Dangerous to install seat covers on my Kia Seltos: True or false?

Aftermarket shop owners are saying that they can do it without affecting the airbag sensor.

BHPian mayank612722 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am looking for airbag compliant seat covers for Kia Seltos HTK Plus Diesel IMT. Looked at many posts on the forum but this topic is vaguely covered which is why, I am unable to reach a conclusion. Would be great help if someone who has installed them on their car could point me in the correct direction.

Note:

Kia dealership advising against putting seat cover.

Aftermarket shop owners are saying that they can do it without affecting the airbag sensor but this post has me worried.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

In critical areas (airbags, brake modifications etc.), I don't trust the after-market at all. Avoid seat covers. There are some upholstery vendors who will change the seat fabric / leather, but avoid them as well if your car has seat airbags.

OEM seats are pretty good, be it cloth or leather. In the last 20 years, I haven't installed seat covers in any of my cars.

Here's what BHPian SS-Traveller had to say on the matter:

The short and sweet advice would be: DO NOT install ANY seat cover.

Airbag compliant seat covers are supposed to have specially treated (weak) stitching at the point where the airbag deploys, to enable the airbag to rip through the stitching when it explodes. However, you can never be sure whether the stitching will work as intended. The original seat stitching has been specially made and tested to rip off the stitching on airbag explosive deployment, but who can test & guarantee the quality of stitching in an after-market accessory seat cover?

Here's what BHPian nik0502 had to say on the matter:

Even I am looking for seat covers for my Ecosport Titanium AT, however as mentioned by SS - Traveller & GTO I am not comfortable with the aftermarket seat covers claiming to be airbags friendly( the ones where accessories shop claims the stitching is weak). I bought this variant specially for six airbags and I wouldn’t take that risk of using seat covers which would leave airbags useless. However there are another type of seat covers in which the sides of the seats are left open. I am thinking about installing them. You may look for the same.

Here's what BHPian Scarlet_Rider had to say on the matter:

Avoid if possible. The Nexa guys had offered me Suzuki approved seat covers as an optional accessory for my 2022 Baleno (Alpha). I had declined as I don't want to take any chances.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.