Uncomfortable Seats In Es300h

[Sara1207]

I have had my 2015 Lexus only a little over two weeks. In that time, I have developed back problems due to the fact that I find both the driver's and the passenger's seats to be quite uncomfortable after about 30 minutes. Has anyone else had this problem? I certainly didn't have it with my previous Lexus and never anticipated it with this one either. Any suggestions on what I can do, short of trading in a new car?

[pj8708]

Hi Sarah and welcome.

Seat adjustment is truly a matter of taste. Over the years members have commented on just about any seat position you could possibly imagine. All of them said either it was heaven while the other half thought it was the worst pain ever.You didn't mention what your previous Lexus model and year were. Lexus has definitely made changes in the seat padding, covering materials and the number of seat positions available to be set by the owner for the best comfort.

I have a 2013 ES 350, and a 2013 RX 350. Both cars come with the 10 plus seating options and should be in your owner's manual.

The tiny holes in the seat covering are for sending cool air through them or warm air. There for, if you place a cushion on the seat it will stop this function. For my wife and I, the Lumbar support adjusting button makes a world of difference. (in some model years, the passenger seat did not have the Lumbar feature.) Owners of the 2013 and 2014 ES models complained about the ride and road noise. Lexus had changed the configuration of those system, thinking customers would like a sporty, firm ride. Wrong! You can buy new seats, but that would not help since they would be the same as yours now.

Paul

[Sara1207]

Thank you for your response, Paul. But it is not the back of the seat that is the problem. It is the bottom of the seat. I feel like I am sitting on steel, but my husband doesn't seem to have a problem with it. I can last about an hour in the car. By then, the pain is radiating upwards to my back. I have tried every position possible with the seats, with the help of a service technician at Lexus. He provided me with a possible explanation- he said that many car companies are making their seats firmer and more sporty. My old Lexus was, believe it or not, a 2003 ES and the seats were positively cushy. When I bought the car, I did test drive it, notice the firmer bottom seat, but I was not in the car long enough for it to become painful. Other than the seats, I LOVE my new car, but may have to trade it. Dilemma is, for what? It has been suggested (by the technician) that we drive the RX because, in his opinion, it has the most comfortable seats. I guess that will be my next step.

[pj8708]

Thank you for your response, Paul. But it is not the back of the seat that is the problem. It is the bottom of the seat. I feel like I am sitting on steel, but my husband doesn't seem to have a problem with it. I can last about an hour in the car. By then, the pain is radiating upwards to my back. I have tried every position possible with the seats, with the help of a service technician at Lexus. He provided me with a possible explanation- he said that many car companies are making their seats firmer and more sporty. My old Lexus was, believe it or not, a 2003 ES and the seats were positively cushy. When I bought the car, I did test drive it, notice the firmer bottom seat, but I was not in the car long enough for it to become painful. Other than the seats, I LOVE my new car, but may have to trade it. Dilemma is, for what? It has been suggested (by the technician) that we drive the RX because, in his opinion, it has the most comfortable seats. I guess that will be my next step.

Nothings ever easy lol. Our 2013 RX has the most uncomfortable seats for me. They seem stiff, do not flex when going over bumps, and the back of the seat is also too stiff. Our 2013 ES has great seats. They stay comfortable no matter how far you drive.

At this point, I would find out if an older model seat might be more comfortable and would it fit in your front seat mount. You can go online and find several recycle yards, ( scrap yard) and after market products that might work. A good place to start is Ebay.

[pj8708]

One more option would be to use an upholstery shop. They could remove the seats and take off the leather and NuLux coverings, and re- pad the seat frame and springs with more comfortable padding.

Or, a auto detail shop might be able to do the same thing.

Just some ideas.

Paul

[Sara1207]

Lexus has told me that would void the warranty and this is a new car.

[pj8708]

Hi Sara,

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm out of ideas. Hopefully other members will chime in with a workable suggestion. Keep us informed of what your able to do.

Paul

[VBdenny]

Most interesting. When we had our LS400 I thought the seats were hard and flat yet my wife absolutely loved them. This may sound terrible but the most comfortable seats I have in any vehicle is those in my 1997 Chevy Silverado as they are a softer fabric and heaven on my back. My IS is comfortable enough but not exactly what I would consider great for long distance travel. The ES is okay and never bothered me but my wife hated the ES seats. Go figure.

As Paul so accurately pointed out, seats are really a matter of personal taste. Almost much more so than any other feature on a vehicle. If you like the seats, you like the ride.

And welcome Sara, to our new friend from the Great White North (like those McKensey brothers).

Denny

[Sara1207]

Thank you, Paul and Denny, for your encouraging words. I went out today and bought several different cushions to see if putting a cushion on the seat would help me. I know that will interfere with the ventilation though, so even if one of the cushions helps, it is not the ideal solution (but a $20 cushion beats taking a loss on trading a brand-new car that I do love in every other respect!)