Car Headrest

A car headrest, more accurately called a head restraint, is designed to help reduce the risk of neck injuries during a collision. It limits how far the head can move backward in a rear-end impact, helping protect against whiplash.

Headrests are designed for specific seat styles and vehicle models. To ensure proper fitment, verify your vehicle's year, make, model, and trim level, or use your VIN when available.

Although the vehicle will still operate, driving without a headrest is not recommended. Headrests are designed to help reduce neck movement during rear-end collisions and can lower the risk of whiplash injuries. Replacing a missing headrest helps restore an important factory safety feature.

A headrest may become difficult to adjust due to worn locking mechanisms, damaged guide sleeves, or debris inside the seat tracks. In some cases, replacing the headrest assembly is the simplest solution.

For the best protection, the top of the headrest should be level with the top of your head or at least the top of your ears. The headrest should also sit as close to the back of your head as possible without causing discomfort.

No. Headrests vary by vehicle make, model, seat design, mounting post spacing, and adjustment mechanism. A headrest from one vehicle will not necessarily fit another, even if the seats appear similar.

Used OEM headrests are often a good replacement because they were originally manufactured for a specific seat design and vehicle model. This helps ensure the correct fit, appearance, and adjustment functionality. Many drivers choose used OEM headrests to replace missing or damaged restraints while maintaining the factory look of the vehicle interior.