Hi,


I purchased a 2013 S hatchback about two months ago. After about 20 minutes in the driver's seat, my left leg experiences discomfort which seems to be caused by the left seat wing jamming into my thigh. I am not a big guy nor am I overweight. It's possible that I may just have a thigh configuration that hits the wing in the wrong place. The seats are the standard leatherette ones that come with the car.


I have tried various seat cushions and padding. I even got a car seat upholsterer to monkey with the padding but to no avail.


I really like the car but I hate to think that my trips will be limited to less than 30 minutes.


Does anyone have any ideas about curing this problem?

 

two thoughts

I had a similar problem with a new car but stuck it out a bit longer and between the seat softening from use and my body adjusting, the problem just went away. Sort of like breaking in a new set of shoes. (my new ride had Recaros up front)

OR

replace your seat - get a Cobra or a Recaro ... but it won't be cheap. Or you could try a MINI sport seat like for the S . . . different shape... easier to mount

 

I'm 6'4", 240 pounds and had trouble getting comfortable. I have the seat all the way back and reclined slightly with the front of the seat bottom cushion jacked up all the way for thigh support. I have the wheel telescoped so I can move in and out of the car without jamming my knees into the steering wheel. Took a couple of weeks to adapt the car to me and me to it, but now It's a very comfortable ride for me.

 

The seats seem to be designed with a particularly crappy seat bottom angle. Try removing the two front seat mounting bolts (just loosen the rear bolts a little too), and then put stacks of flat washers on the bolts, between the seat rails and the floor. You should be able to get stacks up to 1/2" tall on there with plenty of thread left on the bolts to get them secured properly.

It worked for me. Just a little adjustment like that can make a big difference.

 

Try different seat height adjustments!

 

Take your wallet out of your back pocket.
I had the same problem, putting my wallet in the center tray whilst driving fixed everything.

Dave

 

Thank you. All are good suggestions.


I've been driving the car for two months.


I presently have the seat fully elevated (I have longish legs and a shortish torso.) Lowering the seat would not work.


I don't keep anything in my back pockets.


What I really need is a solution that would keep the bolsters (seat wings) from jamming into my thighs...especially on turns.


Thanks again.


Fred

 

Have you tried a truckers gel pad cushion? Wide enough to bridge the seat width. Worked for me and once my back calmed down I am comfortable with the standard seat for the past year.

 

I spoke with the dealer. It looks like the package I bought included the "sports seat" as opposed to the "standard" seat. I had no idea that I was buying the sports seat. The dealer suggested that I come down and test drive a car with the standard seat to see if it makes a difference. I'll do that and see what happens.

 

I am sure you can find someone to swap seats for you, ie your sport for their standard seats. Post it as a Want to Trade WTT on the Marketplace and be sure and let people know your location. Also, be sure to specify if yours are leather, color etc. I fact I would be interested if you live in the Mid west. I have the standard seats in faux black leather.

Good luck

 

Sigh....

 

^This.. I had the SAME issue.. its no longer an issue at 9,000 miles.. and frankly, I think it was just the first 1K that I had an issue with. Either I adjusted the seat to where I wanted it or it got broken in.. or I got broken in.. lol.

Love my Recaros.

 

Have you tried just sliding your butt from side to side to be sure you are centered in the "sports seat"? I find that centering myself makes a great improvement in the seat feel.

 

yes in my Focus ST

yes in my 79 Mini with Cobra Classic seats

 

I've been experiencing the same problem in my '13 JCW. I keep shifting around to find a comfortable spot with no success. I got the car in July last year. My '05 MCS was fine, but this one has bothered me from day one. The seats in my wife's '07 MCS are fine.

 

You all REALLY need to try the washers... 1/2" makes a huge difference...