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2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seats

34 messages,  Last post on Jan 22, 2012 at 1:56 PM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Touring Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Elantra Touring, Interior, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 34 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seats by hwyhobo

Jul 27, 2010 (11:37 pm)

I just bought a 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS Manual. Great car overall, but has one problem which unfortunately I did not sense during a brief drive at the dealership - seats from hell. Perhaps I have been slacking off on my intake of Crispy Creams, but my bony behind hurts so much after driving for a while, I can't find a place for myself. On top of it, even a drive to a local store results in my legs vibrating for a while from some nerve irritation. That worries me. I don't know who at Hyundai decided that seat cushions made of fabric wrapped around articulated concrete were a great idea, but there has to be some remedy, otherwise I won't be able to drive this car.
 
Has anyone tried some clever cushions that might help? I would hate to have to rip the seats out of a new car and replace them with different ones (if I can find some that would fit and someone who could do it). I tried various improvised solutions like thick folded towels, pillows, etc, no help. If I find a thick enough pillow, it impairs the driving position.
 
Any pointers will be appreciated.

#2 of 34 Re: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seats [hwyhobo] by jlflemmons

Jul 28, 2010 (6:02 am)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Jul 27, 2010 11:37 pm)
Well, I will assume you have tried all the obvious, like adjusting the angle of the back, seat height, etc. Does the GLS have lumbar support? Maybe one of those beaded seat covers?
 
I do know that on my SE if the seat isn't just where I like it, I just don't feel comfortable. But when it is right, I can drive all day long with no problems.
 
You might try talking to the dealer if this is a vehicle you just purchased. They might be willing to move you to something that works?

#3 of 34 Re: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seats [jlflemmons] by hwyhobo

Jul 28, 2010 (10:29 am)

Replying to: jlflemmons (Jul 28, 2010 6:02 am)
On the GLS Manual Hyundai decided in its wisdom not to offer the Popular Equipment Package, so you can't order seats with height or lumbar adjustments. Bizarre if you ask me, but there it is.
 
> You might try talking to the dealer if this is a vehicle you just
> purchased. They might be willing to move you to something
> that works?
 
Have you actually ever seen a dealer that would do that after they sell a vehicle?

#4 of 34 Re: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seats [hwyhobo] by jlflemmons

Jul 28, 2010 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Jul 28, 2010 10:29 am)
>Have you actually ever seen a dealer that would do that after they sell a vehicle?
      
Yep, the local Hyundai dealer. There has to be a penalty for several reasons, the big one being the 10/100K warranty not transferring. But in cases where a vehicle is just not working, and the dealer is looking beyond the end of the month, it can happen.
 
How about a seat replacement with the SE seats? Or drive an SE and see if the seats work, and if they do, change out the mechanicals to get the height and lumbar?
 
Just throwing out ideas here. I do understand. We owned a 2004 Yukon that had the most uncomfortable seats I ever tried to ride in, especially the back seat. We had the thing about two months when we took off on a 1800mile road trip. The only reason we didn't dump it after the trip was because it was the wife's primarily, and she was comfortable in it.

#5 of 34 Lesson learned by hwyhobo

Jul 29, 2010 (3:32 pm)

Well, lesson learned. Yes, the dealer might be willing to move me into something else, but that essentially means trading in the car as used. Lots of money lost. I think instead of dealing with another Hyundai, I will somehow improvise and manage for a year and then trade in on a new Focus Hatchback or C-Max.
 
I have owned many cars in the past (Fords and imports), never had an experience like this even though I have always bought standard seats. Like I said, lesson learned. Too bad on Hyundai. You know what they say, once bitten twice shy.

#6 of 34 Suspension (was: Lesson learned) by hwyhobo

Jul 30, 2010 (8:57 am)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Jul 29, 2010 3:32 pm)
Just to add to the last post, I am beginning to believe that the bouncy suspension may be adding to it. It is not really harsh, just bouncy, springy. Does not want to swallow even the slightest unevenness in the road.

#7 of 34 Re: Suspension (was: Lesson learned) [hwyhobo] by maxx4me

Jul 30, 2010 (4:59 pm)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Jul 30, 2010 8:57 am)
yep, the seats are odd. I don't like the feeling of sliding forward when the brakes are applied. I don't drive it normally, so I can't complain too much.

#8 of 34 Seat Issue Fix by 67gtx

Jul 31, 2010 (11:55 am)

I am 5'10" with long legs and I have a 2010 GLS manual trans which does not have the telescoping wheel. When I adjust the seat for the proper distance from the wheel, the seat bottom is too close so my thighs to not come in contact with the seat bottom hense, there is no thigh support, which is very uncomfortable after just a short drive. What I did was remove the two front seat bolts and placed a shime under the seat frame which, when longer bolts a reinstalled, lifts the front of the seat up about 1.5 inches. This perfect for me because my thighs are supported by the seat all the way to the end of the cushion. THIS GREATLY IMPROVES THE COMFORT OF THE SEAT!!! This should work well for anyone who has no thigh support

#9 of 34 What is stranger... by hwyhobo

Jul 31, 2010 (12:11 pm)

What is even stranger is that I drove a Kia for 10 years prior, and it had wonderful suspension and seats. Suspension was firm, but swallowed easily minor imperfections in the road and was a delight to drive on mountain twisties and side roads. Since Hyundai owns Kia, what did they do to that technology? Throw it away? Why would they put such an unrefined suspension in the Elantra Touring? Why the punishing seats?
 
Why don't the reviews mention the "three-bounces-on-a-pebble" suspension? Do all reviewers only drive on perfect freeways?

#10 of 34 Re: What is stranger... [hwyhobo] by jlflemmons

Jul 31, 2010 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Jul 31, 2010 12:11 pm)
I drive my SE in Austin, Texas, where rough irregular pavement is the norm, not the exception. I have not notice any issues with harshness in the ride on anything but the stuff that is just crazy rough. The tires are a bit stiffer than the GLS, but not at all what I would call harsh.

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