8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$140
Average Mileage:
9,550 miles
Total Complaints:
83 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (39 reports)
  2. the seats need to be replaced!!!!! (34 reports)
  3. offer replacements for poorly designed headrests (all seats) (4 reports)
  4. traded the car in (3 reports)
  5. purchase an aftermarket backrest (1 reports)
  6. replace with a 2005 headrest (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #43

Aug 172011

Accord SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110 miles

Wow.. I was so happy to get out of the 2008 Honda with the oil use and bad rear brakes that I got right into a 2011 SE and never noticed how bad the seats are... Wow ... I know the dealers answer already ... There's nothing we can do... SHAME ON ME.... My mistake,,, no more Honda's for me.

- wadestull, Union City, PA, US

problem #42

Aug 132011

Accord EX 2.4L V4

  • Manual transmission
  • 119 miles

I was extremely happy to purchase my new 2011 Honda Accord EX. Especially since I prefer MANUAL transmission sedans. There are very few manufacturers making these anymore especially in other than base models. I test drove my car 3 separate times, once taking it out for 20 minutes. I thought I got everything I wanted for a great price and was excited about my new car. On my first long trip (2 hours round trip) to my parents house, I noticed the seats felt hard and my back was fatigued after the hour long trip to get there. After arriving home, I realized my back was again very fatigued and my neck was aching. My wife and I both realized this could be a problem with this car.

On my first search to find replacement headrests for this car, I found this site. BOY, I wish I had found this site last week! I've only had the car for about 5 days and I'm considering taking it back. It only has 240 miles on it so far.

I'm both excited and disappointed to find that many others are complaining about the same problem on the 2011 Honda Accord. I really hope there is a resolution to this soon because I can't see myself driving this car for 150,000 miles with this issue.

- shauncw09, Landsdale, PA, US

problem #41

Oct 282010

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

After much deliberation.....leased a 2011 Accord....with the thought of buying it out at the end of the lease and keeping for a very long time. Within the first week I called and asked Honda if I could return it and pay some type of penalty. Of course....NO.

The seat is so uncomfortable I rent a vehicle when I want to take any length of road trip. I can't believe this level of comfort/discomfort suits most people. When anyone asks how I like my new Honda......I say I hate it....but thanks for asking.

- huson, Topeka, KS, US

problem #40

May 312011

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles

I've driven and owned cars since 1989. By far this car has the most uncomfortable front seats I've ever sat on and is causing lower back problems. I called the internet manager which I was dealing with and he said to do sit ups. I've gone to enough forums to know that many people are complaining about these seats.

- Gabriel S., Azusa, CA, US

problem #39

May 312011

Accord LX-P 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80 miles

The front seats in my 2011 Honda Accord LX-P give me leg cramps and lower back pain. The seat bottom is very hard and unforgiving, and the lumbar support is too pronounced.

I test drove the car for 15-20 mins. and did not notice this. I was more focused on power, handling, visibility, etc. The last thing I was thinking about was seat comfort. But I sure noticed it on my 30+ min. commute to work the first time.

I've tried numerous seat adjustments and seat cushions to no avail. I'm 6'2" 170 lbs. so I don't consider myself an abnormally sized person. I actually considered trading in the car after a few weeks for a substantial loss.

My only saving grace is that my petite (5'2") wife seems to have no complaints with the front seats. So instead of the car being my daily driver it's now hers. I really hope Honda does something to address these uncomfortable front seats.

- Scott B., Highlands Ranch, CO, US

problem #38

Aug 032011

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles

The day after purchasing what I thought was a wonderful, comfortable, reliable car--PAIN!

Lower back, hip, leg, and foot.

The dealership said the seat would "break in" and I would get used to it. Hard plastic on the inside of the seat doesn't break in, and the entire design of the seat just doesn't work for me.

Removing the lumbar support and creative use of pillows and towels seem to be helping. I seriously considered trying to trade it and lose a lot of money. Hopefully, I will not have to do this. Today, the biggest problem is the tingling right foot--creative use of cruise control helps.

- Rodney C., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #37

Jun 182011

Accord EX-L I-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 949 miles

Bought a 2011 Accord. Test drive didn't show any problems with seating. Drove the car to LAX and back to San Diego twice that week. Severe back pain. Dealer didn't want to take the car back. Service department at the dealership told me they had never heard of this problem before.

Contacted service people at Honda Corporate on the 19 of June. No one ever followed up about the problem.

Wrote a letter to a CEO of the company Mr. Iwamura. Had case number assigned to me. Honda promised a 48-hour response from the corporate.

The result of my journey with the first honda in my life is the following: a) lost sales tax, b) SEVERE back pain; 3) loss of the value of the car during tread in.

This was the shortest car ownership in my life - lasted 6 days. I had to sell it at a loss to get something different.

Word of caution to those over 5.9'. Test drive for a prolonged period of time. If any signs of discomfort - go away from the Honda lot or you will be in the same situation as I am.

- kon, Vista, CA, US

problem #36

Apr 252011

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 700 miles

Terrible Driver seat. Worst Back Pain Ever!!! Just Called Honda to file a complaint 800-999-1009.

- adnor j., The Woodlands, TX, US

problem #35

Jun 112011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

I find the drivers seat to be fine for my short commute to work, but for any long trips it becomes unbearably uncomfortable and I have to stop every 1-2 hours to stretch out my back. I made every possible adjustment to the seat with no improvement. I called my Honda dealership and they said there's no solution; they won't change out the seat for anything more comfortable because it will void the warranty and make it more dangerous to drive (there are airbags in the seat itself). They can't even put a cushion over the seat because then the seat's airbags cannot properly deploy in a crash. Unfortunately there seems to be no solution. I will use a different car for long trips from now on. Despite the fact that it runs perfectly, I do not think I will ever purchase a Honda again because of this problem.

- lc176, Durham, NC, US

problem #34

May 182011

Accord EX-L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,435 miles

Seats seem much harder than need be. If we realized how hard they are we might have bought a Camry instead of the Accord. All things considered it is going to be difficult to take road trips with such hard seats.

- Joe H., Seattle, WA, US

problem #33

Apr 272011

Accord EXL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles

Bought a new 2011 Honda Accord. I commute 3 hrs. a day. First time I drove it the seat was so hard I developed a serious pain in my buttocks. I've own the car for only 3 weeks and the pain has increased to such an extent I can barely tolerate sitting in my car the pain is excruciating. Not only do I feel pain when I'm in the car, but it's become a problem when I'm not in the car. I have never experienced this kind of pain with a car seat in my life. It is a serious problem. So much so that I can not longer keep the car. I've been exploring other solutions, but I'm learning that this is not an easy problem to fix. Honda needs to take notice and consider this as a serious health problem. My 2004 Honda seats were so comfortable. I would not recommend the Honda Accord until they fix seat problem.

- Amy C., Saint Helena, CA, US

problem #32

May 012011

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Just bought this Accord EX-L. The short time test driving did not notice the uncomfortable seat. I thought after driving the 2000 Chrysler LHS for 10 years, I was spoiled by its nice soft seat and ride. Have this Accord for a couple of weeks, and could not seem to find the right seat adjustment. My behind is sore after each commute trip of about an hour. The front of the seat cannot be tilted down enough to release the pressure on my back. Wonder if Honda is going to do anything about this!!

- Norbert E., Dracut, MA, US

problem #31

May 062011

Accord EX 190hp 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125 miles

I have have previously purchased (2) Toyota Camry's & (1) Avalon. I had also owned a 1990 Accord. After trying to decide between a 2011 Camry or the 2011 Accord I chose the Accord because of what appeared to be a much better "fit & finish" than the Camry.I have always held both Honda and Toyota in high esteem, The 2011 Accord is an exceptionally well manufactured car with the exception of the front driver and passenger seats. The seats are so stiff and uncomfortable they make it impossible to drive this car for any length of time. I had planned on keeping this car for many years but I may not be able to unless Honda offers some type of help. I ask you Honda to please do the noble thing and offer replacement seats or some other resolution.Again this is a good looking great running vehicle but the seats render it almost useless. I am positive a repair by Honda would cost far less than the lost sales generated by negative word of mouth.

- Charles S., Cantonment, FL, US

problem #30

Apr 302011

Accord LX-S 2.4L I-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 275 miles

Have just purchased an '11 Accord coupe and took my first road trip with the vehicle. Was very disappointed with the level of discomfort during the three hour drive due to the seat. I keep reading other comments regarding the lower lumbar supports but in my case this is not the issue as my back was fine. Basically the damn seat is very uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time and I was relieved to sit on a comfortable seat at a restaurant on a meal break. Adjusting the seat back angle provided temporary relief but eventually I found myself squirming in discomfort within a few miles. Another issue I noticed which I haven't seen anyone else comment on yet was my lower leg and foot became fatigued after a time pressing the gas pedal. Not sure if the angle of the seat bottom is mispositioning my leg but after a time I didn't feel like pressing the accelerator anymore.

I'm having a difficult time believing a car company which routinely rates favorably with the automotive press and prides itself on making technologically advanced vehicles can miss in an area which seems very basic. I've taken numerous road trips in a 98 Monte Carlo which I purchased new for the last twelve years and have never felt the least bit of discomfort sitting in the car for hours on end. Hell I had a 73 Pontiac LeMans with a vinyl bench seat and that was far more comfortable than the contoured bucket in this Accord. Additionally the driver controls in the Monte Carlo (power window switches, mirror and A/C controls) are much more easily reached than they are in the new Accord.

The Accord coupe is stylish, has great handling capabilities, and the 4 cylinder is responsive and smooth. But I'm worried if the car will be tolerable to drive unless something is done about the seats. In one respect I don't want to punish myself on long drives in the vehicle but I don't accept trading the car in and losing thousands as a number of other owners have either. I've begun looking for seat cushions and that's a problem for me for a couple of reasons. One reason is that I may have to purchase several and still not have a solution. And secondly because after spending over 22k I shouldn't have to even consider this.

Honda should address this problem if they truly value their customers. I don't anticipate speaking to the dealer because in reality their only interest in me was getting my signature on the contract. I will most likely contact Honda but I wonder if all I will get is lip service and essentially ignored. If I am not given any attention or satisfaction on the problem seat this Honda which is my first will become my last.

- tucsonrt40, North Brunswick, NJ, US

problem #29

Apr 292011

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6 miles

Headrest Solution Found!!! I was recently in a car accident and totaled my 99' Honda Accord Coupe. It was given to me for my 16th birthday and was fully loaded, even had power seats! I loved it so much I knew I wanted another Accord. A week ago I bought a brand new Accord and was so excited for about 20 minutes. On the way home, still in pain from the accident, I was uncomfortable but I thought it was just me. The next day, while driving into town, I realized the headrest was pushing my head forward and causing a great amount of pain in my neck and back. That day I went to the dealership and talked to my salesman and he came up with an awesome solution!

You can purchase a replacement headrest for an older model accord! He had a used 2005 on the lot and took that headrest out and put it in my car to see if it fit and it did! I'm not sure about other years but you can find an 05' headrest for under 100 dollars, I am getting 2 so my passenger doesn't have to suffer. I also have to get a "booster seat" for myself because I am only 5 feet tall and the lumbar support is in my middle back. I was also told to get a cushy seat cover. I know it is frustrating having to purchase additional things to make it bearable but it is a great car that is reliable and will last you for a very long time. Hope this helps.

- Alicia N., Oklahoma City, OK, US

problem #28

Feb 272011

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 900 miles

OMG!!! What happened to the decent seats that Honda used to make? I had driven Honda Accord 1998, 1982 and the seat and headrests were comfortable. Got myself a 2011 model recently and found out the seats and headrests are poorly designed and ergonomically incorrect. What happened? Aren't products supposed to get better as you redesign them? I think Honda needs a new team to re-design their next products. I used to be a loyal Honda customer... not anymore.

- chiu, San Bruno, CA, US

problem #27

Apr 162011

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,100 miles

Wrote a complaint about the headrests in the front seat weeks ago. Last weekend, my 6 year-old daughter complaint that her "head is not comfortable" and wanted me to remove the head rest. I finally looked at the headrests in the rear seats and found out the headrests in the rear are designed to push the passenger's head too far forwards. I refused to comply to my daughter's request, of course, due to the safety concerns. I hope Honda will try to offer a solution to this design flaw... which Honda thinks is a upgraded safety feature.

- chiu, San Bruno, CA, US

problem #26

Feb 012011

Accord EX 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

Unfortunately I only learned about this site after purchasing my 2011 Honda Accord. The seats are extremely uncomfortable and causes so much discomfort. The lumbar part sticks out so much that if feels like there's a watermelon stuck between my lower back and the seat. It came to the point that I was contemplating changing the seats or doing a trade in and taking a loss.

Did some research and found the most cost effective way to solve this problem. I purchased a Obus Ultra Forme backrest that fits perfectly in the seat. Been driving for a month now and it seems to have gotten rid of my back pain. This solution may not be for everybody, but it really helped me out. The back support cost about $150 which is the cheapest solution I could find. Not trying to market a product, just letting Accord owners know what worked for me. Hope this helps.

- Jay R., Mississauga, Ontario, canada

problem #25

Feb 272011

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 900 miles

Has been a loyal Honda driver x20+ yrs. Got a new Honda Accord (2011) but found out the new "designed" headrests pushes my head so far forward that I have been getting neck strain/pain ever since I drove the car (a month so far). Whoever designed those headrests must have a SEVERE forward head if s/he did not notice THAT when s/he designed them. OMG... I am stuck with a new car that gives me a neck strain and headaches!!!. I have not driven my new car for long distances yet. I cannot imagine doing it without my neck strain ruining my trip!! I have even considered bending the posts on those headrest backwards if I could not find another solution. I tried to switch the headrests from the backseats but they don't match. Does anybody else have a solution to this. I need the Honda head qtrs to know about this and start making replacements for them.... QUICK!!!!

- chiu, San Bruno, CA, US

problem #24

Mar 242011

Accord EX-P $

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

Well, I just logged 2k miles on my new 11 Accord, and I have hoped that my back would adjust to the seat, but it has not. It takes hours/days for you to develop discomfort, and you will not notice it on the test drive. I keep adjusting the seat and sometimes it seems that it fixed it, but it does not. I may have to sell the car. Back pain is a deal breaker.

- wcollins, Knoxville, TN, US

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