I've read that there is actually a TSB on the 2009 seats for water stains.

I'm looking for a 2009, and have to trust the pictures I see on the dealer sites, but this one in particular looks horrible for the water stained seats

Linky

Has anyone actually taken theirs in for this TSB? What is the actual fix? New seats?

I would assume it would have to be under the 3/36 warranty for Ford to fix for free, obviously...

Thanks!

 

Here are the details of the TSB, and it looks like it's a common problem, and Ford won't replace the covers out of warranty...

TSB 09-23-3 CLOTH SEAT STAINS WITH WHITE RING OUTLINE -BUILT ON OR BEFORE 5/14/2009 -(EXCLUDES XLS)

FORD: 2008-2009 Escape Hybrid, Escape

ISSUE: Some 2008-2009 Escape and Escape Hybrid vehicles (excludes Mariner) equipped with Cloth seats (excludes XLS) and built on or before 5/14/2009, may exhibit stains with a white ring outline around them. An updated seat cover is now available to reduce this specific type of staining.

ACTION: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition SERVICE PROCEDURE Inspect the seat cover stain for a white ring outline. If the white ring stain is present, then replace the seat cover with latest level part. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-10 Seating Disassembly and Assembly. NOTE: ONLY APPLIES TO STAINS WITH WHITE RING OUTLINE. REFER TO WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL FOR ANY OTHER TYPE OF SEAT COVER STAINS.

 

31,280 miles so still under factory warranty. Wonder why they don't replace the seats under the TSB?

They look like crap on an otherwise good looking vehicle (minus the cargo stain).



Granted I don't have cloth interior, but I have more miles and as-is (w/o cleaning), mine's a whole lot nicer lookin' than that one.

 

My neighbor has a 2010 Taurus with cloth seats and they get the stains from water also. It looks terrible yet there isn't a TSB covering the Taurus.

 

I think I'd check into new leather covers. I bet you'd get it back in resale value.