"active" headrest for safety?

I've noticed that the headrests on my 2009 AC 4x4 manual SR5 seem loose...they make a noise when driving on bumpy roads....took apart the seat and it seems as though they were made this way so if you get in an accident, they actually move forward to support your bead. Take your seat and push real hard from behind the head rest. the whole head rest comes up and forward...anyone else notice this?

 

Yes, this is a standard safety feature on most if not all '09 manufacturer models. My '08 Accord had the active head restraint system.

 

Mine sit too far forward, they're downright uncomfortable. Would love to move em back some.

 

^Wife complains about the head rests in my 07 being too far forward too. They sit just pefect for me.

 

Federal safety specs changed last year. The test is FMVSS 209a, it used to be just 209. they updated a few requirements.

 

Mine too. So much that I have the driver's side on backwards (you can flip it around). I know this is going against the design intent, and is defeating the safety aspect of it, but i can't stand it otherwise. I know the earlier ones interchange, a buddy of mine has a ~2005 and I installed his for a test, but I would love to find out if the earlier gray matches the 2009 gray.

Does anyone know? I realize I could go to the dealer and walk around with my headrest on the used car lot...

If so I would order a 2007 gray headrest (if it's not $300) to have something both comfortable, and safer than my current situation.

 

To maximize comfort tilt the seat back and move it up. The problem is that when the seat back is too upright which causes the headrest to be situated forward.

 

Thanks for the info. I have an SR5 AC.

To clarify, the 2009 rear DC headrest is the same as the ~2005 front AC headrests? If so, sounds like I need a 2009 rear DC headrest.

When did the front headrest design change start? Was 2009 the first year?

 

they need to make the design a little more solid...that shit rattles around like crazy!

 

except tilting the seat back moves your arms further away from the steering wheel.

For me, the seat back needs to be where it needs to be and my head is not comfortable two inches forward of its "normal" location like the factory headrest forces it to be.

 

I know this post is old but I have a 2014 DC and can't believe how uncomfortable the head rest is! Design fail...

 

I like the current headrest design. I have the seatback reclined about 30 deg though.