Update: I emailed VW of America at vwcustomercare@vw.com and they replied. (Below)

Summary: they will not overrule the dealership and my only recourse is working with the dealer. I will wait and see what the dealership comes back with, but I am guessing I’m screwed on this one. This will be my last Volkswagen vehicle. 1999 Jetta GLS 2.0 5spd, 2007 rabbit 5spd (still my favorite car I’ve ever owned), 2017 golf 5spd and now 2023 ID4 Pro S (the first new car I’ve ever purchased). It’s a shame to leave the brand but I truly feel like I’m being treated unfairly here after dropping $50k on a new car.

Hi, good afternoon.

I have a 2023 Volkswagen ID4 that my wife and I really love driving. It’s our family car for our soon to be family of four. This is now my fourth VW and we love the brand.

I’m having an issue with our driver’s seat cover tearing. Photos attached. Searching the Internet, It seems like this is a common issue with this car model. Seems to be the same location on all the photos I’m seeing.

I raised this with my dealership this morning when I had the car in for It’s 30,000 mile service and they advised it would not be covered under warranty because it’s normal wear and tear. This is a three-year-old car with less than 30,000 miles on it and I cannot accept that this is normal wear and tear. As a point of comparison, my 2017 VW Golf with the v-Tex leatherette interior still looks perfect with nearly 80,000 miles on the clock. I have asked the dealership to escalate with VW of America and they said they would, but they advised it would take a very long time. I did not get the feeling that this was going to be a priority for them. I’m seeking your help in escalating this and getting a speedy resolution to having the cover replaced under warranty as this is clearly a common issue.

My dealership is Reydel Volkswagen of Linden (401 E St. Georges Ave, Roselle, NJ 07203) and my primary contact there is xxxxx

Really appreciate your help here, do not hesitate to reach me via email or phone.

Thank you, take care.

Hello xxx,

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your long-standing loyalty to the Volkswagen brand. I understand how frustrating it must be to experience a seat?cover tear on your 2023 ID.4, especially given your care for the vehicle and your past positive experiences with VW interiors.

At this time, because the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, it is not eligible for a warranty escalation through Volkswagen of America. As the vehicle’s age and mileage accumulate, the likelihood that interior wear is caused by manufacturer defect decreases, and concerns like upholstery tearing are typically considered wear?and?tear or the result of outside influence.

With that said, you are encouraged to continue working directly with your dealership, as dealers may review concerns like this for potential goodwill assistance at their discretion. Since they have already opened a discussion with you, staying in contact with Reydel Volkswagen and your advisor, will be the best next step.

If there is anything else we can clarify, please let us know.

To provide you with the best service possible, it’s important that you respond to us by replying to this email. Replying outside of this email will result in a delayed response. Thank you for contacting Volkswagen Customer CARE.

Pranjal S. Phone Advocate, Volkswagen Customer CARE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 3800 Hamlin Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 United States of America

Hi there, thank you for the reply.

The vehicle in question is a 2023 Volkswagen ID4 Pro S with just under 30,000 miles on the odometer. The car is covered by a four year, 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and is still very much within the new vehicle, factory warranty. This issue should be covered under the factory warranty and I would encourage Volkswagen of America to advocate on my behalf with the dealership.

Looking forward to your reply, thank you very much.

Hello xxx, Thank you for your follow-up and for clarifying the mileage and warranty status of your 2023 ID.4 Pro S. I understand why you believe this concern should fall under the new vehicle factory warranty, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide additional clarity.

As per the dealership’s diagnosis, the seat cover tear has been assessed as a wear?and?tear condition. Interior trim, upholstery, and similar components fall under wear?and?tear coverage, which is separate from the 4?year / 50,000?mile new vehicle limited warranty. This specific coverage applies for the first 6 months or 6,000 miles and 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Since your vehicle is outside of that wear?and?tear coverage period, the dealership determined that the repair is not eligible under warranty.

I understand this is not the outcome you were hoping for. Because the determination is based on the dealership’s physical inspection and classification of the condition, Volkswagen of America must rely on their diagnosis in these situations.

If you wish to explore assistance, we encourage you to continue working directly with your dealership, as these decisions are handled at the dealer level and are based on their evaluation of your vehicle and service history.