Q: How can I care for and clean the leather on my seat?

The glazed leather cover should be occasionally sprayed thinly and evenly with a standard leather protector, in order to maintain its dirt and water resistance. Cover the metal parts of the seat first. Otherwise, wiping the seat cover with a soft, clean cloth regularly to get rid of dust is all that is required. Tough dirt and stains can be removed carefully with a detergent for delicates. Then dry the treated area with a soft, dry cloth and spray with a leather protector. These cleaning and care suggestions are not binding. Please always read the instructions on the cleaning or care product carefully. Before you use a product on the entire seat, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the cover. RECARO accepts no responsibility for these cleaning suggestions.

Q: How can I care for and clean the back shell?

The back shell should not be cleaned using a caustic cleaning product. Please test the cleaning product on a small/inconspicuous area first. These cleaning and care suggestions are not binding. Please always read the instructions on the cleaning or care product carefully. Before you use a product on the entire back shell, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the seat. RECARO accepts no responsibility for these cleaning suggestions.

Q: What does it cost to install a seat?

Installation costs depend on the vehicle and its equipment, as well as on the RECARO baseframe. Our RECARO partners would gladly create a custom offer for you.

Q: Where can I buy a RECARO seat?

RECARO has an extensive partner network. The RECARO website can show you authorized RECARO partners in your area.

Q: Where can I have the RECARO seats installed?

RECARO has an extensive dealer and service partner network. The RECARO website can show you authorized RECARO partners in your area.

Q: How can I care for and clean the leather on my seat?

The glazed leather cover should be occasionally sprayed thinly and evenly with a standard leather protector, in order to maintain its dirt and water resistance. Cover the metal parts of the seat first. Otherwise, wiping the seat cover with a soft, clean cloth regularly to get rid of dust is all that is required. Tough dirt and stains can be removed carefully with a detergent for delicates. Then dry the treated area with a soft, dry cloth and spray with a leather protector. These cleaning and care suggestions are not binding. Please always read the instructions on the cleaning or care product carefully. Before you use a product on the entire seat, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the cover. RECARO accepts no responsibility for these cleaning suggestions.

Q: Where can I find an ABE (general type approval in Germany) for the RECARO seat?

You can find all available ABEs for RECARO seats here.

Q: How can I tell that my seat is an Edition seat?

You can find an Edition tag with the seat’s number on the side of the backrest.

Q: Can I control the heater via the vehicle as well?

This depends on the vehicle. You should clarify the details with an authorized RECARO partner.

Q: Can I install a RECARO seat myself?

The seat must be installed professionally. Only trained specialists may perform work on seats with airbags. We therefore advise you to consult a workshop authorized by RECARO.

Q: How can I tell that my seat is an Edition seat?

You can find an Edition tag with the seat’s number on the side of the backrest.

Q: Where can I find an ABE (general type approval in Germany) for the RECARO seat?

You can find all available ABEs for RECARO seats here.

Q: How many Edition seats will be manufactured?

The seats are limited to 999 units.

Q: Where can I have the RECARO seats installed?

RECARO has an extensive dealer and service partner network. The RECARO website can show you authorized RECARO partners in your area.

Q: Can I install a RECARO seat myself?

The seat must be installed professionally. Only trained specialists may perform work on seats with airbags. We therefore advise you to consult a workshop authorized by RECARO.

Q: Where can I buy a RECARO seat?

RECARO has an extensive partner network. The RECARO website can show you authorized RECARO partners in your area.

Q: Can I control the heater via the vehicle as well?

This depends on the vehicle. You should clarify the details with an authorized RECARO partner.

Q: How can I care for and clean the back shell?

The back shell should not be cleaned using a caustic cleaning product. Please test the cleaning product on a small/inconspicuous area first. These cleaning and care suggestions are not binding. Please always read the instructions on the cleaning or care product carefully. Before you use a product on the entire back shell, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the seat. RECARO accepts no responsibility for these cleaning suggestions.

Q: When will the seats be delivered/launched on the market?

Seat production will begin on August 9, 2019. You can already place your order.

Q: Does Recaro have a factory outlet in Kirchheim?

RECARO has a showroom in Kirchheim/Teck where all seats, motorsports shells and commercial vehicle, are exhibited. You can have a consultation by arrangement. But you can also contact our Importer in your country. Details can be found on our Webiste under Dealersearch.

Q: Where do I find a RECARO dealer nearby?

Please contact our importer in your country. You can find more details by visiting the Dealer Search page of the RECARO website.

Q: Does RECARO also sell "factory seconds" seats, or seats with minor imperfections for less?

No. At RECARO, there is no such thing as "factory seconds". Our high standards of quality preclude such products.

Q: Where can I try sitting in a RECARO seat?

You can try out RECARO seats in our retail store in Kirchheim/Teck, or at any authorized RECARO dealer or service partner. Prior to visiting an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner, you should contact them to inquire whether they have the seat that interests you on hand for testing. You can find an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner in your area by visiting the Service page of the RECARO website.

Q: What is the difference between a RECARO dealer and a RECARO service partner?

RECARO dealers distribute RECARO seats and are often able to install them. A RECARO service partner can install seats and also do repairs. Normally RECARO service partners have a wider range of sample seats on site.

Q: Where can I have my RECARO seat repaired?

To have your seat repaired, please contact an authorized RECARO dealer in your country. You can find an authorized RECARO dealer by visiting the “Dealer Search” page on the RECARO website.

Q: What’s the best way to clean and take care of my RECARO seat?

Fabric

In general, the cover of your seat should be cleaned with a standard dry foam cleaner after it has been in use for some time. This cleaner will refresh the cover and restore the brightness of the colors. Please note, however: Always clean the entire seat cover and not just one section. In this way, you will avoid unsightly margins at the edges. Stains on your seat should be cleaned as soon as possible. The longer you wait to clean the stain, the harder it will be to remove. Avoid rubbing vigorously with watery solutions. This will roughen the cover material.

Stains such as blood or cola should be removed with the dry foam cleaner mentioned above or with a detergent for delicates. Please read the instructions for using the cleaning product carefully. After cleaning the cover with dry foam cleaner, it should be left to dry for at least 48 hours.

In most cases, greasy stains such as ink stains, lipstick, chewing gum, etc., cannot be removed with dry foam cleaners. Use a cleaning solvent for this purpose, e.g., petroleum ether. Only the surface of the stained area should be wiped clean gently with a clean cloth soaked in the cleaning solvent.

Please note: Use only a small amount of cleaning solvent. The cushion material must not be soaked with this solvent, as this could damage it.

Ambla leather

Ambla leather covers are particularly hard-wearing. However, it is best to clean the cover regularly with a gentle soap solution.

Smooth leather

The smooth leather cover should be occasionally sprayed thinly and evenly with a standard leather protector, in order to maintain its dirt and water resistance. Cover the metal parts of the seat first. Otherwise, wiping the seat cover with a soft, clean cloth regularly to get rid of dust is all that is required.

Tough dirt and stains can be removed carefully with a detergent for delicates. Then dry the treated area with a soft, dry cloth and use a leather protective spray.

These cleaning and care suggestions are not binding. Please read the instructions on the cleaning or care product carefully. Before you use a product on the entire seat, you should test the product on an inconspicuous area of the cover. RECARO accepts no responsibility for these cleaning suggestions.

Q: How can I become a dealer?

RECARO works with authorized service partners and dealers that install our products in addition to selling them. If you are interested in becoming a dealer, please email a message including your business registration and references (website, Facebook page, etc.) to info@recaro-automotive.com.

Q: What requirements must I meet to become a dealer?

RECARO dealers must perform a wide range of tasks. In addition to great familiarity with our products, the prerequisites include technical and electrical installation expertise as well as good connections with testing and approval organizations.

Q: Where do I find a RECARO dealer nearby?

Please contact our importer in your country. You can find more details by visiting the Dealer Search page of the RECARO website.

Q: Where can I try sitting in a RECARO seat?

You can try out RECARO seats in our retail store in Kirchheim/Teck, or at any authorized RECARO dealer or service partner. Prior to visiting an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner, you should contact them to inquire whether they have the seat that interests you on hand for testing. You can find an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner in your area by visiting the Service page of the RECARO website.

Q: Which seats fit into which cars?

RECARO offers seats for a wide range of cars. Please contact your Dealer or Service Partner for information.

Q: How long does the delivery of a seat take?

The delivery time depends on the type of seat you order. Standard versions are available in a short time from authorised RECARO dealers or service partners. Our orders can take 12 – 16 weeks, to be manufactured and arrive in AUS. You can find an authorised RECARO dealer or service partner in your country by visiting the Dealer Search page of the RECARO website.

Q: I have back problems. Which RECARO seat do you recommend?

All RECARO seats are ergonomic seats, suited for people with back problems. To find the perfect seat, we generally recommend that you try our range of seats at one of our RECARO dealers or service partners before purchasing.

Q: Where can I find an ABE for RECARO seat type XY?

All the latest versions of ABEs for RECARO seats can be found here.

Q: Is a "TÜV" approval necessary when installing a RECARO seat?

Installation of a RECARO seat does always have to be confirmed by a TÜV-member, according to German StVZO, § 19. This has to be confirmed by a separate document, which has to be carried in the car like the ABE. TÜV-registration is mandatory in case of imperative changes (i.e. modifications for disabled persons).

Q: Is it possible to upgrade the car XY with a RECARO seat?

RECARO offers seats for a wide range of cars. To find out which RECARO seat fits into your car, please check our baseframe list on the RECARO homepage under Downloads.

Q: Are RECARO seats available in the original seat cover material of my car?

All seat cover materials other than the ones mentioned in "RECARO seat cover" must be sourced by the customers themselves. In some countries, the original car seat covers may not be available. Please check with your authorized RECARO dealer.

Q: What is the lifetime of a RECARO seat?

RECARO stands for high quality. Depending on usage and care your RECARO seat is a long lasting quality product. Taxidriver Dieter Gutzlaff has his RECARO Idealseat in use for the last 40 years, having driven more than 2 million kilometres so far.

Q: The covers of my OEM seat are old and used. Are such covers still available?

Please contact your car dealer. OEM spare parts are only available through the dealer network of the car manufacturers.

Q: Is it possible to re-cover a RECARO seat?

It is possible to re-cover a RECARO seat. Please contact an authorized RECARO dealer in your country. He will re-cover your seat for you. Here you can find an authorized RECARO dealer.

Q: Does RECARO offer a seat with memory function?

No. Due to low demand RECARO does not offer a seat with memory function.

Q: On which type of RECARO seats can an armrest be fixed?

An armrest is not available for the automotive sector.

Q: Are RECARO seats height-adjustable?

Yes, but not all of the seats. The RECARO Ergomed E & ES and RECARO Style Topline XL are height-adjustable.

Q: Is it possible to use a RECARO seat after an accident?

For safety reasons RECARO does not recommend using a RECARO seat after an accident.

Q: Can RECARO racing seats with FIA homologation be used in road traffic?

No, RECARO racing seats with FIA homologation do not have a General Type Approval (ABE) and therefore cannot be used in road traffic. However, RECARO offers the racing seat Pole Position ABE, which is licensed for road use.

Q: Are RECARO racing seats also produced in Germany?

Yes, production of the racing seats takes place exclusively in Kirchheim/Teck.

Q: Does RECARO also sell "factory seconds" seats, or seats with minor imperfections for less?

No. At RECARO, there is no such thing as "factory seconds". Our high standards of quality preclude such products.

Q: Can you extend my FIA homologation?

Unfortunately, this is not possible due to the enormous amount of review work this would involve.

Q: What does it cost to install a seat?

The costs of installing a seat depend on the service partner and the vehicle and seat model. The installation costs are also made up of the hourly rates that are custom to the business and the locality in question. For more information on the costs please refer to your local authorized RECARO service partner.

Q: Where can I get an old ABE (general type approval in Germany) that is not listed on your homepage?

We can provide an old ABE only in some cases, because our digital archive goes back no further than the year 2000.

Q: Can you provide a confirmation for my vehicle that is not in the ABE?

Unfortunately, this is not permissible under the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations.

Q: Why don’t you offer a baseframe for my vehicle?

This is due to our available capacity to handle the numerous new models being launched on the market, as well as long approval processes in some cases.

Q: Why does it take so long to update an ABE?

Ensuring the highest possible level of product safety involves performing a lot of testing, evaluation and research work, as well as preparing many documents and expertises.

Q: Can you provide a confirmation for my custom-made baseframe with a RECARO seat?

Unfortunately, this is not possible due to reasons of product liability and is impermissible under the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations.

Q: Can I receive a test report?

Test results are confidential proprietary company information, and therefore cannot be shared.

Q: May I modify a baseframe by enlarging holes or cutting out metal, for example?

This is not possible due to reasons of product safety and approval regulations.

Q: What does it cost to install a seat?

The costs of installing a seat depend on the service partner and the vehicle and seat model. The installation costs are also made up of the hourly rates that are custom to the business and the locality in question. For more information on the costs please refer to your local authorized RECARO service partner.

Q: How long does it take to install a seat?

How long it takes to install a seat depends on the vehicle and seat model. Usually, it takes between 1 and 3 hours, and sometimes 4 hours in very difficult cases.

Q: Where can I get a seat installed?

We recommend getting your seat installed by one of our authorized RECARO service partners. You can find a local RECARO service partner near you here.

Q: Which accessories are needed to install a seat?

Installing a seat requires a vehicle-specific installation kit (baseframe). You can look up the baseframe required for your seat model and vehicle type here.

Q: Where can I find installation instructions for baseframe XY?

Installation instructions are included in the RECARO baseframe’s packaging. In the event that you require new copies, you can receive them from a RECARO dealer or service partner, or by contacting info(at)recaro-automotive.com. You can find a local RECARO service partner near you here.

Q: How is RECARO seat XY fitted?

A RECARO seat is fitted using a vehicle-specific RECARO baseframe.

Q: How do you connect a RECARO seat with electrical functions?

The seat must be installed professionally. The protection offered by the RECARO seat is diminished considerably when it is installed incorrectly. RECARO is not liable for any damage to the seat, other items, injuries, or anything related if the seat was not installed correctly by a professional using the installation instructions, or if it was used incorrectly. Please contact your dealer if you have any questions.

Q: Is the sitting height of a RECARO seat any different to the original seat installed in the car?

It may be, but it depends on the vehicle and seat model. For this reason, we recommend that you speak with an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner before buying a seat. They will be glad to help you with any model-specific questions. Any specifications of the vehicle manufacturer concerning the seat belts’ symmetry will be considered.

Q: Will I have to get any TÜV documentation for RECARO seats I install?

RECARO seats must always be inspected by certified technical experts after installation, in accordance with Section 19 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (concerning retrofitting). This is confirmed by an additional certificate, which should be kept in the vehicle like an operating license. TÜV documentation becomes necessary when other urgent modifications (e.g., adapting a car for the disabled) are undergone that require a new certificate.

Q: Is there a RECARO baseframe available for car XY?

You can find a RECARO baseframe that is suitable for your vehicle or seat type here.

Q: Can the RECARO seat heating be adjusted in different steps?

RECARO seats that include the climate package (RECARO Ergomed E/ES and Style Topline XL) are equipped with a one-level seat heater. The RECARO Sportster CS/Cross Sportster CS can be equipped with a two-level seat heater as an option. These turn on and off automatically after reaching or falling below certain set temperatures, so that the seat always provides the ideal climatic conditions.

Q: Can the RECARO seat be adjusted using the series switch?

It can when using the original seat runner, but this depends on the vehicle. Please contact an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner in this matter.

Q: Can a RECARO baseframe be retrofitted into a different vehicle?

No, this is not possible, since RECARO baseframes are constructed specifically for certain vehicle models.

Q: Can I exchange the original vehicle seat with a side airbag for a RECARO seat without SAB?

This depends on the vehicle in question. If it is possible, you will require an airbag disabling kit. You can retrieve information on the airbag disabling kits we have available by accessing our baseframe price list.

Q: Can RECARO seats be technically modified (e.g., by removing the belt slots’ vertical connections)?

Technical modifications to RECARO seats are not permitted, since the operating license would become invalid. For safety reasons, we would like to advise you to refrain from doing so. We will not be held responsible for any damage caused by modified seats.

Q: Are there any RECARO baseframes available that allow the driver to get seated outside the vehicle and then rotate into the driver’s position?

No, due to low demand, RECARO does not offer any installable baseframes with a rotation function. However, there are some RECARO service partners that have specialized in these kinds of modifications that may be able to help you. Contact our staff via info(at)recaro-automotive.com and ask for these service partners.

Q: Where can I order RECARO spare parts?

RECARO spare parts can be ordered through our authorized RECARO service partners or RECARO dealers. You can find an authorized RECARO service partner or dealer near you by accessing the Dealer Search.

Q: How long does it take for RECARO spare parts to arrive?

Usually, it takes 1–2 weeks. For covers, delivery can take about 3–4 weeks.

Q: Are there any spare parts available for old RECARO seats (>10 years)?

In most cases, RECARO is liable for providing spare parts for only 7 years. However, many spare parts for older models are available at your RECARO service partner.

Q: Where can I order spare parts for RECARO OEM seats?

You can order spare parts for RECARO OEM seats from your authorized car dealer.

Q: Are there any spare foams available for RECARO seats?

Spare foams are available only for RECARO aftermarket seats and can be purchased only from an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner. You can find an authorized RECARO dealer or service partner near you, using this link. Please contact your authorized car dealer to order new spare cushions for RECARO OEM seats.

Q: Can I obtain a component from a baseframe/adapter?

For reasons of product safety, we can offer these products only as a complete packaging unit.