I noticed my driver 's side outer portion [where you slide over getting out and end ] is staring to get small hairline cracks in the material 4 or 5 close together ,that brothers me it' a 04.5 and only 25,000 mi. I noticed months ago that the leather top layer looked paper thin .Service manual says no conditioner is needed . I told the service lady about it .Any one had a problem with there leather ?How's it going to make 50,000mi. ?

 

My 04.5 has about 18,000 miles but I get in/out probably 4-6 times every day (probably more than the average driver). I noticed the left side of the driver's seat is wearing more than the rest of the seating but I haven't studied it for cracks. I just considered it "normal wear" since the truck is higher than a normal car and that side of the seat will see more use/abuse.

For what it's worth, I've started using a cleaner and conditioner. Can't say whether or not it helps though.

 

not only is it a leather problem it is an common DODGE problem. The seats just are not designed very well. You will most likely be in the upholstry shop at least a couple times over the life of you rig.

 

Every leather seat I've ever seen from G.M to several imports(Jap) ALL DO THAT.Every one.Warned customers that replacing it that it would NOT match the other seats.(dye lots differant,cows differant etc)some insisted it be replaced.Most of not all were even less happy with the results.Its LEATHER.Its gonna get little lines in it.Just like a leather jacket or sofa etc.

 

This is exactly why I don't do leather anymore. I have had several cars with it. Cloth will look better over time and can easily be replaced for $$ less than leather. Only advice I could give you is to use conditioner and try not to slide across the seat when getting in or out. LOL... alot easier said than done.

 

Gotta remember that leather has character. Just like wrinkles in our skin. Moisturizers helps with the aging process.
It's a good idea to install steps on you truck to minimize the wear on the leather while sliding across the seat when entering and exiting the truck.

MikeyB

 

240k on my leather seats. Yes, they are just starting to wrinkle but I have been using a leather conditioner on them since new.

 

My truck has steps ,and it more than the wrinkles it is cracking open small so far ,you can see a lighter color in the cracks.It looks to be more of a thin vinyl at the wear spot than leather.Our 94' cherokee had leather it looked alot thicker after 135,000 no problem ,it was still nice!

 

I use leather conditioner on mine. When have we done what the manual says? LOL

what pocket is your wallet in?

I noticed in my car it was wearing more where my wallet was. Then looked in the 99 same spot. Now in the 04 I take my wallet out when I drive. I think, hope, it will help reduce the problem. No signs of wear yet.

 

You do know ONLY the CENTER of leather seats is LEATHER.Bolsters (side portions)are VINYL/PLEATHER unless some BIG change over the last few years.

 

Yea,that's it them darn bolster's ,I thought they looked cheap ,looks like the outer layer is seperating from the under layer too.

 

Also noticed most large folks(lots of US out there) took a toal on them.Its were your wallet area hits and slids in.But HEY look at the brite side.Even high end autos it wears the same way.What I find interesting is that DECADES ago worn LEATHER seat covers and lots of BRAKE dust was a status symbol.Only on HIGH end autos did this look and occur.This day and age folks try to prevent both items,LOL

 

I'm not thrilled. I want my stuff to look new long as possible.In service 1yr.10 mo.,25,622,miles .I'm 176 lbs.Not where billfold rubs.

 

Its leather.Bet it does the same on a Rolls.I know it does(or did) on Mercedes etc.

 

I have a early 03 build date 10/02 77000 miles on my leather seats looks almost like new. but I clean and condition once a week. thought the hole front was leather and back seats were vinyl