The seats in the Nissan NV200 wear out quickly and feel hard because of the high seating position. When getting out, drivers slide over the edge of the seat cushion, which damages the foam underneath. Even with low mileage, the material crumbles away. Below you can read why this happens and which solutions are available.
Why the NV200 seats wear out so quickly
The Nissan NV200 has a specific problem with the driver’s seat. The high seating position means that when you get out you slide across the edge of the seat cushion. This friction affects the seat bolsters and damages the foam under the upholstery. In vans with a lower seating position, such as the Renault Kangoo, or with a higher step-in like the Renault Master, this issue is less of a problem.
The problem mainly affects owners who get in and out of the vehicle many times a day. Taxi drivers and camper owners regularly report that the seats lose their comfort in a short time. Even in relatively new vehicles with low mileage, the foam is sometimes already damaged.
‘ The combination of hard foam, limited support and rapid wear makes long-distance driving tiring. ’
Seats are uncomfortable on long journeys
The basic version of the NV200 has limited adjustment options for the driver’s seat. You can slide the seat forwards and backwards, adjust the height and change the position of the backrest. In electric versions, height adjustment is operated via a switch. There is also a rotary knob for lumbar support.
However, these adjustment options do not solve the comfort issue on long journeys. The combination of hard foam, limited support and rapid wear makes long-distance driving tiring. This is especially true once the foam has been damaged.
Possible causes of the problem
Several factors contribute to the NV200 seats being uncomfortable:
- The high seating position causes extra friction when getting out
- The foam under the upholstery crumbles due to repeated pressure
- The seats offer little lumbar adjustment in basic models
- With heated seats, the heating element (heater pad) sometimes speeds up the wear
This is not an officially recognised manufacturing defect, but it does occur regularly. On forums and in repair videos, owners often report similar complaints.
How to improve seating comfort in the NV200
Fortunately, there are ways to improve comfort. You can either do it yourself or get help from an automotive upholsterer.
Repair it yourself or reupholster the seat
Remove the worn foam and replace it with new material. Use hog rings to fasten the upholstery securely. For heated seats, it is possible to transfer the existing heating element (heater pad) to the new foam. This saves costs and keeps the heating function intact. On YouTube you can find complete guides on retrimming NV200 seats.
Optimise the seat adjustment
Use the switch to adjust seat height and angle for a better posture. Turn the lumbar knob for extra lower back support. Pull the lever to slide the seat forwards or backwards and to adjust the backrest. Always make sure the backrest is fully locked after adjustment.
Prevent further damage
Do you want to buy used seats as replacements? Then choose examples with low mileage and check the foam for hidden wear. Many owners fit seat covers to reduce further friction. This option works well for camper conversions.
Regularly combine checking the seats with inspections of other parts, such as tyres and transmission. This keeps the overall comfort of the vehicle at a good level.
‘ In all these models, the seats prioritise functionality over long-term comfort. ’
Facts about the NV200 and seating comfort
The Nissan NV200 was designed with the emphasis on practical use and space. There are various versions available, including the Combi with seven seats and a more luxurious passenger version. In all these models, the seats prioritise functionality over long-term comfort.
For camper owners the problem is even more significant, because the seats can be folded down for extra space. This increases the strain on the seat bolsters. In addition to seat problems, vibrations and noises from the suspension also affect ride comfort (suspension noise).
Always test the seats thoroughly during a test drive if you are considering buying an NV200. Pay particular attention to the condition of the seat bolsters and the firmness of the foam.
On the Carnews website, you will find more information about vehicle maintenance, comfort improvements and useful tips for various models. Discover which solutions suit your situation and keep your vehicle in top condition.
Frequently asked questions
For the Nissan NV200 there are various aftermarket options such as completely new ergonomic seats (e.g. Recaro or other comfort/camper seats) that can be mounted on the original seat rails via adapters. In addition, many owners have the original seats rebuilt with better and thicker foam and, if desired, extra lumbar support (retrim). You can also use special foam or gel inlay cushions and high-quality seat covers to reduce pressure points and friction. Camper and taxi converters often offer ready-made comfort packages with improved seats or modified cushions specifically for the NV200.
For a Nissan NV200, the costs for replacing or upgrading the seats are roughly between €500 and €1,500 for the two front seats, depending on whether you only have the foam and upholstery renewed or fit complete (aftermarket) seats. Simply rebuilding the foam and retrimming is the cheapest option, while full comfort or sports seats (with extra adjustment options) are at the upper end of the range. The investment is usually worthwhile if you drive many miles or use the vehicle as a taxi/camper, because the ride comfort and durability of the seats clearly improve. If you drive little, just a (decent) seat cover or limited foam repair is often more sensible economically.
The seating comfort of the Nissan NV200 is rated by many users as mediocre compared with other compact vans and MPVs, mainly due to the quickly wearing seat bolsters and less refined ergonomics. With intensive daily use (such as taxis or campers), the seats become hard and sag more quickly than in competing models, such as some Renault or Volkswagen vans. The adjustment options are fairly basic and focused on functionality rather than long-distance comfort. As a result, in terms of seating comfort the NV200 generally scores below the level of modern MPVs and the better-equipped versions of rival vans.
Use a well-fitting, good-quality seat cushion or orthopaedic gel cushion to reduce pressure on your seat and lower back. Adjust the seat so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips, with sufficient lumbar support via the rotary knob and with the backrest not too flat. If necessary, place a separate lumbar support or a rolled-up towel in the lower back for extra support. Use sturdy, smooth seat covers to limit friction and further wear on the bolsters and to slightly soften the seating feel.
Yes, an uncomfortable seating feel in the Nissan NV200 is a common complaint among owners. In particular, rapid wear of the seat bolsters and foam means that seats feel hard or saggy. This is made worse by the high seating position, which causes drivers to slide over the edge of the seat cushion when getting out. Online forums and user reviews confirm that this problem occurs regularly, especially with intensive use.
