for outweights the demand for leather so a lot of hide never actually gets processed into leather...

 

[fajitamondays]

The lower outer bolster on my seat did the same thing. No cleaners, body oils, or hair products involved. In the attached picture, it looks more like wrinkles, but they started as bubbling/delamination of the faux leather.

Renton Service Center basically told me to pound sand because I'm not within the first six months of ownership, but I could pay for a replacement of the lower seat cover unit if I wanted it fixed.

 

[talkingevs]

Mine is flaking, not bubbling. SC will not replace under goodwill. So I've just dealt with it. Never had this happen with any other car with fake or real leather seats. Don't use any cleaning wipes and use no hair gels or sprays.

 

[shadow21]

The lower outer bolster on my seat did the same thing. No cleaners, body oils, or hair products involved. In the attached picture, it looks more like wrinkles, but they started as bubbling/delamination of the faux leather.
View attachment 682306
Renton Service Center basically told me to pound sand because I'm not within the first six months of ownership, but I could pay for a replacement of the lower seat cover unit if I wanted it fixed.

How much did they quote you for replacing the lower seat cover?

 

[fajitamondays]

How much did they quote you for replacing the lower seat cover?

All in, $590.41.

 

[TLLMRRJ]

Surprised the vendors haven't come out with a low-cost cover to go over the headrest that can be easily discarded and replaced when it wears out. The fake leather is pretty cheap, so they should be able to make a nice fitted cover with the same stitching that blends in for a small fraction of a replacement headrest.

 

[Candleflame]

Surprised the vendors haven't come out with a low-cost cover to go over the headrest that can be easily discarded and replaced when it wears out. The fake leather is pretty cheap, so they should be able to make a nice fitted cover with the same stitching that blends in for a small fraction of a replacement headrest.

i dont think this is a common issue really. Only a few forum posts here. Makes me almost think its a manufacturing defect where the protective coating hasnt been properly applied. the head covers from aliexpress actually fit really well and look almost original but cant be purchased seperately.

I think the best way to deal with it is to ceramic coat a replacement if you dont like seat covers. can be done quickly as a DIY job and should last 1-3 years.

 

[longhorn8847]

Do you also have a problem with youe M3? I thought I saw your post re 'fake' leather issue with MY forum.....

 

[Candleflame]

Do you also have a problem with youe M3? I thought I saw your post re 'fake' leather issue with MY forum.....

me? no - i have used seat protectors from day 1. I don't even know what my seats look like lol. Probably should take them off and have a look how the leather is holding up after a couple of years lol.

 

[Webeevdrivers]

So armorall type products are a no go?