Originally Posted by
PoliceStateSurvivor
One has nothing to do with the other. Seat controls are made by a different company than the rest of the aircraft.
I know because I happen to work for a company that makes seat controls, so I know what I am talking about.
As to why they are often broken, the answer is probably poor maintenance by the airline.
Second on the lack of maintenance. With airlines cutting corners something has to give.
What one has to be concerned about is the maintenance on the rest of the airplane. Are they cutting corners there too?