Uncomfortable Seats
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: California
Uncomfortable Seats
We just bought an RX350--I've been driving it for less than a week and have severe lower back pain. I'm not heavy set, exercise regularly and have a strong back and core. Did not have back pain prior to driving my new Lexus. This is my first Lexus and the only car that has ever given me back pain. I know it's the car because that's the only thing that's different in my daily routine. I'm going to try the towel idea, but makes me wonder why I bought the lexus if I was going to use a "seat cushion"--may as well have bought the BMW X3 with the stiff seats (because that's the only reason I opted for the RX350 over the BMW--cushy seats!). My Mom has been driving a Lexus for over 20 years and has had ongoing, severe back pain--I'm now wondering if her Lexus is contributing to it!
I just got the car and now cannot wait until the lease is up
Hoping Lexus looks into the issue with the seats.
I just got the car and now cannot wait until the lease is up
Hoping Lexus looks into the issue with the seats.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 345
From: Ontario, Canada
We just bought an RX350--I've been driving it for less than a week and have severe lower back pain. I'm not heavy set, exercise regularly and have a strong back and core. Did not have back pain prior to driving my new Lexus. This is my first Lexus and the only car that has ever given me back pain. I know it's the car because that's the only thing that's different in my daily routine. I'm going to try the towel idea, but makes me wonder why I bought the lexus if I was going to use a "seat cushion"--may as well have bought the BMW X3 with the stiff seats (because that's the only reason I opted for the RX350 over the BMW--cushy seats!). My Mom has been driving a Lexus for over 20 years and has had ongoing, severe back pain--I'm now wondering if her Lexus is contributing to it!
I just got the car and now cannot wait until the lease is up
Hoping Lexus looks into the issue with the seats.
I just got the car and now cannot wait until the lease is up
Hoping Lexus looks into the issue with the seats.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: California
Now that I've successfully fought off the urge for a sarcastic response...Yes, I do know that the seats are adjustable and have lumbar support. Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, none of that is helping. I'm hoping in time, my back will adjust??? But I've owned many cars over the years (Nissan, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Subaru) and never experienced back pain from any of the seats.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 345
From: Ontario, Canada
Now that I've successfully fought off the urge for a sarcastic response...Yes, I do know that the seats are adjustable and have lumbar support. Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, none of that is helping. I'm hoping in time, my back will adjust??? But I've owned many cars over the years (Nissan, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Subaru) and never experienced back pain from any of the seats.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 581
From: New York
My wife, who has had a lifetime of spinal issues and I find the seats in our 2017 RX350 extremely comfortable. Not sure what kind of "issue" you want Lexus to look into. Obviously everyone's back is different. Too bad you didn't take a longer test drive before you bought, but then you probably didn't expect seat problems.
Trending Topics
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 900
From: Midwest
I would keep playing with every seat adjustment you can until you get it right. I had the same issue with my GS. Took me over a year to finally get it right, but now that I have, it's one of the comfiest seats I've ever experienced.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 6
From: UK
I have a F sport and also found the seats uncomfortable to start. Looking around other forums it does seem to be a common issue raised. I have adjusted mine to sit a little more upright than i used to in my Audi and Merc, and give it some time to get used to it.
I have got used to it, but i would say there are definitely more comfortable seats out there.
I have got used to it, but i would say there are definitely more comfortable seats out there.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
My wife and I have had 6 RXs between us over the last 12 years. All of them have been comfortable. I am very sensitive to seat comfort and have given up on vehicles where at the end of a 1 mile test drive, my back hurts. The worst problem I had was in switching from a 1996 Explorer with cloth seats to a 2001 Explorer with leather seats. The seats were so bad, I looked into trading in the SUV within a few months of getting it but was only offered 1/2 of what I paid for it, so I looked for other solutions. I tried a rolled up towel on the back of the seat, that didn't work for me. Finally my wife gave me a seat pad from a beach chair. It was thick enough and had straps to go around the seat to hold it in place. It made the car acceptable to drive until we bought a 2008 RX400H. Had only Lexus SUVs since then. The seat pad made the car look ugly but it worked. It is possible to find a solution without buying a new car and losing a lot of money.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: nj
I also have a new RX, 450HL. I thought It’s because I was just coming off a Volvo XC, but my wife also confirms it’s not as comfortable as her BMW. Unfortunately, I also think the second row captain’s seats are even worst, especially when it’s reclined. I want to like this car, but I keep finding things that are just becoming unacceptable.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: OR
I think this post warrants a fair response. The lumbar adjustment is fixed in a stationary position, if you opt for the luxury package you get 4 way lumbar adjustment, (up and down). What I have found in the RX that's helped my back pain, is to raise the front portion of the seat cushion, find the position that you like, then raise the front cushion a bit, see if that helps.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 552
Likes: 195
From: NC/SC
My wife, who has scoliosis, loves her seats in the RX. I cannot stand them. Could probably get them to be comfortable if I kept fooling with them but as seldom as I’m in her ride, it’s just not worth it to me. I much prefer the seats in my Mustang!
