Automotive Seat Testing
A vehicle’s seating system is perhaps the most important component in an automobile because of its constant use by the occupants and its role in the overall crash protection provided by the occupants. In order to evaluate vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). All vehicles sold in the US must meet all applicable FMVSS's. Relative to seats, there are numerous tests required to demonstrate federal compliance. In addition, European test standards, though often slightly different, often utilize the same equipment as FMVSS evaluation. Government compliance seat tests include (and are conducted by MGA):
FMVSS 201-Head Restraint Impact
FMVSS 202-Head Restraint Strength
FMVSS 207-Seating Systems
FMVSS 208-Occupant Crash Protection
FMVSS 210-Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
FMVSS 213-Child Restraint Systems
FMVSS 222-School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection
FMVSS 225-Child Restraint
ECE-17-Head Restraint Strength
ECE-17/25-Head Restraint Impact

Beyond safety-related testing, automobile manufacturers have their own standards to which all seats must comply as well. The majority of these tests are related to durability, reliability, and functionality. They are designed to evaluate issues such as occupant comfort, noise, airbag performance, extreme temperature exposure, and lifetime cycling of moveable parts (tracks, recliners, latches, etc.). There are hundreds of these OEM-required or “Due-Care” requirements for seats. Some of the most common include:

Vibration/Noise Evaluation Occupant Ingress/Egress using Robot Jounce and Squirm
MGA-Michigan’s test facilities are A2LA-accredited and offer complete seat testing capabilities from head impact to vibration. MGA’s staff is very familiar with both government and OEM test procedures, and is dedicated to providing quality testing and reliable service to customers.