| cchu9988 |
Does anyone experiencing what I am going through?
My X's seat is hurting my back everyday. It goes in too deep so my back is arched unnaturally. Lower back support is pinching my lower back. It's lumbar support is not even giving me a proper support. It is just pushing my lower back uncomfortably. So I went out to see other Xs. They are all the same. So I know there are many people out there who feel the same pain I am suffering. Don't they make us crazy?
It just makes me having a bad day every day from the start. I don't have any back problem or anything. I used to have TL3.2 and it's seats were very comfortable. I don't know what happen to ACURA. How could they screw up big time with MDX like this? I should've kept my old car. The other day I drove RSX and found out that its seat was a lot better than my X. How can a car cost less than a half of MDX have better seating?
Man~ ACURA screwed MDX owners big time. I am asking every MDX owners to speak up and let ACURA know that they are responsible for our back pains.
I even went to custom upholstery shop to fix it, but availed me nothing. It's the whole design. Seems like there is no solution to this unless I replace it with after market seat. Even that might not a solution because of side air back is in the seat. I am afraid that if I replace the seat, it might screw up electrical system since I am not connecting the side air bag.
Any help or comment will be greatly appreciated. |
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| mdxxxx |
cchu9988,
Sorry to hear of your problem. I find the seats adequate. I've experienced better, however, I've experienced worse. For instance, My wifes car (MB C230) seats are one of the more unconfortable seats I've experienced.
How tall are you?
Plush sheepskin seat covers may help. Have you considered them? |
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| cchu9988 |
| Well, I've done everything you could imagine. |
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| Ms. Mdx |
| No such problems here. Plenty of adjustments available to get a comfortable driving position. My only complaint is that the headrest doesn't tilt. |
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| DaleB |
For at least half the MDX owners on here, seats are normally rated quite high in comfort.
But backs are funny things. I have a friend who is very sensitiive to seats in cars, and finds comfort in some of the most unlikely vehicles.
Having recently added sheepskins, I can say they do tend to change the support some, adding more comfort. That could be the ticket!
By the way, my friend is living in Oregon, but was orignally from Campbell...think it's the water ? :rolleyes:
Just kidding, back discomfort is no fun. |
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| R Stevens |
| I have a herniated disk in my lower back and the MDX seats are one of the most comfortable places for me. I can drive 3 to 4 hours nonstop with no back pain or discomfort. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
Does anyone experiencing what I am going through?
My X's seat is hurting my back everyday. It goes in too deep so my back is arched unnaturally. Lower back support is pinching my lower back. It's lumbar support is not even giving me a proper support. It is just pushing my lower back uncomfortably. So I went out to see other Xs. They are all the same. So I know there are many people out there who feel the same pain I am suffering. Don't they make us crazy?
It just makes me having a bad day every day from the start. I don't have any back problem or anything. I used to have TL3.2 and it's seats were very comfortable. I don't know what happen to ACURA. How could they screw up big time with MDX like this? I should've kept my old car. The other day I drove RSX and found out that its seat was a lot better than my X. How can a car cost less than a half of MDX have better seating?
Man~ ACURA screwed MDX owners big time. I am asking every MDX owners to speak up and let ACURA know that they are responsible for our back pains.
I even went to custom upholstery shop to fix it, but availed me nothing. It's the whole design. Seems like there is no solution to this unless I replace it with after market seat. Even that might not a solution because of side air back is in the seat. I am afraid that if I replace the seat, it might screw up electrical system since I am not connecting the side air bag.
Any help or comment will be greatly appreciated.
I found that the seats get even more comfortable as the leather breaks in. It almost starts to mold to you butt and get better. At first, I thought the same but over time I really do appreciate the comfort of the Acura seats. When compared to the mid size domestic they are much better, the only ones I feel are much better are the Lexus LX470, Yukon Denali, Cadallic Escalade, and the Lincoln Navagator. At this point your comparing mid-size to full size SUV's which isn't a fair comparison.
P.S. - Recaro makes some great seats as an option see below:
http://www.recaro.com/englisch/index_frames.html |
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| case1906 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
Does anyone experiencing what I am going through?
My X's seat is hurting my back everyday. It goes in too deep so my back is arched unnaturally. Lower back support is pinching my lower back. It's lumbar support is not even giving me a proper support. It is just pushing my lower back uncomfortably. So I went out to see other Xs. They are all the same. So I know there are many people out there who feel the same pain I am suffering.
Hope you find a solution, but I like my seats. |
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| torchny |
I find MDX's seats are very comfortable. My wife does complain a bit about no lumber support on passenger's seat but she is perfectly ok with driver's seat though.
torchny |
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| TYP |
After so many different kind of car I sit in.. I'd say the 92 Honda civic ex have the best seat for me..
The seats in MDX are very confy I had no problem drving to Vegas and back..
Only 2 things I thought of.. you can make the front of the seat higher, or get some pads of pillows.. stack them till u are happy with them..
Hope it works out for ya!
:1: |
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| JTM |
| NO problem with me. It is comfortable. I drove it 9 hours without any pain [as the longest record of the trip] |
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| BaldEagle |
I also find the seats very comfortable.
When the wife and I began our search for a new "upscale" vehicle about a year ago seat comfort was a big issue for us. By seat comfort I am including leg comfort, adequate head room, and passenger seat comfort. We tried many vehicles and the MDX was the best overall of all we tried. It was common for my head to hit the roof on many sedans (Lexus, Cadillac, T-Bird). All vehicles without a 6 or 8 way passenger seat were not comfortable to me (as a passenger). The absolute most uncomfortable for me in the drivers position (excluding those that had inadequate head room) was the CRV. My legs felt like they were in a sardine can and the seat was not comfortable. |
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| rvehock |
| The seats in my MDX are very comfortable (even on long trips). I also have a 2000 3.2 TL and the seats are also very comfortable. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
My X's seat is hurting my back everyday. It goes in too deep so my back is arched unnaturally. Lower back support is pinching my lower back. It's lumbar support is not even giving me a proper support... It just makes me having a bad day every day from the start. I don't have any back problem or anything. I used to have TL3.2 and it's seats were very comfortable. I don't know what happen to ACURA. How could they screw up big time with MDX like this? I should've kept my old car. The other day I drove RSX and found out that its seat was a lot better than my X. How can a car cost less than a half of MDX have better seating?
Man~ ACURA screwed MDX owners big time. I am asking every MDX owners to speak up and let ACURA know that they are responsible for our back pains.
I have an MDX and a TL-S! Frankly I do not feel any significant difference between the two vehicles. I have put our MDX on the road on at least 7 round-trips now of 8 hours+ duration onw-way with no problems at all. I have driven the MDX on several occasions for 10+ hours straight - I think the seats are fine. |
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| cchu9988 |
Am I the only one who has problem?
Hmm,.. Maybe my seat is a defect. I am going back to the dealer and check other Xs to see if that is the case. I will keep you updated guys.
Thanks to everyone who cares. You guys are great!!! |
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| hockeyplayer |
| cchu: I was noticing a pain in my back as well. I use the seat warmer on high and seems to do the trick for me. Back pains suck and I know where you are coming from. Good luck |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
Am I the only one who has problem?
Hmm,.. Maybe my seat is a defect. I am going back to the dealer and check other Xs to see if that is the case. I will keep you updated guys.
Thanks to everyone who cares. You guys are great!!!
Maybe you have a strange shape butt?? Just kidding! |
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| srpbep |
paul123 ... Did you crack a smile with that reply???
cchu9988 ... I am less than thrilled with the lumbar adjustment but I wouldn't rate the seat uncomfortable. I also would not rate the seat as great either ... Now Lexus, there you go for nice seats |
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| vicpai |
.......but jokes aside, I guess it really varies from person to person.
I have not owned an MDX, but in the 8 to 10 test drives I've had in '01, '02 and '03 (just 3 days back) models, I find that the DRIVER and 8-way (touring) passenger seats in the MDX are some of the MOST COMFORTABLE I've sat in. (some don't agree with me on this, so that's why I'm lead to believe that it may depend on the individual's build - FYI, I'm small framed, weigh 135lbs and am only 5'10" tall)
Have you tried playing with the power adjustments??
........Specifically, I'm referring to the SEAT-BOTTOM CUSHION. Personally, I find that if you raise the seat to it's highest position (of course, depending on your height - I'm just 5'10", so that's perfect for me) and then adjust the angle of the bottom cushion of the seat so that it slopes backwards (highest in front, lowest at the back), it gives real good support because a lot of weight is taken off your butt and re-distributed on your thighs reducing pressure on your tail-bone (spine) |
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| cchu9988 |
Please bear with me for a minute or two and allow me to explain.
I've opened the back cover of the seat and found the followings.
First, I found the so called orthopedically configured lumbar support which looks like cheap "plastic" imitation under the foam. And It is connected to a steel wire that would arch the supporting bars "unorthpedically" when you use the level on the side of the seat.
Second, the foams that cover these bars are some part too thick and some part too thin. They are uneven, and even remotely resemble human contour, not to metion, "support". So I had to scrape off bottom part of the back support and add more padding to middle upper part of of it to make it smoothe and make it to naturally curve to conform to human body.
Bottom line to these findings is that whoever designed or try to imitate, he failed misereably.
What I'm disappoined by this is that Acura did fabulous job producing superior SUV but failed to earn the true respect from owners like me because they cut the corners by putting cheap imitations like this on the most important part of the car.
Ironincally, RSX has very good seat that is true orthopedically designed. Do you guys know why RSX has the one that is better than MDX? What my guess is that Acura bought the design from 3rd party (I forgot the name of the company) who design car seat exclusively and put it in RSX. I know it because I saw that exact design from a upholstery shop who sells and installs those promium seats. Why then Acura couldn't do the same with MDX? That is biggest mistery, and that is what makes me mad.
That is my rant.
Thank you for your time. |
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| DaleB |
Although, overall I find the seats quite comfortable, even for extended trips, the lumbar adjustment is a joke.
I miss the air bladder I had on my old Taurus, it was effective and had a good range of adjustment. Sorry, Acura but even Ford did you one better, along with their auto emergency brake release. |
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| srpbep |
I agree with DaleB and then some. Please note that for once, I have tried to hold back on "slamming Acura" but they do beg for it sometimes:
Seat Lumbar: DaleB called it a "joke". Now that we are here, I don't even think it approaches that level of achievement. Comparing it to Ford is appropriate and observing that Ford could build one where Acura can not makes the point. Heck, lots of members say how "superior" Acura/Honda are. Well, wake up Acura, sometimes you really screw up [and big time]. The lumbar adjustment on the MDX is THE ABSOLUTE WORST I have ever had the displeasure to use [or really try to use]. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for this on a $40,000 vehicle. The best Honda adjustable lumbar support that I have experienced was on my 1990 Accord EX [it at least worked]. I really do hope that the POS design in the X is the result of "being cheap" because it is really sad if this is what the great engineers at Acura/Honda think is good. And what a great place to get cheap, the seat, because it is never used so who would notice?
Auto emergency brake release: Ford and GM both used this with no problems. Maybe Acura decided we need to exercise our left legs or maybe they just like seeing people burn up parking brakes. I know it is "not a problem" [guess that is why Acura did put a chime on the 03 MDXs to remind the driver to release the brake].
And since I am on a roll, if anyone wants to flame me today, please do so BUT start with answers to these:
How can a $40,000 vehicle with an "upgraded audio system" [big $$$$$] get such crummy reception. Heck, pitiful doesn't do it justice. At least it has a CD player/changer so you can get sound [other than static] out of the system.
Ahhhh yes, sound!!! If I was going to pay a significant amount of $$$ for the Touring Model [which I did], couldn't Acura have used $15.00 spearkers instead of $5.00 speakers. I know that would have cost them some $$ but at least I would have gotten something for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ they charged.
Everyone probably thinks I hate the X. I don't. It has the promise of being a great vehicle. But IMHO, Acura will NEVER PLAY IN THE BIG LEAGUES [e.g. with Lexus et al] because they simply don't get it. While I choked on the "near luxury label" in the beginning, I really do understand now how Acura has deserved this classification and continues to earn this. They simply do not know how to build a "well rounded product".
Can Acura build the NSX -- yes.
Can Honda build the S2000 -- yes.
Could Acura build a LS400 -- no way in hell.
Ok, everyone, blast away ..... |
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| cchu9988 |
srpbep,
I agree on Audio part enormously!!! Even if I crank up the volume all the way, I don't even get the half of power and feelings I used to get from my old TL. X's bose system is so whippy and sucks big time. What is wrong with you ACURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA???????????????????? How can you get worse than previous achivement? You better get it straighten up or lose many true fans like me.
I previously owned 1996 TL3.2. That is why I bought X expecting the same quality with more bucks. Boy, I was wrong. It is sad that Acura fail to live up to previous owners expectation. And, I am not a believer of after market 3 rd party crap. So I am sturck. |
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| DaleB |
In my assessment, if the MDX was not such a nice concept, and a good vehicle overall we would not be so critical.
Acura/Honda have revolutionized the automotive industry in many areas over the decades.
That's why we get so irritated when they leave things out, or when it's obvious they cut corners. We expect more of them for the very reason we know they are capable of it.
Damn, sounds like something I used to tell my kid. The 'realize your potential lecture'.....:rolleyes: |
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| srpbep |
DaleB,
Ohhhhhh so true ... the MDX is good but it could be great ... The MDX COULD be the true Luxury SUV market leader, could be the benchmark, could be ohhh so many things.
There has been discussion about Acura not being a profitable brand for Honda Corp. Well, the SUV market is supposed to be very profitable [even when vehicle mfgs provide rebates!!]. Hell, the market is on fire right now and Acura could be numero uno.
Acura was late to market with its own SUV. Lexus/Mercedes got there first. Sooo, Acura KNEW what it needed to beat. The design could have done it too [even leveraging Ody architecture/components]. But NOOOOOOOO, they ignored stuff that seems to mean a lot in the "high line category" [e.g. cabin noise level, interior trim quality, even screwed up something as basic as radio reception and decent sound, etc.].
Damnnnnn ... so close yet so far away ... maybe it is as simple as:
Acura has great creativity ... BUT ... NO COMMON SENSE |
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| frostyra |
DaleB:
1 - a few posts back in this thread, you mentioned the lumbar air bladder in your old Taurus; I have one in my '93 Explorer, and it was great for two years -- since then it leaks down within a couple of minutes. Overall, I prefer the X's system.
2 - in your last post just previous to this, you're starting to sound like me. You're not turning into a traflo, are you? That's even OLDER than a Super Senior Member!:5:
And srpbep: Ain't nothin' COMMON about COMMON SENSE -- it's rare these days! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by frostyra
DaleB:
1 - a few posts back in this thread, you mentioned the lumbar air bladder in your old Taurus; I have one in my '93 Explorer, and it was great for two years -- since then it leaks down within a couple of minutes. Overall, I prefer the X's system.
2 - in your last post just previous to this, you're starting to sound like me. You're not turning into a traflo, are you? That's even OLDER than a Super Senior Member!:5:
And srpbep: Ain't nothin' COMMON about COMMON SENSE -- it's rare these days!
I never had a problem with the air system (or the brake release). I had an 82 Celica that had a lever adjustment too, and from what I remember worked over a larger range than the Acura.
With regards to transforming into a traflo, the morphing process is still in it's early stages. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I find it interesting that radio reception has been mentioned here. I was wondering why all the static today while driving and also sound volume is very low. Heck,press the cd button and you have to wonder what happened to all that volume in the radio. I agree that the lumbar is definately a spot where improvement can and should be made for 03. I owned a 93 integra(miss that car) and the seats were the best I have ever owned. The lumbar was great and so was the adjustable side bolster. Don't get me wrong, I have found my happy driving position with my X and am comfortable. I am in the mindset that a vehicle should revolve around the driver. All controls should cater to him/her, not the passenger. It p*&%d me off when I found out that not only do I have to ff through radio presets and cd tracks but that they made the +/- buttons easier to access for the passenger. I now find myself "swatting" the hand of my wife cause she has controls at HER fingertips. Then again at least those buttons are lighted...unlike my steering wheel controls. Now that I got that off my chest. I do think the MDX is a really great vehicle. I spent alot of time researching and know this is the most for my money. ohhhhhhhhh the cup holders.... What dept. do I mail a plastic COKE bottle to so they can design a cup holder to fit rather than having to jam it in the holder and letting bottle "hover". 1000 miles on my X and I honestly can't think of a better vehicle for the money. Just those little things that YOU think they should have done but then realize that you are just one person in a sea of millions. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
Please bear with me for a minute or two and allow me to explain.
I've opened the back cover of the seat and found the followings.
First, I found the so called orthopedically configured lumbar support which looks like cheap "plastic" imitation under the foam. And It is connected to a steel wire that would arch the supporting bars "unorthpedically" when you use the level on the side of the seat.
Second, the foams that cover these bars are some part too thick and some part too thin. They are uneven, and even remotely resemble human contour, not to metion, "support". So I had to scrape off bottom part of the back support and add more padding to middle upper part of of it to make it smoothe and make it to naturally curve to conform to human body.
Bottom line to these findings is that whoever designed or try to imitate, he failed misereably.
What I'm disappoined by this is that Acura did fabulous job producing superior SUV but failed to earn the true respect from owners like me because they cut the corners by putting cheap imitations like this on the most important part of the car.
Ironincally, RSX has very good seat that is true orthopedically designed. Do you guys know why RSX has the one that is better than MDX? What my guess is that Acura bought the design from 3rd party (I forgot the name of the company) who design car seat exclusively and put it in RSX. I know it because I saw that exact design from a upholstery shop who sells and installs those promium seats. Why then Acura couldn't do the same with MDX? That is biggest mistery, and that is what makes me mad.
That is my rant.
Thank you for your time.
You're one of the very few ranting! I'm sorry you find the seats uncomfortable (and even sorrier you had to tear them apart to prove it:rolleyes: ), but the REAL bottom line is that the majority of people disagree! |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
Ok, everyone, blast away .....
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
... I am less than thrilled with the lumbar adjustment but I wouldn't rate the seat uncomfortable....
What does the radio have to do with seat comfort:confused: |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep Acura has great creativity ... BUT ... NO COMMON SENSE
The same could be said (lack of common sense) about some of the owners that constantly complain about the MDX on this site. If seat comfort, stereo, emergency brake, no HID, etc., etc., are that unsatisfactory for anyone why would you buy this car in the first place. It is hard for me to understand how someone could not do the research to find out about these personal shortcomings before making a $40000 purchase. Or why would someone continue to own a car if they were not happy with so many of its features?
Before we purchased the MDX we made sure that the seats were comfortable for us and tried out the stereo to make sure that it was satisfactory, as well as many other things we checked before making our buying decision. |
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| srpbep |
quote:
BaldBagle wrote:
The same could be said (lack of common sense) about some of the owners that constantly complain about the MDX on this site. If seat comfort, stereo, emergency brake, no HID, etc., etc., are that unsatisfactory for anyone first place. It is hard for me to understand how someone could not do the research to find out about these personal shortcomings before making a $40000 purchase. Or why would someone continue to own a car if they were not happy with so many of its features?
Interesting observation BaldEagle. Maybe YOU are thrilled with the MDX, think that it is THE BEST vehicle ever made, heck maybe perfect.
Some [definately me] think that it is a good vehicle, one capable of being great, but definately far from great because of some things that Acura has done, continues to do, and may do well into the future.
So, if you are labeling me as "lack of common sense" so be it (or pick other descriptives if you find this useful). One purpose of listing the "shortcomings, defects, problems, etc." is to provide other potential buyers with the information that they should have (I believe you suggested they should look). I don't think the local Acura dealer is going to tell them:
** The brakes thunk but all MDXs have this thunk.
** The Touring radio is expensive but reception sucks.
** The Touring sound system is expensive but has inexpensive speakers.
** The MDX gas tank design provides you with a sloshing sound and this was done at no extra charge.
** The MDX lumbar adjustment is possibly the worst Acura has ever built.
** The not inexpensive Nav system has a great feature, called breadcrumbs, but using it causes the Nav system to go bonkers.
** etc.
Soooo, this info just may help others in their "quest for information through research".
quote:
BaldBagle also wrote:
Very good news! (except for accessories, we can get from Tim anyhow)
Acura must be lurking here.
A second purpose of providing the list of "shortcomings, defects, problems, etc." is JUST IN CASE Acura is lurking as you yourself have suggested.
Hmmmmm ... if they (Acura) can read it, maybe they will get some or all of it ... |
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| paulp |
cchu,
I have a chronic back pain and would have a lower back pain anythime I sit in a chair/automotive seat that does fit me properly (I have no problem with the X's seat. I can drive it all day without feeling any pain.) At work, I have a special chair that is fully adjustable.
Your pain can be contributed by the chair that you sit on all day long at work (unless you are driving around all day.) I have found the back cushion called Back-Huggar that gives me the support that I need. This company has two basic models, one fits the chair and the other fits bucket seat in vehicles. I have been using them for several years and have been very satisfied. It is made of high density foam. It's high quality and holds up well.
Here is the website: http://www.bodyline.com/products/pr...2Back-Huggar%22
I suggest that you get both kinds. They are much cheaper than replacing the seat. Good luck!
Paul |
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| dl24600 |
| For me the seats do not have enough thigh support, something I noted when Acura sent me survey. I'm getting an 03 since my 01 was totaled. Does anyone know if the 03's seats were modified in any way. I'm 6'2" |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by dl24600
For me the seats do not have enough thigh support, something I noted when Acura sent me survey. I'm getting an 03 since my 01 was totaled. Does anyone know if the 03's seats were modified in any way. I'm 6'2"
Sorry to hear about your misfortune with your 2001. Hope you or anyone else was not hurt when your X was totaled. How about starting another thread telling us what happened.
The good news is that you will be getting the new 2003 with many new improvements. That should help you forget the bad experience with your 01.
With all that I have read have not heard any mention of the 2003 having any changes to the seat. I am also 6' 2" and find the seat very comfortable and thigh support is no problem. I guess every one is shaped different and what is great for some will not be for others. |
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| MDX88 |
| I find the seats comfortable for the most part. I wish, however, that the seat back on the touring seat was able to come to a more upright position. Is there a modification that can be done? |
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| DavidM |
| I also find the seats quite comfortable. I do wish, however, that the steering wheel would "telescope" outward, like the RL. I find that when I adjust the seat for my upper body, that I am too close to the pedals. I would love it if I could scoot the seat back to get my legs a bit more "stretched-out" and then bring the wheel back towards me.:rolleyes: |
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| srpbep |
| A telesoping steering wheel is probably coming some time in the future ... Honda has put them on a $20,000 2003 Accord ... sooooo, I suspect Acura will incorporate at some point |
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| microman |
I am also experiencing huge problems with the X seats. We picked up our X four days ago and my back is KILLING me. There are several areas of discontent with this seat that are collectively causing me back and leg pain. I will systematically outline what I have identified as the antagonists to my severe back pain:
1 - The seats are too dang hard: the padding should not have been made of material akin to folded rope of the type found on docks used to shore up ships.
2 - The too heavy bolstering bows your back unnaturally forward encouraging even good backs into a posture just aching for pain (pun intented).
3 - The lower part of the seat back hits you at the lower part of the lumbar area forcing my pelvis back. In my case this pinches some nerves that run down my butt continuing along the back of my leg ending somewhere in my calf. Even my skin and soft tissue in that region is sore to the touch.
4 - The dang lumbar support is a sick joke and as worthless as a strand of pasta.
5 - The seat bottom is too short for those of us needing more thigh support. Would another inch and a half of cushion been too much to consider for $40,000 ? Apparantly so!
6 - The power adjustments (except for the seat back) only move the seat bottom in token ranges. Our other car is an Explorer (never mind the jokes it has been great to us) and its seats adjust to the moon and back and that is a F O R D !!!! Do you understand what I trying to say Acura????? Sorry for being a little on the bitter side for $40,000.
I know this SUV is not supposed to be a car with car-like properties but really, it is not a Caterpiller either!!!!!!!!!!!! If I wanted John Deer I would have bought a tractor. If Volvo, Toyota and Ford can do it, Acura can, or should. For a luxury $40,000+ vehicle the seats should not be an embarrassment to Acura and Honda. I also did notice some potential problems when I did the demos and actually have spent a couple of hours in them before I ordered but there is a big diff between 20 minute rides or sitting on the lot, and then actually taking em out in the commute or longer treks.
I spent 1 1/2 yrs researching and waiting for this vehicle and I get back spasms, neck pain and headachs. Whats wrong with this picture?!
I realize that we are all built very differently and no one can confidently assure that everyone will be accomodated with one seat design or another, but the problems here are obvious and easily identifiable. I hope that Honda and Acura design teams will head our findings and make corrections to this fandamtastic SUV that will put it in the lead of SUVs rather than almost there. I love all that this vehicle was designed to do, it blows away my expections hugely in surprising postive ways. It is one absolutely beautiful piece of well oiled machinery (and computers) in all functional respects (so far) with the exception of the dismal seats. I am sooooooo dissappointed. My wife knows that bubble not only has popped but this pain is no joke and is causing continual pain and anxiety. I don't want to resort to selling my new car but unless I find a solution I may not have an alternative. I dont want to resort to that drastic measure either but......! There is nothing else out there like the X, and we all agree on that. ANY advice including those already posted will be take very seriously. This is no joke situation. Try putting yourselves into my (our) position... talk about dangling the carrot!
I feel like the carrot turned out to be broccoli. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I for one will jump on the back pain bandwagon. I have found that heat works when you first put on high but then even that doesn't help. I agree with the post saying that the seats seem to set you into an uncomfortable posture that leans you forward. I was wondering for all that were so quick to get excited about tilting headrests, how do you manage to even get your head close and still be in a comfortable position? I tried adjusting seat to a point where the headrests could be used but felt awkward. I am 5'11. I am curious what a long drive would feel like. |
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| cchu9988 |
For those who are fed up with the seat problem.
Do the following and see if it helps. It did for me.
1. Get a soft sheet of sponge or anything you can think of to make your back comfortable. It should be less than 2" thick, probably about 10"X15" big enough to cover the sorry ass lumbar support.
2. Open the back cover on the seat. Remember to open from the bottom of it first. Otherwise you will break the arm attached to the cover on the top. You will need to buy one of plastic piece that will break off from the cover. It cost $3 from Acura dealer.
3. Slide the sheet of sponge you prepared in between the plastic lumbar support bars and the foam behind the seat. If it is too tight, unhook the springs that are holding the foam to the steel bars.
4. Test the comfort as you work your way through.
5. Adjust the thickness and the size of the sponge as you wish.
6. You should test drive until you are absolutely sure it is comfortable. Then put the cover back on.
That is it. I hope it will help you guys out.
Thanks. |
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| microman |
| Good for you cchu9988, that's a pretty aggressive approach. Hope it works for you. Were you able to escape the wiring for the heat and other sensors? I also considered doing the same and if I end up doing it do you mind if I email you to get more info on do's and don'ts? Did the addition of a thin layer of foam add more bulk to the seat? Did you attempt to remove any of the existing rope, oops, I mean foam? Not only did they position the foam in the worst possible contours but it is hard as a rock. |
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| microman |
I am also experiencing huge problems with X seats. We picked up our X fourd days ago and my back is KILLING me. There are several areas of discontent with thes seat that are cooectively causing back and leg pain.
I am very sorry to hear that you have the sleepless nights because of it. You are going through the same thing that I had been going through. Could you put this in the forum so that everyone knows what we have to go through?
Long story short, first I went to a upholstery shop and paid $200 for fixing the seat. It only helped me for couple weeks. I had to take out what they put in because that didn't work either. So I decided to try things for myself. Not long after, I put a plastic board cut out of orthopedic back supporter that I bought for $70 on the internet. That didn't work either after couple of weeks. It sucked after all your work and money, it didn't pay off.
So far I have not found the perfect solution yet; however, I mitigated the problem by openning the back cover of the seat and putting couple of sheet of foam in between the original foam and the lumbar support bars. Because the lumbar support is pinching your lower back, I had to put something soft in between. That worked out for me so far. It is not as good as I am comfortable with, but it is a lot better than before.
When you open the back cover of the seat, open the bottom part first. Otherwise, you will break the plastic holdings on the top behind the cover. You will be better off breaking the little plastic on the bottom. When you need to put the cover back on and need the little white piece to fasten the cover, you should go to the Acura dealer. They sell it for $3 or so. I hope that will help you out a little.
I am still looking for the perfect solution to my problem, so I will let you know when I have a better idea. Let me know how it goes. |
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| cchu9988 |
Microman,
I am very sorry to hear that you have the sleepless nights because of it. You are going through the same thing that I had been going through. Could you put this in the forum so that everyone knows what we have to go through?
Long story short, first I went to a upholstery shop and paid $200 for fixing the seat. It only helped me for couple weeks. I had to take out what they put in because that didn't work either. So I decided to try things for myself. Not long after, I put a plastic board cut out of orthopedic back supporter that I bought for $70 on the internet. That didn't work either after couple of weeks. It sucked after all your work and money, it didn't pay off.
So far I have not found the perfect solution yet; however, I mitigated the problem by openning the back cover of the seat and putting couple of sheet of foam in between the original foam and the lumbar support bars. Because the lumbar support is pinching your lower back, I had to put something soft in between. That worked out for me so far. It is not as good as I am comfortable with, but it is a lot better than before.
When you open the back cover of the seat, open the bottom part first. Otherwise, you will break the plastic holdings on the top behind the cover. You will be better off breaking the little plastic on the bottom. When you need to put the cover back on and need the little white piece to fasten the cover, you should go to the Acura dealer. They sell it for $3 or so. I hope that will help you out a little.
I am still looking for the perfect solution to my problem, so I will let you know when I have a better idea. Let me know how it goes. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| Man, I got to say that Microman and cchu988 are definately on the same wavelength. I wonder if the same upholstery shop made $400.00.:) Honestly though, I have lower back pain as well and have found that an upright position is the most comfortable for me. Oh and crank the heat. |
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| microman |
| Hiya Hockeyplayer man. Somewhere else I posted that I cranked the heat, raised the seat back and it did help. But still the basic design of the seat bows your back into your chest and this reverse flex just kills me. But your suggestion does have merit and I appreciate it. The Tempur-PEDIC pillow helps huge amounts too. Wish I could stuff this thing into the seat and rip out the stuffing. |
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| srpbep |
The solutions are interesting but we should not lose focus of the fact that the seats could use improvement. Hopefully, Honda/Acura folks visit once in a while.
IMHO, NEEDING to use the seat heater indicates that there is a need for re-engineering of the seat. |
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| pmspwrdmdx |
I find the seats extremely comfortable. It took a while to get the right position, but after rotating the seat bottom just a bit, it is totally comfortable. I could drive for hours in it.
Maybe it's certain people who are really tall or something that the seat is uncomfortable for. |
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| cchu9988 |
| You don't understand. Microman will delete his soon. He put that on my behalf, but he forgot to mention it. |
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| cchu9988 |
Hey pmspwrdmdx,
You've got to be kidding. You might have unusually shaped posture, or lucky enough to be born as "quasi modo geniti infantes" that you feel comfortable with the seat mainly designed for Quasimodo and the likes.
But please make no mistake to acknowledge that it is the poorest design ever made by any car makers.
You probably don't realize that it is destroying your back slowly. That is what happened to most of us who suffer back problem, and that is why we are keener about this kind of things. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
But please make no mistake to acknowledge that it is the poorest design ever made by any car makers.
You probably don't realize that it is destroying your back slowly. That is what happened to most of us who suffer back problem, and that is why we are keener about this kind of things.
Are they the poorest design ever made just because you say so? I happen to like the seats and have had my butt/back in them for a long time now!
The polls indicate that 60% of MDX owners say the seats are Very Good to Excellent and another 27% say they are OK with them. Only 13% indicate they need significant improvement and ZERO percent rate the seats terrible!! So better than 87% rate the seats OK or better and 100% disagree with your accessment that they are the "poorest design ever"
Have you voted? http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...=&threadid=8229 |
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| microman |
Yeeoww msu79 -
Hold on there man. Include me in that poorest seat design ever catagory will ya. My back is killin me:( Maybe it's Recaro time! |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by microman
Yeeoww msu79 -
Hold on there man. Include me in that poorest seat design ever catagory will ya. My back is killin me:( Maybe it's Recaro time!
Those who find the MDX seats uncomfortable are in the minority; those who say they are the "worst" are in a tiny minority! Those are the facts.
So what's the point? The MDX is NOT for everyone. No car can be manufactured to fit the needs/wants/desires of everyone. I can sympathize with those who do not like the seats, but I can also disagree with those who say the seats are poorly designed. Just because someone does not like something or just because something does not fit everyone does not make it a bad product. |
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| cchu9988 |
Microman and seat enthusiasts,
I've check out one of the Recaro dealer in my area and found out that the price of seat is negotiable. He quoted me for $1,150 each for Recaro Style with leather cover, electrical control, and seat heater. I sat on it and it was just super comfortable. It even has thigh extention just like the seat in BMW M3.
However, he is not sure that Recaro has mount for MDX but he will let me know. I am planning on getting one for driver seat and passenger seat later if I have to. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
Those who find the MDX seats uncomfortable are in the minority; those who say they are the "worst" are in a tiny minority! Those are the facts.
So what's the point? The MDX is NOT for everyone. No car can be manufactured to fit the needs/wants/desires of everyone. I can sympathize with those who do not like the seats, but I can also disagree with those who say the seats are poorly designed. Just because someone does not like something or just because something does not fit everyone does not make it a bad product.
:werd:
We can sympathize with those who find the seats uncomfortable and point you to solutions others have used to improve their comfort (foam inserts, sheepskins, sheep vests, etc) but like msu79gt82 says, condemning the Acura seats as the worst ever designed is quite the overstatement IMO. For *you*, perhaps, but certainly not for most.
Finding and sharing the solution for your specific situation (and those who share it) would be more productive than hyperbole. |
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| pmspwrdmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by cchu9988
Hey pmspwrdmdx,
You've got to be kidding. You might have unusually shaped posture, or lucky enough to be born as "quasi modo geniti infantes" that you feel comfortable with the seat mainly designed for Quasimodo and the likes.
But please make no mistake to acknowledge that it is the poorest design ever made by any car makers.
You probably don't realize that it is destroying your back slowly. That is what happened to most of us who suffer back problem, and that is why we are keener about this kind of things.
Nope not kidding. I love the seats, they are very comfortable in my opinion. As for all the other people who have replied saying that they think the seats are comfortable, why did you call me out and say that the only way I could be comfortable is if I have"unusually shaped posture" or "Quasimodo". :rolleyes: Geez... People have their opinions. Maybe it's the fact that YOU "suffer back problems" that makes it uncomfortable for you. Maybe you shouldn't have an MDX. You obviously don't have any loyalty for Acura at all anyway. Sell it, buy a Ford, and stop complaining. |
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| texrb |
We have a split decision in my house....I love the MDX seats - I have a bad back & I can drive for hours with no problems. My wife hates them.
On the other hand, I can't get comfortable in the RX seats & my wife loves those!
Like Worm said...............it's all personal preference :4: |
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| paul123 |
| Depends on the size of your BUTT |
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| srpbep |
quote:
pmspwrdmdx wrote:
... You obviously don't have any loyalty for Acura at all anyway...
Wow, I am confused. There is a discussion about Acura seats and, no surprise to me, varying opinions:
** Some like
** Some tolerate (I'm in this group)
** Some dislike
In the middle of this emerges a new variable = "customer's loyalty for Acura".
OK, soap box time:
** I think that the MDX is good but it is irritating. The irritation is that it could be much better (maybe great) if Acura cared enough to do this.
** There are common PROBLEMS with the MDX (e.g. gas tank, brakes, bad radio reception, .... , leaking spare tire hangers). These are problems that Acura could fix but DOES NOT (simply calls them features).
** I think that Acura service is probably OK BUT only when compared to the likes of Chrysler and Chevy and Ford. When compared to the likes of Lexus, well there simply isn't a basis for comparison (yes, I know, this is MY opinion).
OK ... soap box issue is LOYALTY. Let's see, there are two types that I see quickly:
Brand loyalty -- Consumer's loyalty to a brand.
Customer loyalty -- Manufacturer's/Retailer's loyalty to its customers.
Now for the roll:
BRAND LOYALTY: pmspwrdmdx has observed that cchu9988 has no loyalty for Acura (I don't know, but certainly possible). What I do know is that I do not have any loyalty for Acura and why the h*ll should I? I PAID THEM $40,000. What do I owe them? The list is long so I just picked a couple:
** Because I get to drive a cheap Chevy when the MDX is in the shop?
** Because the MDX only broke down once in the 1st 3 months and we spent the exciting day at Acura dealership 100+ miles from home.
** Because the MDX has only spent 3+ weeks in the shop in its first 10 months, 8,000 miles?
** Because the radio reception sucks?
** Because the brakes make a horrible thunk?
** Because I had Navi problems for 9 months before Acura decided to fix it?
** Because the MDX is sooo very quiet inside?
** Because the gas tank slosh is a feature not offered by Mercedes, BMW, etc.
** etc.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY: I do know some current/former TL/CL owners who have developed loyalty for brands other than Acura. I also know some former SLX owners who have loyalty AGAINST Acura. I have yet to sense any loyalty to me, the Acura/MDX customer. If I find it, then maybe I'll develop "loyalty for Acura".
Hope I didn't bore anyone. To me, Brand Loyalty needs to be earned. To me, a good/great product, good/great customer service, a willingness to correct warranty/design problems are needed before I develop Brand Loyalty.
Sooooo ... maybe, someday, I will be loyal to Acura. But the current "owership experience" simply isn't going to make that happen.
end of soapbox ... sorry to those MDX owners who absolutely love their MDXs ... sorry to those who believe that Acura walks on water ... sorry to those of you who are loyal to Acura |
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| gordonweb |
| My back feels fine in the driver seat. Could use more lumbar support. But sometimes under my leg just before my knee gets tired like it is being pinched along the front edge of the seat. Maybe my leg is not heavy enough to mold the seat to the contour or my leg. |
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| pmspwrdmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
Wow, I am confused. There is a discussion about Acura seats and, no surprise to me, varying opinions:
** Some like
** Some tolerate (I'm in this group)
** Some dislike
In the middle of this emerges a new variable = "customer's loyalty for Acura".
OK, soap box time:
** I think that the MDX is good but it is irritating. The irritation is that it could be much better (maybe great) if Acura cared enough to do this.
** There are common PROBLEMS with the MDX (e.g. gas tank, brakes, bad radio reception, .... , leaking spare tire hangers). These are problems that Acura could fix but DOES NOT (simply calls them features).
** I think that Acura service is probably OK BUT only when compared to the likes of Chrysler and Chevy and Ford. When compared to the likes of Lexus, well there simply isn't a basis for comparison (yes, I know, this is MY opinion).
OK ... soap box issue is LOYALTY. Let's see, there are two types that I see quickly:
Brand loyalty -- Consumer's loyalty to a brand.
Customer loyalty -- Manufacturer's/Retailer's loyalty to its customers.
Now for the roll:
BRAND LOYALTY: pmspwrdmdx has observed that cchu9988 has no loyalty for Acura (I don't know, but certainly possible). What I do know is that I do not have any loyalty for Acura and why the h*ll should I? I PAID THEM $40,000. What do I owe them? The list is long so I just picked a couple:
** Because I get to drive a cheap Chevy when the MDX is in the shop?
** Because the MDX only broke down once in the 1st 3 months and we spent the exciting day at Acura dealership 100+ miles from home.
** Because the MDX has only spent 3+ weeks in the shop in its first 10 months, 8,000 miles?
** Because the radio reception sucks?
** Because the brakes make a horrible thunk?
** Because I had Navi problems for 9 months before Acura decided to fix it?
** Because the MDX is sooo very quiet inside?
** Because the gas tank slosh is a feature not offered by Mercedes, BMW, etc.
** etc.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY: I do know some current/former TL/CL owners who have developed loyalty for brands other than Acura. I also know some former SLX owners who have loyalty AGAINST Acura. I have yet to sense any loyalty to me, the Acura/MDX customer. If I find it, then maybe I'll develop "loyalty for Acura".
Hope I didn't bore anyone. To me, Brand Loyalty needs to be earned. To me, a good/great product, good/great customer service, a willingness to correct warranty/design problems are needed before I develop Brand Loyalty.
Sooooo ... maybe, someday, I will be loyal to Acura. But the current "owership experience" simply isn't going to make that happen.
end of soapbox ... sorry to those MDX owners who absolutely love their MDXs ... sorry to those who believe that Acura walks on water ... sorry to those of you who are loyal to Acura
Geez you sure do have a lot of time of your hands to go to so much trouble to disagree. All I'm saying, is if you hate your MDX so much, SELL IT. I was just stating that you people who are so quick to judge Acura's quality stating things like "worst seat ever created by any car maker" are obviously not loyal to the brand so you should have no trouble cutting your losses and buying your American piece of ****.
You have obviously had many problems with your MDX and your dealership and I am sorry for that. But I don't have that many problems with mine, and when I take my car in, they give me any rental car I want. Maybe that's because my dealership cares about it's customers, I don't know. The ride is quiet, my nav works fine, no fuel slosh, radio works fine. I have had some problems concerning sway bars and breaks, but my dealership is doing their best to take care of my problems.
If you are feeling so ripped off on the money you spent, why don't you spend your time griping to Acura, sending letters, etc, instead of telling other owners who might or might not be happy with their cars, that Acura doesn't deserve our loyalty. Well I've been a Honda owner since I started driving, and I will continue to be one. I think that my money was well spent. I think the MDX is a great car, and I think Acura did an outstanding job with it. Brand loyalty in my case has been earned. THAT IS MY OPINION. Argue with it all you want. |
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| srpbep |
quote:
pmspwrdmdx wrote:
Geez you sure do have a lot of time of your hands to go to so much trouble to disagree. All I'm saying, is if you hate your MDX so much, SELL IT. I was just stating that you people who are so quick to judge Acura's quality stating things like "worst seat ever created by any car maker" are obviously not loyal to the brand so you should have no trouble cutting your losses and buying your American piece of ****.
You have obviously had many problems with your MDX and your dealership and I am sorry for that. But I don't have that many problems with mine, and when I take my car in, they give me any rental car I want. Maybe that's because my dealership cares about it's customers, I don't know. The ride is quiet, my nav works fine, no fuel slosh, radio works fine. I have had some problems concerning sway bars and breaks, but my dealership is doing their best to take care of my problems.
If you are feeling so ripped off on the money you spent, why don't you spend your time griping to Acura, sending letters, etc, instead of telling other owners who might or might not be happy with their cars, that Acura doesn't deserve our loyalty. Well I've been a Honda owner since I started driving, and I will continue to be one. I think that my money was well spent. I think the MDX is a great car, and I think Acura did an outstanding job with it. Brand loyalty in my case has been earned. THAT IS MY OPINION. Argue with it all you want.
Wow ... lets see ... where do I start:
** Why is my time of interest to you?
** I have never said that I "hate your MDX so much", please do not put words in my mouth. In fact, if you look at my post which you quoted, you will note that I DID WRITE "I think that the MDX is good but it is irritating. The irritation is that it could be much better (maybe great) if Acura cared enough to do this.". You are the one who insists on "hate", not me.
** You attribute the statement "worst seat ever created by any car maker" to "people like me". Once again, if you read my post which you quoted, you will find that I used no such language, rather I wrote the following regarding the seat "Some tolerate (I'm in this group)". Additionally, if you read the whole thread, you might have noted that I stated "... I am less than thrilled with the lumbar adjustment but I wouldn't rate the seat uncomfortable. I also would not rate the seat as great either ... Now Lexus, there you go for nice seats".
** You then wrote the following and directed it at me "If you are feeling so ripped off on the money you spent". I don't think that you will actually find such a quote from me anywhere on this site. Don't you think you are exagerating this just a tad? Are you having a bad day? Possibly a pms kind of day?
** You finally write regarding yourself that "Brand loyalty in my case has been earned. THAT IS MY OPINION. Argue with it all you want." Well, surprise, surprise, I will not argue with that because you are entitled to your opinion. What I don't understand is why I should be denied my opinion. Is it because you disagree with my opinion? Is it because your opinion is the "right opinion"?
** As to posting my opinions on this web site, are you suggesting that I not do so? If that is where you are headed, I sincerely suggest that you send an email to admin and make your case. I am sure that admin will admonish and/or ban me if admin finds the content inappropriate.
Anyway ... for the record ... I voluntarily and readily admit that I do not have any brand loyalty to Acura, nor do I see this as a probable occurence in the forseeable future based on the MDX ownership experience. In fact, the other half and I were just discussing this morning whether the next vehicle (the one that replaces the MDX sometime in the future) would be a Lexus RX, a BMW convertible or ????. This was simply a conversation, we have no immediate plan to replace the MDX. BUT, it was an interesting conversation.
pmspwrdmdx ... enjoy ... I really am glad you love your MDX and love Acura as well ... sorry some of us (at least me) don't share your love of either ... love my family = yes, love my MDX = no, love Acura = absolutely not. |
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