Headrests

(I'm betting this won't be one of those 1,500-response threads.)

My 2017 Tacoma headrests are set at a strange angle forward. Wondering how I or a passenger would fare in a rear-end collision because if I press my head back on the headrest and push my shoulders back into the seat it pushes my chin almost down to my chest, with my neck at very uncomfortable angle forward. Is there some mystery science behind this design? Are they on backwards maybe?

 

http://www.ttguide.net/active_head_restraints_access_cab_and_double_cab_models_only_-31.html

 

I had two experiences with headrests.

Our Dodge Stratus: I could move my head quite far back before making contact even when properly adjusted and pressing myself into the seat back. I assumed that Dodge properly engineered the seat back cushion and head rest positioning. I did get rear ended in that car and down the road was diagnosed with latent whiplash. I had a sore neck the next day but didn't realize that it indicated something important. Lesson learned.

Our old saab 9-3 (a.k.a. the Target): This thing attracted other cars. We were rear ended multiple times in it, mostly sitting at stoplights. Just freaking weird. It had properly placed, active heat rests, similar to what is shown in the link above. Although, they did move a lot more that I have found on the Taco. During the collisions, it felt like my noggin was being cushioned in a catchers mitt. I did have some lower back pains after a couple of the collisions, but nothing significant.

For the Taco, I did notice the forward tilt and tried to adjust it back. No go, it seems. That said, in a collision, you want the restraint close, if not touching, your head. Whiplash comes from your head whipping in overextention. You definitely won't get that in the Taco.

You can get whiplash over extending your neck forward, but the airbag will be there for that.

 

That really can be annoying. My ex had a Lexus where the headrests hit me totally wrong and it was something I couldn't make work so I never drove that car.

 

There was one guy on here who mounted the rear seat headrests backward, shoved the heads forward to the passenger's chin. The front seat headrests are positioned with an angle forward for safety. I'm comfortable enough, think all Toyotas have a similar style.

 

Probably unsafe, but the headrests were at such an uncomfortable angle for me that I decided to flip them. Its a calculated risk. I spend all day working on a computer screen hunched forward, when I get in my truck to drive home I like being able to stretch my neck muscles in the opposite direction.

 

I'm not finding it annoying so much as wondering if it's unsafe. If your shoulders get pushed back into the seat (I'm not actually sure that happens in a rear-ender) it seems like your neck gets bent at a dangerous angle forward and your chin gets forced into your chest, due to the weird position of the headrest. Am I making sense?

 

With all the safety engineering that goes into cars. I think that they know what they are doing.

 

Greetings to all and thank you for the add.

FWIW, I just sold my 2005 Tacoma and purchased a 2017 SR5 4X4, here in Tucson. The headrests are hands down THE single - and absolute WORST design adjustment I've ever seen implemented, across my 7 vehicles (throughout my life) for 30+ years. It literally is a defunct, pain inducing, non-human aligned formula. I certainly agree with a few higher posts that the 'engineers' have enslaved the idea to create the best possible, healthiest outcome for a whiplash scenario; but at what cost? Comfort? My dream was to purchase a new Taco heading into retirement but this thing is beyond annoying and extremely and I mean EXTREMELY uncomfortable at this angle! Im actually befuddled at this atrocious design. Certainly, had I realized this was 'that' bad up front, I think I would have considered an alternative though I was dead set with purchasing another Taco from loving them so much. My last one lasted 13 years and was a JOY to drive - forever, day and night. The wife never had to worry about driving. Now, I'm perplexed, and frankly pi$$ed with this... I'm now forced to find an alternative headrest, bend these or go for older headrest as these simply will NOT do. With that, across numerous alternative forums, I'm seeing this complaint over and over - and to this level. Why Toyota screwed with this, is a shame but it is what it is as they say.

So what 'really' can be done here outside of logistically swapping these out? The discomfort level is seriously the biggest thumbs down here with me, and, if I can't find a suitable correction, I think my new purchase may just have to be sold. It's just that much of a discouragement. In truth though, I'm an extremely pro-Tacoma user, supporter and fan so please don't read me wrong. Just wished there was a suitable solution like adjustable headrests... Has anyone actually acquired adjustable headrests that compare to the looks/style of the originals? Thoughts?

 

I had notches cut out of mine so i could have it in backwards and still have height adjustment without shoving something under it. I’ve still got chronic neck pain from a previous whiplash situation and found the factory angle unbearable.
My head still rests against it continously, when i’m using good posture

 

So with my 2017, it literally just fit in (backwards) without any cutting mods. Hate to bark but now it's extremely far to the back, but at least it's not jamming my neck to my collarbone, LOL. It's going to have to stay that way until I can find a mod, replace them with older ones that do not have that incredibly stupid rake or something else.

Appreciate the comment.

I'll communicate back what I find out. Overall, absolutely love the truck but noticed what others stated about power loss over the 4.0L motors of yesteryear. Otherwise solid frame and believe Toyota (minus the headrest) keeps making these better each year. Cheers!

 

Headrests? These trucks have them? Owned my truck for three years and never noticed.

 

I am a new 2017 SR5 4x4 Tacoma owner with lingering neck issues from 2 previous rear-endings in my Solara. I first noticed an issue with these horrible head "restraints" in my friend's Lexus SUV, I thought it was my ponytail hitting it and keeping my head tilted forward but now that I have my Tacoma and drove it a lot last week, the neck pain is unbearable. Short of bending the rods or turning it backwards (I tried turning it around and it left way too much room, don't even want another whiplash), has anyone found any from an older model that fit and work and if so what year? Thinking of turning it backwards and finding some kind of foam wedge. I've adjusted my seat and the head restraint every way I can to no relief. I was hoping I could take the headrests from the back seat but they don't come out

 

I had mine machined to have notches to work backwards. Previously i used a pill bottle beneath the backwards headrest to keep it to a better height that would support my neck better. And the rear ones do come out, they’re just a little difficult. Not sure if it would match up with the front

 

My Tacoma seat and head rest took getting g used to for me. Causes some mid back issues for me bc of the headrest and my height I guess. It's the only gripe i have with my truck.

 

What year Tacoma would I need to look for, say in a junkyard or Ebay, to get the older flatter headrests? Are the 2nd gens flatter?

 

No idea, this is my first tacoma. Previous generation headrests May not fit into the same slots anyway. I’d try an upholstery or machine shop to change the bend of the metal.

 

Okay there is an easy fix
My physical therapist told me that auto manufacturers angle the headrests forward because most people have bad posture (forward head) and this design reduces the risk of whiplash. If its pushing your head forward and bothering you, you can just switch it around and install it facing backwards. I've done this in my own truck and I just try to remember to keep my head against the headrest so I dont get whiplash.