Toyota has determined that the seat is "as designed" and there is nothing they can recommend. Judging by that diagram kindly provided by Cardinals1970 my pain originates from the bar across the bottom of the seat near the backrest - the bar with (what looks like) three small black arrows. On Friday I had an auto upholsterer add several layers of padding (which does void the warranty according to my discussions with Toyota). I drove home and it does appear a little softer, however, I try to drive as little as possible at the moment and will need to heal before I can make a judgment. A couple of weeks ago my doctor ordered an XRAY which showed no issues at all. Last week I underwent an MRI and await the result to determine if I may have developed ischial tuberosity bursitis (which would account for the ongoing discomfort). For almost 7 years I drove an Acura TL, same driving habits 4+ hours every day and, never ever any discomfort.
Toyota has determined that the seat is "as designed" and there is nothing they can recommend. Judging by that diagram kindly provided by Cardinals1970 my pain originates from the bar across the bottom of the seat near the backrest - the bar with (what looks like) three small black arrows. On Friday I had an auto upholsterer add several layers of padding (which does void the warranty according to my discussions with Toyota). I drove home and it does appear a little softer, however, I try to drive as little as possible at the moment and will need to heal before I can make a judgment. A couple of weeks ago my doctor ordered an XRAY which showed no issues at all. Last week I underwent an MRI and await the result to determine if I may have developed ischial tuberosity bursitis (which would account for the ongoing discomfort). For almost 7 years I drove an Acura TL, same driving habits 4+ hours every day and, never ever any discomfort.
That bar is basically the main support bar and there is little to no padding around it. I am no longer with the seat company but hopefully there is more padding added in that area with the 2013 Avalon.
I attended the San Antonio Car Show this past weekend and was very disappointed by the driver seat in the 2013 Avalon. It was very flat, uncomfortable and needed more padding. Being at the car show I was able to compare the different seats in my lists of possible next vehicles. The Avalon was the worst, by far, compared to the Lexus ES300h, 2012 Toyota Camry, 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Nissan Altima and the 2013 Honda Accord. I currently drive a 2011 Lexus CT200h and the seat in that is very comfortable. I had great hope for the 2013 Avalon and was looking forward to that being my next vehicle but the uncomfortable seat is definitely a deal breaker. After doing some research I found that the problem has existed since as far back as 2008. It is ridiculous that Toyota hasn't address this problem on their flagship vehicle. The car otherwise is gorgeous. If the car had the ES 300h seat I would be all in but alas I have to continue my search. By the way I am 6-3/270 but my wife said the same thing and she isn't nearly as big as me. Both Avalons I sat in, at the car show, were Limited so I still have hope for the Touring and Premium seats.
Thanks to all the posters on this site and the wonderful info that is shared. A special thank you to cardinals1970 for all his valuable input.
Last edited by njchpd; 11-20-2012 at 03:30 PM.
Reason: Additional Info
I am in a state of shock after reading this thread. I was planning on getting a new 2013 Limited when they arrive, but now I'm afraid. I have a very bad back, and need a lumbar support. I always keep my LS 430 with the lumbar support all the way forward. I am 6' 178 pounds. Biggest problem is everyone says they did not notice the problem on the test drive.
Cardinals, did Toyota change the seat in the 2013?
I don't want to be ripping apart the seats in a new car to make modifications.
All advice would be appreciated!!
I am in a state of shock after reading this thread. I was planning on getting a new 2013 Limited when they arrive, but now I'm afraid. I have a very bad back, and need a lumbar support. I always keep my LS 430 with the lumbar support all the way forward. I am 6' 178 pounds. Biggest problem is everyone says they did not notice the problem on the test drive.
Cardinals, did Toyota change the seat in the 2013?
I don't want to be ripping apart the seats in a new car to make modifications.
All advice would be appreciated!!
Yes the seats are different in the '13 and I kind of like the seats personally but as with just like the '11 or '12 some of the seats feel softer than others as some seats that are cooled have more padding than non-cooled seats. Now I left the seat company last year so I can really speak on the construction of the seats for the '13 except some to me do feel softer than others. Now with my current job I am in about 70 different Camry's and Avalons every night.
Albeit one shouldn't have to get a seat cushion after purchasing a brand new car, and not a top of the line car, but is it some of done on their older Avalons, and what is any feedback doing this?
- What style type or brand of seat cushion have you got?
- Does it work?
- What did it cost?
I'm pretty good in my '11 seat, but my wife isn't and she is in the passenger's seat
I'm finding myself considering a used LS 460 L, now comes decision time.
Of course I won't make this big a decision until driving the new Avalon (for as long a drive as I can do).
I've found several 2008 and 2009 LS 460 L's at the same price range, (And many more standard length models) so money wise it's ok, but now I'm going backwards 4 or 5 years to get a car that should be better. Sure doesn't seem to make much sense, but then again, what today does.
I guess there is always considering a ES, or something else altogether?
I don't like to pay $250 for an oil change which is why I wanted to stay away from Lexus, Mercedes & BMW. But if there really is an issue with the Avy seat I'll have to go check out the ES.
I don't like to pay $250 for an oil change which is why I wanted to stay away from Lexus, Mercedes & BMW. But if there really is an issue with the Avy seat I'll have to go check out the ES.
Which is why IF I was to get a Lexus, it would be a used one. Then I could bring it just about anywhere for an oil change, and we have 2 area shops, that opened from former Techs, and their cliam to fame is they don't charge the crazy prices for repairs.
My Lexus has been trouble free. Only brakes, batteries, keys, alignment (they can't quite get it to the position in the manual). No drive train stuff whatsoever. Its been fabulous in that way. I think you would be fine getting one, however the mileage and age is important. Many boast about how many miles they have on their car but there is a lot of stuff which will need to be replaced and all of them are expensive. Lexus radio, front end only, $2000. Driver seat mechanism, $2000. Front brakes $350 for parts plus you have to replace the sensor, another $100. Here's another gotcha. Lexus withholds the specs on their replacement parts for a certain amount of time (?) so that no one can make after market replacements. The two trunk shocks wore out after about 3 years. Cost $175 a pair for the parts. I tried to find a generic replacement on line. No luck for the reason I mentioned. Eventually they open up their specs for others to build parts. You feel like you getting taken advantage of. My guy does routine maintenance but has to buy certain parts from Lexus.
it seems like the more i drive my car (put 10,000 miles on since i started going back to school in august) the better my seat gets maybe its getting more broke in. I JUST WISH I HAD TILITING HEADRESTS!!!!! does the limited? if so im buying some off ebay and replaceing the ones i have!!
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By the way I am 6-3/270 but my wife said the same thing and she isn't nearly as big as me. 
Both Avalons I sat in, at the car show, were Limited so I still have hope for the Touring and Premium seats. 
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