What year is your Element? The later model all cloth seats I have read will fit into the older elements that had that vinyl upholstery on the sides that always crack. I have even seen someone say they even put CRV seats in, supposedly they bolt right in, not sure myself as I have never seen this in person.

The newer element seats are all cloth so dont have the vinyl cracking problem but they are heavier as the newer models have the seatbelts built into them instead of being mounted on the rear door. I would think it would be better to conitinue to use the original door mounted seat belts instead of the seatbelt in the seat if you go this route. Not sure if a heavier seat would be a safety problem? But I do believe they have a stronger seat frame since there is a seat belt built into them and a side airbag as well. I wouldnt try to remove the side airbag as you dont want that to accidentally go off, that would be dangerous.

Probably the safest route to go is what most people do, just get a seat cover for your existing seats or have them reupholstered, perhaps someone else who has done this can chime in?

 

I am new to Elements, but I read somewhere that putting seat covers on a car with air bags in the seats is not a good idea.

 

I have had my drivers side seat reupholstered twice and steam cleaned over the years. 2005 is when they came out with side airbags. Why are you wanting to replace the entire seats?

 

Hmmm... My seats have a little tag on them that reads "Airbag." Makes me suspect my current seats are not the originals.

I was looking at some Wet Okole seat covers but seeing others post about reupholstery costing $250 or less has me reconsidering. On mine, it's just the driver seat that REALLY needs repair. The passenger side doesn't get much use and hasn't cracked... yet. I'd probably get them both done together, though.

 

Please let us know what year your element is and if it has the side airbags in the seats

 

I have a 2003 EX with 80K that had the usual cracked and splitting outboard driver's side seat cover. The upholstery guy at Mobil West in Portland, Oregon repaired it with exact matching material, which he backed up with additional heavy duty foam strips and vinyl backing. He says it should be good for another 20 years plus at least. It looks absolutely perfect and cost $230. Worth it to me. I can post pictures if people ask. Thanks. P

 

Opted for seat cover cushions only from Motor Trend that fit like a glove until I decide other options.

 

Can't get more perfect than this. Worth it, IMHO.

 

Can't get more perfect than this. Worth it, IMHO.
View attachment 207511 View attachment 207512

I know it's an older posting... but was trying to find a back, driver side seat cover JUST like the above picture, any suggestions? (I have 2005 Honda Element no side airbag... love my Element!)

 

Wow looks very much like OE factory, nice work

 

I am planning on doing some seat modification at my local reuphoster one day. He says he can build up the foam on the leg and body side bolsters for more support and to better fit my bodyshape. Can also add an inflatable lumbar support, might even add the heated option.

 

Def. build up the sides. My upholsterer said that the reason why they split is because the foam behind them is too soft and weak. It’s not the vinyl itself. I’m not sure what one seat is going to cost you with all those options, but your butt is in it the most! So prob. worth it. P

 

I have had my OEM drivers seat reupholstered twice over the last 8 years. I had them bulk up the foam underneath this last time. I really like the OEM look. I also had that front seat professionally steam cleaned for the first time about a year ago. I was amazed at all the dirt that came out!

 

please post pictures of the seat, if you have before and after photos that would be great too thanks

 

My car is in San Antonio right now getting performance upgrades while I am here in Houston. My seat looks almost identical to Westieterrier's seat pics above.

 

Did you raise the side bolsters at all and make them taller or thicker?

 

I had them bulk up the foam on the sides. At first they did too much and it was bulging and uncomfortable. I went back and we found the right balance.

 

I cant wait to see some pictures when you get back your element

 

Can I ask how much they charged for the work

 

I think it was about $150 cash to reupholster and add more foam.

 

wow thats a good price, much better than the pricing I am getting here

 

I read somewhere that putting seat covers on a car with air bags in the seats is not a good idea.

Speed Test​

 

I read somewhere that putting seat covers on a car with air bags in the seats is not a good idea.

I don't have a good knowledge of where the airbags are in my 2005 Element... will be checking with guy I take it to for the oil change (soon). After viewing what is out there in the way of replacement car seat covers, noticed you have to tell them model, year and whether they have air bags or not... (possible different type covers for air bags?)

 

It’s supposed to have an airbag tag.

 

We got custom seat covers they look and function great

 

 

I swapped in seats from an 08 civic si. 3 bolts line up perfectly. Haven't wired in the seat heaters or the side airbags but they do fit. Mine is an 05.