Drivers seat killing me!!

[steven_oc]

I have the same problem. And I’ve not found a solution.

 

[Gasaraki]

I sat in the car for Hours last night trying to figure it out. I adjusted everything you can. What I think is the issue is that the bucket seats and the frame of the outside of the seats push your hips in. Right now I went to Canadian tire and bought a seat wedge and have the lumbar cranked pretty good. So far so good I guess. It’s weird. I have never had any issues with any other vehicle I have owned. Not in the slightest and then with in 10min of driving this car I was in pretty intense pain. That being said. Everything else about this car is amaze balls. I know a guy that does customize motorcycle seats and other seat stuff so I’m going to approach him and see if he can actually modify the seat for me.

The side bolsters are not even that aggressive in this car...

 

[electrique]

Have the same problem in most cars. Currently have a special ASS chair, but this is very difficult to put into the M3 I bought, because of all the sensors in the Tesla seat. Local Tesla SeC advised me to go to a specialist, they can adapt the seats to perfectly match your build. Mine is going to be 4 cm longer and wider (they do the widening by hollowiing the 'side-cheeks'). Costs around EU 1.000, but worth every penny

Did you end up doing this? How did it go?

 

[medphys3]

OK, so I'll chime in here in case anyone wants to do my "fix."

I've found that (for me) the side bolsters push into my thighs, the forward bolster pushes up on the bottom of my thighs, AND the lower part of the back rest seems to be sticking out too much (my back doesn't really sink into the seat at all.

The fix (that worked for me) was to add about 1/4" of stacked paper between the springs on the bottom of the seat and the foam cushion essentially pushing the seat bottom UP which makes the bolsters not so prevalent. You need to unbolt the seat and tilt it back in to the backseat area to get access to the springs. You could just sit on a pad or towel to raise yourself up, but I didn't like the feel of that.

For the seatback, I pulled the back off and physically BENT the springs that hold that yellow lumbar support structure such that there is now a 1/2" gap between that yellow piece and the foam in the seatback (it's difficult, I used a large pipe wrench to do it). Now my back sinks into the seat more and it feels much better.

I've hardly adjusted my seat position since I did this. I used to do it constantly as I could never get comfortable.

It's difficult to explain the process, but if you are mechanically inclined and take a look at the seat, it should make sense.

Crappy pictures attached for reference.

 

[DocHolliday]

I also find the side bolsters in the seat bottom a little narrow. They aren't causing me significant pain but they seem to be made for someone with narrower hips than mine. I've got <3000 miles on mine, but my assometer seems to indicate they are loosening up a bit and maybe molding to fit my anatomy. I do like the idea of the internal seat raise above - may try that if it continues to be an issue.

 

[electrique]

I also find the side bolsters in the seat bottom a little narrow. They aren't causing me significant pain but they seem to be made for someone with narrower hips than mine. I've got <3000 miles on mine, but my assometer seems to indicate they are loosening up a bit and maybe molding to fit my anatomy. I do like the idea of the internal seat raise above - may try that if it continues to be an issue.

Yeah, that’s kind of how they do it with fast cars these days. It’s not just Tesla. They want you in there snug so that you don’t roll around at speed. Which is great for people who don’t have sciatica or other back issues, but for the rest of us it can put pressure in places that hurt. No fun.

 

[M3_Nitro]

My wife and I are trying to figure this out as well. She has a slightly herniated disc in her back and we think something with our 2021 M3SR+ driver’s seat is causing her terrible hip pain. She’ll go 1-2 weeks without driving the Tesla and the very next time in the car, her hip hurts again. We’ve tried a seat pad to no avail. We need to try different seat positions next. I have zero issues with the seat comfort but if we can’t figure this out, we either need to find an aftermarket seat or sell the car. We LOVE it aside from this issue.

 

[EVDRVN]

My wife and I are trying to figure this out as well. She has a slightly herniated disc in her back and we think something with our 2021 M3SR+ driver’s seat is causing her terrible hip pain. She’ll go 1-2 weeks without driving the Tesla and the very next time in the car, her hip hurts again. We’ve tried a seat pad to no avail. We need to try different seat positions next. I have zero issues with the seat comfort but if we can’t figure this out, we either need to find an aftermarket seat or sell the car. We LOVE it aside from this issue.

The seats are not made well even though many think they are, the S seats are amazing. I could drive six hours in my S with no issues but the 3 is another story. The foam on the side bottom bolsters is not equally firm and cause the right leg to roll out to one side which can cause issues for some, you can pull it in with your hand and see the difference. The lower back support and lower cushions also do not have linear support. Many people confuse fort with comfortable which is no the case for long distance driving. The white interior also has slightly softer support as well. Perhaps covers may help, try stuffing a towel between the door and right side bolster to see if that helps.

 

[KenC]

My wife and I are trying to figure this out as well. She has a slightly herniated disc in her back and we think something with our 2021 M3SR+ driver’s seat is causing her terrible hip pain. She’ll go 1-2 weeks without driving the Tesla and the very next time in the car, her hip hurts again. We’ve tried a seat pad to no avail. We need to try different seat positions next. I have zero issues with the seat comfort but if we can’t figure this out, we either need to find an aftermarket seat or sell the car. We LOVE it aside from this issue.

What did she drive before the 3? Just taking a wild guess, but try raising the seat higher, so that the lower leg angle is steeper, and raise the front edge of the lower seat cushion, so that there's more overall support to the thighs.

 

[M3_Nitro]

What did she drive before the 3? Just taking a wild guess, but try raising the seat higher, so that the lower leg angle is steeper, and raise the front edge of the lower seat cushion, so that there's more overall support to the thighs.

We had a Hyundai Sonata and we still have a Honda Pilot. Good point on raising the seat. Will definitely try that.

 

[diver110]

I hear the Y has the same seats. I wonder if Y owners have the same problem. The seat sits higher, I gather, so it might change the seating dynamics....

 

[Georgesb2]

I realize this is an old thread. But Google still finds it, so I'll try to help those still searching for answers.
I have had pain with my 2022 Model 3 seat. I am a little taller, wider, and heavier that the "norm".
All Tesla models, including the S, 3, X, and Y all use the same seat metal frame. The frame is simply too narrow for moderately large drivers.
The 3 and Y have the same foam and faux leather. I believe the S and X share.
I modified the seat and now I don't have problems. The seat is now plush with no pain, lots of give and suspension.
I modified the seat bottom cushion to give MUCH more support and to ensure there is no pain from the wings / bolsters.
I modified the seat upper / back to put the lumbar support in the right place for a larger, taller person.
I modified the seat upper / back to give my shoulders more room width wise.
I modified the head rest so my head and neck were no longer bent forward excessively.
I am willing to help anyone improve their seat on any Tesla.
I can talk you through it or help you build some of it. Whatever help I can provide...
That wasn't my expertise. Just the results of making my own car work for me.

 

[Happy Hippo]

I noticed that the 2023 MY seats are more narrower than the 2022 and previous years?

 

[Georgesb2]

I noticed that the 2023 MY seats are more narrower than the 2022 and previous years?

That's awful news.
I haven't seen a 2023 seat used yet.
I test drove some new Tesla's, I thought were 2023, I found every model the seats to bee too narrow for me.
I didn't expect them to make them even smaller than 2022 though...

 

[Happy Hippo]

That's awful news.
I haven't seen a 2023 seat used yet.
I test drove some new Tesla's, I thought were 2023, I found every model the seats to bee too narrow for me.
I didn't expect them to make them even smaller than 2022 though...

I did not measure the 2022 MY but when I get another loaner I will measure the seat width.

 

[Jameslook]

All Tesla models, including the S, 3, X, and Y all use the same seat metal frame. The frame is simply too narrow for moderately large drivers.

I have had two Plaid model S's. Both have wide, cushy, comfy and long seats. My wife's model Y has seats that are MUCH narrower and shorter than the S. I don't think the S and X share seat architecture with the 3 and Y. Go sit in a 2021+ Model S and you will see. They are fantastic seats for larger people.

I'm 190 pounds and have lower back pain and sometimes I get shocks down my right leg when I sit in the Y seat too long. I think it's because too much pressure is being put on the front of my leg. the seat bottom won't go flat enough in the front. My Plaid seats go almost flat in the front.

Could you please post up photos of your seat after the surgery? Also, don't forget to go sit in a 2021 or later S. You will love the seats.

 

[Happy Hippo]

I have had two Plaid model S's. Both have wide, cushy, comfy and long seats. My wife's model Y has seats that are MUCH narrower and shorter than the S. I don't think the S and X share seat architecture with the 3 and Y. Go sit in a 2021+ Model S and you will see. They are fantastic seats for larger people.

I'm 190 pounds and have lower back pain and sometimes I get shocks down my right leg when I sit in the Y seat too long. I think it's because too much pressure is being put on the front of my leg. the seat bottom won't go flat enough in the front. My Plaid seats go almost flat in the front.

Could you please post up photos of your seat after the surgery? Also, don't forget to go sit in a 2021 or later S. You will love the seats.

I love the seats now. My body has gotten used to them. I feel that the seats were too puffy when I picked them up on delivery and eventually they are flattening out for me. I feel secure sitting in the seats however, I had loaner Model S's and they seem wider and longer but again that car is twice the price of the Model Y/3. We all know the Model Y/3 is a cheaper car for them to build, you can tell in the build quality.

 

[Georgesb2]

I have had two Plaid model S's. Both have wide, cushy, comfy and long seats. My wife's model Y has seats that are MUCH narrower and shorter than the S. I don't think the S and X share seat architecture with the 3 and Y. Go sit in a 2021+ Model S and you will see. They are fantastic seats for larger people.

I'm 190 pounds and have lower back pain and sometimes I get shocks down my right leg when I sit in the Y seat too long. I think it's because too much pressure is being put on the front of my leg. the seat bottom won't go flat enough in the front. My Plaid seats go almost flat in the front.

Could you please post up photos of your seat after the surgery? Also, don't forget to go sit in a 2021 or later S. You will love the seats.

Thank you for your inputs.

And I have envy for your cars!

I've sat in and drove a brand new 2022 (possibly early 2023) Model S (not Plaid), and I didn't like it. My customized Model 3 seats being MUCH better for my personal body type. I also drove a Model X for about 40 minutes. Although all model S (and X) seats are different, they are inadequate for my needs.

When I say the seat bottoms are the same, I mean the metal base is the same. The seat cushions are different. The Model 3 / Y are the same. But the S is not like them. (I think the X is the same as the S). The reason I know the metal base is the same, they are labeled for all models (S3XY).

To accommodate the larger seat cushion in the S / X there's an extra support set of bars added to the sides on the common metal base which allows a larger seat bottom to be attached. The 3/Y don't have adequate room for such a configuration. Although I bought S seat cushion I was unable to use them in my 3.

I haven't ridden in the S / X for more than about 40 minutes. Back when I drove the X for 40 minutes I hadn't yet developed serious issues with the seats. It was after my problems and seat mods that I test drove a new S. I think it likely that I'd be happier with the S / X, I just can't afford them. And if I felt they were somewhat inadequate, and for me they were, I'd have more to work with in terms of making it more comfy and have more suspension.

As far as your weight, it's often not enough. My hips are wide. I'm just a big boy. I have large bones, large hands, long arms, and all. I was an adult before I realized that my hips are wide too. I didn't have any problems with any other cars until I drove in the 3 for over 3 hours. Then I was quite sore in the hips and legs. It also exacerbated pre existing back problems. I also found the head rest pushed my head too far forward. So, I have to ask the width of your hips at the widest point as well as if you have any back issues, as well as you upper body length. Since my upper body is tall, I also don't fit the Tesla configuration for lumbar support, headrest, etc. It just doesn't work at all for me and neither does the upper seat. Again I'm too wide.

Yes, I belong in the model S /X, definitely. More than the 3 /Y. Before buying my 3 I had my heart set on a model S. It was a financial decision. I'll set up an account for donations. LOL.

WRT your request for photos, I have many YouTube videos of many of the versions of seat modifications. My channel is my name, George Borrelli.

I will also look for existing photos for a follow up post, if I have them.

What in particular are you looking for with such pictures? I can try to focus upon that and also answer any questions.

Thanks again for your thoughtful inputs,

Sincerely,
George