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Uncomfortable drivers seat

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Britgal54, Feb 4, 2018.

  1. Britgal54

    Britgal54 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2018
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    Location:
    Kingston, WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I purchased a 2017 Prius Four in August last year. Since then I have been having pain in my lower back and seat (my seat). The pain is also going down my leg. It may be a coinsidence, but this has been going on since I bought the car. I put in at least 20,000 miles per year as I use the car for business. Don't know what to do. I love the car, but not the seats. My last car was a 2009 Prius, basic model and I had no problems. Does anyone know if it is possible to replace the seat? I do not have the same trouble driving my husbands VW Passat. Can seats from other manufacturers be installed in my Prius?
     
    #1 Britgal54, Feb 4, 2018
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  2. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2015
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    Location:
    Nh
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Your car has lumbar control, it's an air pump that gives you lumbar support, and it's an electric seat, have you tried the various adjustments.
    The gen2 had no lumbar adjustment but the 3 and 4 do, if it's inadequate, there are lumbar support cushions available.
     
    #2 Lucifer, Feb 4, 2018
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  3. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    Location:
    Chicagoan in TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like you might have sciatica. Is the pain going down the leg you press the pedals with?

    You might also want to try adjusting the seat height and how far back you are from the steering wheel.

    I have had some issues with sciatica since I broke 2 vertebrae in my lower back (T12 & L1) after totaling my Gen 2 Prius in an accident. Moving the seat position helped, since my US Gen 4 doesn't have the lumbar support option yours does.

    Hope you're feeling better soon!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 pilotgrrl, Feb 4, 2018
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    changing the seat would require some customization.
     
    #4 bisco, Feb 4, 2018
  5. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
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    Three
    #5 pilotgrrl, Feb 4, 2018
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  6. Britgal54

    Britgal54 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2018
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    Location:
    Kingston, WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Lucifer, bisco and pilotgrrl, Thank you for your input. I herniated L3 and L5 in 2004, since then periodic back pain has been an ongoing problem. I have the lumbar support as far as it will go, also have been trying different seat positions, plus one of those wedge seat cushions. Maybe I have not found the right combination yet.

    I am certain I do have sciatica, and yes it is the same side as the pedals!! I will follow the links pilotgrrl and see if there is any usful info. Thank you all for your input. Appreciated
     
    #6 Britgal54, Feb 5, 2018
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  7. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Location:
    Cornwall
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello and welcome to Prius Chat from Gt. Britain - well, Cornwall anyway! I have found it can help to shuffle around on your seat before you drive of can ease the discomfort of an awkward seating. Once done, the rest of the drive for me had been OK. I even shuffle while driving, if it gets painful. My UK spec gen 4 had cloth seats with electric lumbar adjustment. USA may be different. Changing the seat completely sounds too radical for me. Perhaps you could try setting a cushion behind the small of your back. Only trial and error but could be cost effective. Good luck, and hope your pain eases soon.
     
    #7 RCO, Feb 6, 2018
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