I've had my 2011 Malibu 2lt with the faux suede interior for about 2 months now, and the driver's seat is getting more and more painful. I can feel something under the seat fabric that is jabbing at me as I drive along. I'm guessing it is part of the heating elements, but it could be some other sensor. The passenger's side seems to have it as well, but not the back seats. Is this a design flaw or a defect?

I know the manual says to not add cushions to the seats due to overheating potential, but is there anything else that can be done, besides gaining 50 pounds of natural cushion.

If your seat is adjustable, try moving it up just a little. When it is at its lowest setting, it sits on the motor/frame and you can clearly feel it.

I have the 8 way power seats, and it was only recently that I discovered the much higher level of comfort that can be achieved. I used to sit as low and close to the floor as possible.

The seat is pretty high already, any higher and I'd have to drive with my head out the sun roof. There are just hard lumpy bits right beneath the fabric.

Is there anyone else out there with a 2LT with the faux suede interior? If so, do you feel the lumps in your seats, which I think are from the heating elements? I have been using a hand towel on the seat the last week, which helps, but it is ridiculous to have to do this on a brand new car.

I have the same seats and they are not painful. I'm 6'0 230lbs and they feel very comfy. Mine also sits rather low (seat position) and I don't feel anything. Just take it in and tell them what your experiencing.

Maybe the manufacturer or dealer is hiding/stashing "product" or cash in those seats!! Worth investigating!!

J/K, hope this gets resolved, maybe a trip to dealer to get it looked into.

Might be worth doing a little searching in my seats if that's the case ;)

Well no luck for me. The dealer said they were heating elements as I thought they might be, and we looked at a '12 2LT and it has the same lumps. The leather seats on an LTZ did not have noticeable lumps. The problem is that the fabric is just too thin to cushion the heating elements.

His only suggestion is to get aftermarket leather coverings for $1000. Not something I really want to for over after paying all that $$ for this car. I'll file a complaint with the NTSB and maybe Chevy will figure something out.

Mexelby, I'm glad your seats don't bother you, but you also have 65 pounds on me (I'm 6'0 165) which might make all the difference.

I'll file a complaint with the NTSB and maybe Chevy will figure something out.

How do you figure that an uncomfortable seat is a safety issue ?? :confused:

I have mine set at about mid range. The lower settings gives me lower back pains after I drive for a long period of time. Other than that, no lumps or painful seats for me either.

I know it would distract from the seating elements, but what about a thin seat cushion or folded towel or something of that nature?

Maybe something like the gel seat cushion from this site (http://wondergel.com/seats.html?gclid=CLGtjZfWsasCFcWd7QodBBhQhQ).

I know it would distract from the seating elements, but what about a thin seat cushion or folded towel or something of that nature?

Maybe something like the gel seat cushion from this site (http://wondergel.com/seats.html?gclid=CLGtjZfWsasCFcWd7QodBBhQhQ).

Ya know, that's not a bad temp fix.....

I did that for a '10 'bu LS that I rented - got me through two weeks of driving until I could swap it out for something else.


Here's an idea for MadScientist to consider (other than using towels, pillows and blankets):

Consider swapping out your front & back seats for those from a wrecked LTZ. Yeah, it sounds a little wacky when you've just bought the car, but more people have their seats either replaced or reupholstered in their new cars than you may realize. I've seen several new F150s and Silverados that had their seats replaced or reupholstered because the owners liked their trucks, but didn't like the seats. Same thing with some of the Honda Civics. You could sell your LT seats to help cover the cost.

It's just an idea - otherwise, if you want to stay with the Malibu and can afford it, maybe you can work out a deal with your dealer to trade your car for a leftover LTZ, or a '12.

Believe me, I have been stuck with some rental cars that had horrible seats before (a Mitsubishi Galant damned near crippled me after a 230 mile drive), so I have felt your pain! :mad: