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Seat head rest issue

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by randomwalk101, Jul 16, 2016.

  1. randomwalk101

    randomwalk101 DYI'er

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    Found this complaint online. I tend to agree.

    There is an ongoing issue with the head rests on this vehicle. The default setting is much too far forward, causing a forward head and neck posture, resulting in headaches, neck pain, etc., and make it very uncomfortable to drive, and difficult to check blind spots. It also forces the driver's head very close the airbag, which is supposedly very dangerous. If you move the seat back, then you are too reclined to drive attentively.​

     
  2. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    I haven't felt the issue with the head rest. There was someone here discussing turning them around. I don't recall if it could be done or he did it.
     
  3. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    It was said that the headrest could be flipped front to back to provide more distance.
     
  4. mark27lim

    mark27lim Active Member

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    I thought headrests were meant only for preventing whiplash in collision and not to be used whilst driving ? no issues with mine in this regard.


    iPhone ?
     
  5. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    I haven't tried flipping it yet, I agree the headrest is improper, I like to lean my head back on the head rest with it below me, this one is above me and flat, very inconvenient, I like the head rest to hold the weight of my head, my lumbar is fully supported and my head steady, good to see a thread, will try flipping.
     
  6. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Are there any legal or insurance implications - as the car is approved with certain features which include the head-restraints?

    Check out
    - about 1:50. If the head-restraint was reversed, the outcome could be quite different.
     
  7. randomwalk101

    randomwalk101 DYI'er

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    Damn they're wrecking the Prius with fog lights. Please give me that set of fogs before you wreck it. Lol
     
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  8. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    It might all buff out.

    The FogLights are hopeless. They'll only come on with the headlights and that destroys the purpose. They're intended to shine low WITHOUT the headlights so they don't reflect light back into your eyes from the fog.

    I've had 2 VOLVOs and a Euro FORD with Fog Lights and they worked without the headlights and were wonderful in fog.
     
  9. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Not being a Gen4 owner I can't check this possibility. But is there any chance that these head restraints are multi-position versions, and are simply set too far forward?

    My other car (a MY2014 design) has 5-position restraints. Pulling forward on the top of the cushion ratchets it one notch forward, then it cycles around to the rear-most position. I didn't notice this until the spouse complained about the position. Touching the restraint changed its position. A couple more touches and it was golden.

    Vertically, don't set these too low, or they won't properly do their primary job of protecting against whiplash.
     
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  10. Chuck815

    Chuck815 Junior Member

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    My 2016 four touring (USA) has head rests that are too forward for my comfort. They are not adjustable except for up and down. I discovered that the headrests from my 2014 fit the same mounting holes and they are set 1-2 inches further back. For now, I have put my 2014 headrests in the driver seats of both cars. Too bad the colors don't quite match. Toyota will sell me new ones (2014) but I have not swallowed the $150 each price yet. Still looking for a better solution.
     
  11. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    No issues. I must have the upper seat reclined just right, as I don't even feel the headrest unless I purposely move my head back.
     
  12. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    No issues for me as well. Also because I don't use it to rest my head on it.
    Head rest is actually a misleading name. The purpose of it is to avoid whiplash in case of a frontal crash. So while driving, your head doesn't (or shouldn't even) "rest" on it at all.

    Fog lights are integrated in daytime running lights which are compulsory in EU - hence they need to test the car with them...
     
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