8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$70
Average Mileage:
6,400 miles
Total Complaints:
31 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (21 reports)
  2. new seat and headrest (3 reports)
  3. higher quality foam (2 reports)
  4. special cushions (2 reports)
  5. add cushion, extend seat bottom (1 reports)
  6. make seat bottoms adjustable (1 reports)
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problem #31

Dec 312019

Accord EXL 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,137 miles

I bought this car in 2019, Dec. 25th. A Honda Accord 2015 E-XL. The car seats are horribly painful. I can't drive it 2-4 hours continuously. I am starting to have tailbone problems.

- Simran S., Saskatoon, SK, Canada

problem #30

Mar 012018

Accord EX-L

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I purchased my 2015 Accord EX-L towards the end of 2017 (30k miles). The driver's seat is very uncomfortable. I didn't realize there was a problem until 3-4 months later when my tailbone started to hurt. It took me a while but I narrowed it down to the driver's seat. What I thought was "firm" was just plain "hard".

Sitting in driver's seat is literally like sitting on a wooden park bench. I believe the issue is that ride quality of the 15 Accord is stiffer/sportier (not an issue for me) but when you sit in a driver's seat that is hard and has no "give" you feel every bump in the road and over time, it causes lower back pains (in my case). I believe if the driver's seat bottom had more cushion and give, the stiffer/sportier ride would not be a problem.

I've owned 7 Hondas and have never had an issue with seat comfort. I tend to keep my vehicles for a long time and before I purchase, I always research the reliability of the engine and transmission. When you think of the Accord, you think of a comfortable ride. The 2015 Accord is not comfortable because of the hard driver's seat.

When researching the 13-15 Accords, I focused on the CVT reliability. Seat comfort was not on my radar. I did see some reviews saying that the ride was stiffer but because I had owned 3 Accords before and never had an issue with comfort, I disregarded them. When I test drove the car, it was stiffer but I thought of it as a sporty feel and I was focused on how it handled and the feel of the CVT transmission.

As I mentioned above, 3-4 months later I noticed pain in my lower back and was able to trace the cause back to the hard driver's seat. I googled "2015 Accord seat comfort" and was surprised and happy to see that it wasn't just me that had this issue.

My solution was to purchase a seat cushion to help with the issue of the hard driver's seat. I purchased several seat cushions from Amazon and they did not help. I woke up on a Saturday a couple of months ago hating my car and wanting to sell it and purchase something else. As a last resort, I bought the Ultimate Seat Cushion from Purple and although it isn't perfect, it did help. This was my 7th seat cushion purchase.

It's unfortunate that I have to use a seat cushion in my 2015 Accord to make the driver's seat tolerable. I paid a significant amount of money for the car. I had a 2004 Accord with over 230k miles before I bought my 2015 Accord. The seats in that car were still comfortable even after 13 years of being used!

I still like Hondas. Unfortunately, I don't expect Honda to do anything about this issue. There are documented uncomfortable driver's seat complaints that started with the 13 Accords. I guess it is what it is. I'm glad that I came across this site and was able to voice my experiences with my 2015 Accord. If I knew then what I know now, I would not buy this car.

Update from Dec 3, 2019: I'm no longer using the Ultimate Seat Cushion from Purple. It is too thick and doesn't really provide much cushion. I purchased some high density foam and it works much better. I

- valmack, Orlando, US

problem #29

Nov 122017

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

I started having problems with tailbone pain and sciatica soon after I bought this car. I drive 2 hours a day to and from work. I knew the seat hurt with these problems, but it wasn't until I went a few months without driving 2 hours a day that I realized it is the back bump of the seat cushion that continues to press on those nerves. I tried different cushions, but they just cause more pain to my legs. I am considering trading in for something more comfortable given this and other problems that I have had. Additionally, the seat is heated. I hardly use this function because I live in Texas. Unfortunately, on hot days, it feels as if the seat heater is on because it holds the heat. My back gets uncomfortably hot even with air conditioner full blast. Beware if you live in hot places.

- Teresa P., New Braunfels, TX, US

problem #28

May 202015

Accord LX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 13,000 miles

Purchased car in May of 2015. Went on a 10 hour trip after owning 2 weeks, after a few hours it became obvious that it was impossible to attain a comfortable driving position. Seats pull back and neck, legs go to sleep. Upon arriving at our destination both drivers had a headache and sore back and legs. Even uncomfortable for daily driving.

Recently had car in shop for minor body shop repairs and was provided a rental car, Dodge Challenger, what a relief ! Great seats. Have had the car back now for 3 days and immediately felt back discomfort

Seriously considering getting rid of this car after eight months of misery! Major disappointment!

- dcanfield, Easley, SC, US

problem #27

Oct 052015

Accord EX 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 20,000 miles

seats are extremely uncomfortable and after some time I started getting back and leg pain. I think the design is horrible.

- Pavan S., Newark, US

problem #26

Jul 012016

Accord EX-L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,000 miles

Since 1981 I have owned five Honda vehicles and I have been very satisfied with the performance, comfort and value they delivered and I often shared this view with others.

However, my latest Honda (a brand new 2015 Accord EX L) has been a VERYbig disappointment. The driver’s seat becomes extremely uncomfortable on trips over an hour or two, as it feels as if the lumbar support mechanism is ineffectual and does not provide support. I discussed this with the service representatives at the dealer and was informed they could do nothing to address the problem. From researching the problem on-line I found that there are other Honda owners with the same issue.

I wrote two letters to Honda Automobile Customer Service describing the problem, which were sent by certified mail and confirmed through the USPS that Honda received them on 7/29/16 and 9/2/16. However as of 10/11/2016 I had not received even the courtesy of a reply to these letters.

I then posted my complaint on Honda’s Facebook page & did receive a response - Honda Informed me that their Address for Cust. Svce in their Owner’s Manual had been changed - I then sent copies of my prior correspondence to the new address provides. Further communication directed me back to the dealer to investigate the problem. The service rep at the dealer after a ~30 minute check advised me that “there was nothing wrong with the seat & there was nothing they could do to address the problem. I had purchased and experimented with several different cushions to better support my back & have found one that at least somewhat mitigates the discomfort.

Although I am stuck with this for a while as I cannot afford to take the huge hit of depreciation by trading it so soon. I will DEFINITELY NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER HONDA VEHICLE! I advise others to definitely consider this experience when shopping their next vehicle and would advise others to NOT consider HONDA’s as apparently the term “Customer Service” at Honda has become pretty much meaningless.

- Michael B., Dallas, US

problem #25

Jan 012015

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126 miles

After short ride I develop cramps in thighs and legs as seats in my Honda Accord 2015 are rather low and rigid.

Before I owned a Hyundai Sonata 2004 and never experienced such problems.

- Isaak B., Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #24

Mar 042017

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,423 miles

I just bought a 2015 Honda Accord from a dealership that only had 5400 miles on it. I told the salesman I had back issues and needed a good seat. For the test drive it seemed to be okay and I bought it. The second day, after driving for quite a few miles, my back started hurting. There was a burning ache in my lower back that became excruciating. I tried taking the car back but it was used and they obviously weren't going to take it back. I had to go to my chiropractor and he said the seat wasn't good for me. The third day I had it the dealership recommended buying a seat wedge and they'd pay for it. All that did was raise me up further so the lumbar area was at my tailbone. I've tried everything I can think of to try to make this seat work but if I drive over 30 minutes I'm in bad shape. I'm going to start looking for a new non-Honda car at a different dealership and take the loss. It will be cheaper than back surgery. I hate this seat!!!!!!! I have to drive a lot and I'm in pain every day!

- Alison W., Lillian, US

problem #23

Jan 012017

Accord EX-L 2.4L I4

  • CVT transmission
  • 10,000 miles

The seats in the 2015 ex-l are not symmetric. The back bolsters are not symmetric. There is more bracing and an extra panel of foam on the outside than inside. The plastic panel with seat controls on the driver side supports the outside of the seat. There is no such support on the inside.

The result? Making a right turn is fine, make a left turn and you feel like you are going to roll off the seat. I feel like I'm constantly sittinging sideways in this seat. Makes my back hurt. How can this awful, sloppy design remain on the best selling car in America. I HATE these seats, end of story. They are horrible. If this is how you underpriced Toyota by $25.00 (I loved my '07 Camry for 10 wonderful years), you made a big mistake. These seats suck

- dier, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #22

Mar 272016

Accord EX-L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 5,500 miles

Purchased a 2015 Accord EX-L as a replacement for my 2007 Accord SE (Which I loved & had taken on many long trips) I had assumed that the new accord word be up to the standard of my previous Accords ( 4 prior to this) -- WRONG! The driver's seat even with the lumbar adjustment does not provide the support & comfort of ANY of my previous models dating back to 1981. I recently had to travel up to NY from Atlanta a trip I had taken times in my 1998 & 2007 Accords - my back is killing me. Previous short drives & the test drive I took it on prior to buying it did not reveal the problem. After about three hours on the road it starts to show & after a day's driving - 8 or more hours it's a real PAIN! I have frequently driven rental cars on long vacation trips ( close to 1000 miles ) and ALL of them have been more comfortable than this Accord. I am Very VERY disappointed at this point.

- Michael B., Dallas, US

problem #21

Jan 152014

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

uncomfortable seats & forward jutting head rests

Seats are very hard and uncomfortable, especially after about 45 minutes of driving. I had to purchase a pair of expensive gel seat cushions. But added cushion height of 1 inch thickness makes it very difficult for me to enter the car to sit down. I'm 6 feet 1 inch in shoes.

The head rests are awful. They jut forward way too much and cause neck pain in half an hour for my wife and about the same times for me. Why on earth did they do this? Between the hard seats and head rests, it is absolutely painful to drive or sit in this car. The head rests should be straight up and not push forward. Insane. It is better in the 2014 model than in previous models, but still unacceptable. I don't understand the ergonomics of this horrible decision.

- 2015honda, Montgomery, TX, US

problem #20

Aug 012015

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70 miles

The seats and headrest in the Honda Accord are so horrible. The cause terrible pain and I don't like to even drive it even to work and back. My husband takes it now because I come home in too much pain everyday. I don't want to go on any long trips in it even though it's our best car. It's really been a bad experience. I have to lay flat in the passenger seat when my husband is driving it to get any relief and I can feel every little bump we go over. My 1999 Toyota Camry car seats ar e heavenly compared to my 2015 Honda Accord.

- jenniferut, Ogden, UT, US

problem #19

Oct 252015

Accord EX L 4 C

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,060 miles

It took me years to find a car I really liked the style of. Well after only a month driving this car I am ready to trade it in for something else. My lower back is killing me every time I drive this car for more then a few miles. I have owned many cars but this is the most uncomfortable seat. I even bought the exl so I would have adjustable seats but this car adjusting is so minimal I just don't feel any position any different or even a little comfortable. HELP

- Patricia G., Westhampton Beach, NY, US

problem #18

Aug 282015

Accord EX-L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

The 2015 Honda Accord driver and shotgun-passenger seats are extremely uncomfortable, especially the lack of lumbar support and the presence of terribly angled/designed headrests.

It is a very ridiculous seat, uncomfortable for drives anywhere over 25 miles.

Update from Jan 28, 2016: The 2015 Honda Accord driver and shotgun-passenger seats are extremely uncomfortable, especially the lack of lumbar support and the presence of terrible angled/design headrests.

It is a very ridiculous seat, uncomfortable for drives anywhere over 25 miles.

UPDATE: *It's not just the back but the actual bottom of the seat that is poor in its performance. My left foot constantly gets cold/sleeps. You may find the lumbar support button on the driver's side helpful. It is the third button towards the rear in the seat adjustment buttons. It isn't available on the passenger side. (Unless it's there and I can't find it or it's manual and I haven't used it.) *You will benefit from using the Love Home Premium Memory Foam Car Lumbar and Neck Pillow kit. I have been using it for 6 months now and it has helped a great deal.

- silviu, Spanaway, WA, US

problem #17

Oct 092015

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 327 miles

WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SEATS IN THE HONDA. WE FALSELY ASSUMED THEY WOULD BE COMFORTABLE. THEY ARE NOT. WE BELIEVE HONDA SHOULD INSTALL NEW SEATS WITHOUT COST, IF WE HAD READ THIS SITE BEFORE LEASING, WE WOULD NOT HAVE PICKED THIS CAR.

- grammavivi, South Lyon, MI, US

problem #16

Oct 092015

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150 miles

HOW DOES THE ACCORD MAKE THE 10 BEST YEAR AFTER YEAR WITH TERRIBLE SEATS?

- mazzeo, Venice, FL, US

problem #15

Oct 012015

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 300 miles

really pissed I'm bout to trade this car off .going to take a 7000 dollar loss because i won't drive it . id rather drive my 2007 kia rio that is my work car .

MY FIRST AND LAST HONDA

- copperlanch, Cranehill, US

problem #14

Dec 062015

Accord Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

I recently purchase a 2015 Honda Accord Sport. The car looks amazing, but there is one MAJOR problem. The seats are hard and you feel like your sitting on concrete. Due to the seats being so hard, I am currently experiencing tremendous pain in my butt bone. It's gotten so bad that I have trouble sitting sometimes due to the lingering pain.

I previously owned a 2006 Accord and never encountered this issue. Because the pain was so significant I felt it necessary to find out if other Sport owners was experiencing this issue. Hopefully, Honda can come up with a fix.

- Randy B., Franklin Square, NY, US

problem #13

Nov 022015

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 367 miles

The head rest pushes against your head giving you neck problems. The seat in my 1994 Honda was great. I can see selling this back to dealer or getting a change of seat. I need to change something. Honda has really spoiled my day!!!!!!!!

- batterup, Las Vegas, US

problem #12

Aug 262015

Accord 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 249 miles

Same as many others on here poorly designed seat back seems uneven pressure points, case almost seems I level side to side, seat bottom twists when adjusting tilt. With lumbar adjustment relaxed there is a bar in the lower part of seat back that makes contact with your spine, very painful, to try to fix max out the lumbar support and it's a very hard piece of plastic and the only thing giving any cushioning is about 3/4 inch of foam, also while in this position you can't relax your back as the lumbar digs in and it to is unbearable. I owned a 2002 civic lx for 10 years it was far from fancy but it was at least comfortable, very disappointed, Honda canada says if it's not a manufacturing defect it's my problem. Seems to me that a bad design is something they would want to fix instead they force a loyal Honda guy like me to look elsewhere for a vehicle that isn't debilitating. Unfortunately some of us need our back to make money, very unsatisfied with this seat otherwise car is what I was looking for...

- Todd F., Kitchener, ON, Canada

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