J.D. Power: U.S. seat quality declines for first time in nine years
Seat design complaints rise as complexity frustrates drivers
J.D. Power: U.S. seat quality declines for first time in nine years
J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study finds increased seat problems, with adjustment complexity and comfort issues impacting owner satisfaction.
2025-08-14T15:20:36+03:00
2025-08-14T15:20:36+03:00
2025-08-14T15:20:36+03:00
Seat quality in the U.S. has worsened for the first time in nine years, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study. The average number of seat-related problems rose by 0.3 per 100 vehicles, with the most common complaints being adjustment complexity, headrest comfort, and seat material wear. Each issue increased by 0.1 PP100 year over year.
Lisa Boor, senior manager at J.D. Power, noted that seats and powertrains have the greatest impact on a car’s appeal. Problems with seats rank second in their effect on owner satisfaction, particularly in cases involving complex controls such as memory or massage functions.
The study surveyed 92,694 owners and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Results indicate that seat design flaws are not limited to mass-market models, with even premium vehicles showing similar issues.
J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study finds increased seat problems, with adjustment complexity and comfort issues impacting owner satisfaction.
Michael Powers, Editor
Seat quality in the U.S. has worsened for the first time in nine years, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study. The average number of seat-related problems rose by 0.3 per 100 vehicles, with the most common complaints being adjustment complexity, headrest comfort, and seat material wear. Each issue increased by 0.1 PP100 year over year.
Lisa Boor, senior manager at J.D. Power, noted that seats and powertrains have the greatest impact on a car’s appeal. Problems with seats rank second in their effect on owner satisfaction, particularly in cases involving complex controls such as memory or massage functions.
The study surveyed 92,694 owners and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Results indicate that seat design flaws are not limited to mass-market models, with even premium vehicles showing similar issues.
