Front Seat Head Restraint Problems of Honda Civic - part 1

The head restraints and seat configurations of these Honda Civics cause severe back pain, as diagnosed by my doctor and chiropractor. I have only owned the car for six weeks and have spent > 20 hours getting xrays, physical therapy, and various re-alignment treatment because of the unsafe and harmful configuration of these seats. Per the Honda representative, they stated that these head restraints and seat shapes comply with safety requirements associated with the airbags. However, nhsta and others have failed to realize that in an attempt to mitigate "hypothetical whiplash", they are promoting actual, widespread, severe damage to drivers.

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Civic 🔎.

Head restraints are extremely uncomfortable and cause back and neck pain. No way to adjust the seat of restraints enough to alleviate the discomfort.

See all problems of the 2013 Honda Civic 🔎.

Ongoing issue. Headrest angle is nonadjustable (only height is) and thus isn't safe for everyone. It pushes the head down and compromises spinal alignment. People with thinner torsos or who sit more upright are at the most risk. Options to fix this involve using padding on the back of the seat or bending the bars in the headrest, both of which would provide sufficient daily comfort, but could result in injury in an accident. A much better solution would be the ability to adjust the angle of the head restraint for proper positioning and associated instructions in the safety section of the car's manual.

See all problems of the 2015 Honda Civic 🔎.

The headrests are designed too far forward, causing neck, back and shoulder strain to anyone sitting in the front seats for extended periods.

See all problems of the 2008 Honda Civic 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the head restraints force her head forward in a difficult position. The contact was uncomfortable while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the head rests could not be adjusted for safety reasons. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 5,500.

Headrest to far forward, causing neck pain.

Headrest and concaved seats are making my life miserable. I have a long commute in la traffic to/from work. I usually use the time to relax and decompress from a day of teacher, instead this time has become dreadful and painful experience. I've have back problems and next problem for years and I've recently realized its my stupid car! I just returned from a 3 week trip and my back problems were nonexistent during my travels. . . First day back home and driving and my back is killing me again! in hindsight, this has been the same for previous trips. Such a disappointment as I've been a loyal Honda driver.

The seat is far from ergonomic including the headrest. There is minimal to no lumbar support. The headrest is angled causing the occupants head to be forced forward in an unnatural position. This has resulted in pins and needle sensation in both arms and legs and multiple visits to my chiropractor. The pain and discomfort last long after I am out of the car leading to sleepless nights.

See all problems of the 2012 Honda Civic 🔎.

Headrest's fixed, forward protruding angle causes me driver fatigue and shape of seats causes numbness. These affect driver reaction and pose risk. I would much prefer the pre-2009 headrests because I was able to stay alert and not have my head shoved forward in an uncomfortable, non-ergonomic manner that causes fatigue within just minutes of driving. Please stand up to the insurance companies.

The head restraint and seat are awful. Neck is so far pushed forward, it goes numb, gets stiff, travels to the rest of body. Get incredibly dizzy after driving. Legs get stiff and numb from no lower lumbar support. Never had anything even remotely close to this issue before purchasing car. I'm a trainer, live a very active life. My quality of life has decreased due to pain and suffering from this vehicle.

The Honda head restrain is uncomfortable and causing a disc bulge in my neck at c-5/c-6. Basically, the head restraint is supposed to protect the head from injury in a read-end collision, however I have been injured just by sitting in the seat. Honda does not provide replacement head restrain or adjustable head restraint, which would allow the driver the option to have a vertical instead of forward tilted head restraint/head rest.

The head restraint is uncomfortable enough to cause sever neck pain/injury for me. To protect from whip lash the design is done in way to cause injury to neck. This is really bad, many are going to end up in therapy or orthopedics due to poor design like me :-(.

The regulations on seat head rests have to be changed. I like to sit with my seat back up which forces the head rest into the back of my head forcing my head into a downward position. I endured constant back pain because of the car. I ended up selling my Civic si because it was so uncomfortable and buying an older versa. If I hadn't sold it, I would have bent the actual bars back probably affecting their strength. In fact, for a while I had to drive with the headrest turned around just so the car was bearable.

The head restraints on both the front driver and passenger seats cannot be adjusted forward and backward to accommodate different bodies. For both my wife and I the restraints pushed our heads forward (no matter how adjusted up or down) and didn't allow our upper bodies (shoulder blades, etc) to touch the seat. This is very uncomfortable and gave both of us back and neck pains. This was with the seat adjusted in a comfortable vertical position for us. The head restraints push our heads forward and cannot be adjusted forward or backward, only up and down. In all other respects the car is excellent.

See all problems of the 2014 Honda Civic 🔎.

I own a 2013 Honda. I just found this NHTSA website to register complaints. When I sit in a car, I sit correctly, with the seat fairly upright and my shoulders against the seat back. When I do this in the 2013 Honda, and all new cars I have sat in, my head is forced forward and down in a very unnatural, uncomfortable position. The only way I can look at the rod is to lift my shoulders off the seat back, and then my entire upper body weight is supported by my neck. The problem is the headrest is at least 1 inch too far forward. My wife cannot sit in the car for more that 30 minutes without getting a headache. My wife is a physiotherapist with 30 years experience. Her comment is that the headrests are forcing us to sit in ergonomically incorrect positions. Older cars had vertical headrests that did not cause this problem. I understand the new headrest positions are due to NHTSA regulations phased in in 2009 to prevent whiplash. The only way I can drive my car now is to pull the headrest out and put them in backwards. This obviously results in less whiplash protection than even the old vertical headrests from a web search, I have found that many other car owners are being forced to do the same thing. Now in many new cars you cannot remove the headrest to turn it around. Because of this NHTSA ruling I will not be able to buy a new car, and the car I drive is not safe in the case of a rear end collision. (note: I live in canada but am affected by this NHTSA ruling. The zip code and phone number below are not valid, as only us information is allowed in these fields).

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic. While attempting to decelerate at an unknown speed, the contact depressed the brake pedal and it became stuck to the floorboard. The failure caused the contact to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The seat belts failed to restrain the contact and the front air bag failed to deploy. As a result, the contact sustained injuries to the head, neck and back. The second driver also sustained injuries. The contact received medical attention and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 82,000.

See all problems of the 2003 Honda Civic 🔎.

The head restraints on the 2013 Honda Civic ex are angled so sharply that they cause neck pain and are a severe distraction while driving. The immediate solution is to turn them around, which render them much less effective, thus creating a huge safety issue (but that's what just about everyone I talked to suggested and/or has already done. ) the other solution is to have them modified, which is another safety issue. My calculation is that they need to be tilted back at least 15 degrees, but most likely 20.

The head restraints on this model of Civic ( and other 2012-2014 ), possibly other models such as the accord are angled so forward to prevent whiplash, to the order of -150mm. These push the head of the driver way forward, forcing into a posture where the head is bent forward. To avoid this the seat has to be reclined back, where in back has no support and the driver is bent like a "c" trying to reach the steering. This has caused serve back problems, and associated problems with the back, neck and shoulder. This is a well known problem and reported by multiple customers, yet Honda does not acknowledge this or provide an alternative or solution. Honda has made this to look their safety numbers good , to compensate for other week areas , where the overall safety rating increases. Honda's asian models of the very same cars, don't have such forward forcing head rests. This vehicle is not drivable for more than 30 minutes at a stretch and it takes days to recover once the pain sets in. Took the car back the dealer, they suggested removing the headrest all together or turning is back, where the distance is around +150mm, which is not good in preventing a whiplash at all. This problem has caused health issues, multiple doctor visits, time lost and associated costs with the doctors visits and tests. Safety is good, but this has gone in the wrong direction, to protect from whiplash is good, but this design is inducing problems without any accidents. It takes days to recover once the pain sets in. Urge, someone please look into this and force the manufacturers to address the whiplash safety in a right way, instead of cutting corners and taking the easy way out, there by affecting the health of the consumers.

Driver's seat is very uncomfortable. After driving only a few miles my back and legs begin to ache because of the poor seat cushion design, the concave seat back without any lumbar support, and the forward leaning head restraint that keeps me from straightening my back while still maintaining contact with the seat back. I'm tempted to remove the head restraint to reduce the pain somewhat. No manufacturer or dealership repairs have been requested because Honda apparently does not see this as a problem that is their responsibility.

The headrests on this car are such that they push down the heads of both drivers ! they lean forward much too much ! we are 5'6" tall and 4'11" tall. They would be much better if they were just flat rather than canted forward. Very poor design. They don't protect "anything" if they are turned around so that one can actually drive the car !!!.

The contact leases a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the head restraint would make driving uncomfortable. The contact called the dealer but the dealer cannot change the style of the head restraint and stated that the component was compliant with vehicle safety standards. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 2/27/cn updated 3/7/2014.

The seats, particularly the front seats, cause extreme pain in the buttocks and legs. This was not evident during my test drive in another vehicle (same model). But after purchasing the car I am in so much pain after driving about ten minutes that I am seriously considering selling it. I originally thought maybe it was just me, but I now see on line that there are many more people who are having the same issue. I have tried adding lumbar supports and various configurations of pillows but they do not remedy the situation. Additionally, the head restraint is tilted so far forward that one's neck is tilted forward causing another set of issues because you are not driving in the normal position.

Front seat ergonomics are bad! curves your back forward and head down. The headrest is tilted too far forward and down. It has ruined my back. Visibility front and back is minimal. Can't see hood or car corners. Distance to objects, other cars etc. Is a guessing game. When foot is resting on brake and you step on gas, engine drops to idle. Dealer says this is a safety feature. It's dangerous!!!!!.

The head rest of our 2004 Honda Civic lx has the metal frame exposed through the foam. The metal frame is exposed in both head rests of front seats. We are in the process of checking to see if a recall has been made. The concern is if a wreck occurs, the metal frame would cause severe head trauma or even death.

See all problems of the 2004 Honda Civic 🔎.

I am writing to complain about the headrests in my car. I purchased a 2010 Honda Civic lx-s a week and a half ago. After driving it for about an hour, I noticed by neck and shoulders bothering me. My head is being forced downward by the headrests. This occurs in all headrest positions, but is worse when adjusted right behind my head. I have tilted the seat back as far as I safely can and still be able to drive. I am 53 year old female, 5'3" tall, and wear bifocals. I am having difficulty focusing from tachometer to speedometer to road because I cannot moved my head to use the right part of my glasses to see. I cannot tilt my head back at all because of the headrest. I also experienced a headache that evening as well due to eye strain. The NHTSA changed their headrest regulations in 2008. Test dummies for large males were used and then standards were put in place. After spending thousands of dollars on a new car, I am unable to safely drive it. I have to either remove, turn around, or jerry-rig a remedy for the headrest in order to drive and not suffer neck, back, shoulder and visual pain. The cost is my safety in an accident. Or, I can leave the headrest and drive with my posture in a horrid position. I cannot sit up straight, my head is forced downward so I cannot use my bifocals properly, and I cannot tilt the seat back any further and still see over the dashboard. There are complaints all over the internet, specifically for Honda accords and Civics, as well as nissans, mercedes, fords and other makes. I believe you need to reevaluate your recommendations for headrests or at least reissue new ones, indicating the range of the tilt. You recommended the minimum tilt needed for safety, but failed to issue instructions to car manufacturers for the outer edge of tilt - where the tilt would harm drivers, especially short women. Please look into this.

See all problems of the 2010 Honda Civic 🔎.

The headrests in this vehicle cannot be adjusted to the proper height for a shorter female (approx. Below 5'2"). According to the owner's manual, the center of the headrest should be inline with the center of the occupants head. For a shorter person, the headrest cannot be lowered to the proper position. This problem seems to be caused by the shape of the headrest. In the lowest position the headrest pushes forward on the occupants upper head forcing the occupants chin down. This is a very uncomfortable position while driving or riding in the vehicle. I have informed Honda of this problem in September 2009 but they didn't seem too concerned and told me file a complaint with safercar. Gov this issue is causing injury and/or discomfort to passengers and shorter drivers. I am in need of Honda to repair this problem.

See all problems of the 2009 Honda Civic 🔎.

The headrests in this vehicle cannot be adjusted to the proper height for a person shorter than 5'10". According to the Honda's owner's manual, the center of the headrest should be adjusted inline with the center of the occupants head. For a shorter person, the headrest cannot be lowered to the proper position. This problem seems to be caused by the shape of the headrest. In the lowest position the headrest pushes forward on the occupants upper head forcing the occupants chin down. This is a very uncomfortable position while driving or riding in the vehicle and can cause neck injury. I have informed Honda of this problem in September 2009 and November 2009. I am in need of Honda to repair this problem.

Many drivers, myself included, cannot drive a new car with the headrest installed. I must have a straighter than "average" posture. The forward tilting design forces my chin into my chest . While searching for an aftermarket headrest, I realized that many other drivers are having the same problem. They have also resorted to removing or turning the headrest backwards resulting in zero whiplash protection. I imagine that some government bureaucracy mandated the shape of the headreasts that result in a one-size-fits-all result that, unfortunately, leaves a great many individuals exposed to severe injury. Please understand that my body shape does not allow me to just deal with it. While I have not been injured as a result of this design I know, based on the number of internet postings of other people with the same dilemma, that serious injuries have occurred. While driving my new car the first day with the headrest reversed, I let the clutch out a little to fast while stopped on a hill and it caused my head to jerk back. If I had been a little less limber or had given the engine more gas I could have easily been injured. While I am not going to check the box below for injuries certainly other people have been injured. This problem is not specific to this vehicle. Every car I took for a test drive last week had the same poor design that did not allow for individuals to adjust the tilt to safely fit their posture.

My 2009 Honda Civic lx was a total waste of money, simply due to the "anti-whiplash" headrest. I am a 5'5" female, and I have been spending tons of money on chiropractor bills since purchasing my car! I know these are now standard issue, because I have been car shopping for months now, and all the cars (made after 2007) have the same stupid headrest. Who in the world decided these are safe and comfortable??? go to google and you will find forum after forum of people complaining, yet nothing is being done? americans are spending millions of dollars on cars (buying) but NHTSA is trying to make them as uncomfortable as possible. Maybe I should send you my chiropractor bills and a bill for the amount of my time that I am spending trying to find a new car/a comfortable solution??? my neck and back hurt----alot-----all the time now, because I have to drive my car daily, to get to work!!!!.

The headrests in this vehicle cannot be adjusted to the proper height for a shorter female (approx. Below 5'2"). According to the owner's manual, the center of the headrest should be inline with the center of the occupants head. For a shorter person, the headrest cannot be lowered to the proper position. This problem seems to be caused by the shape of the headrest. In the lowest position the headrest pushes forward on the occupants upper head forcing the occupants chin down. This is a very uncomfortable position while driving or riding in the vehicle. I have informed Honda of this problem in September 2009 but they didnt seem too concerned. I am in need of Honda to repair this problem.

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the headrest is extremely uncomfortable in her vehicle because it forces her head to tilt in a forward/downward position. As a consequence, she experiences pain while driving. The contact is 5'2" tall and she must recline the seat to a possibly unsafe position or place a pillow behind her back to maintain a comfortable position. She filed a complaint with the manufacturer. Currently, there are no known remedies to resolve the failure. The failure and current mileages were 9. Updated 3/16/09 updated 03/18/09.

I have owned a brand-new '08 Honda Civic lx four-door sedan, mt for approximately 4-5 weeks. I drive my car 5 days a week, roundtrip each day 140 miles. About 3 weeks in, I suffered excruciating neck/shoulders/back pain. I adjusted the seat all kinds of different ways and moved the headrest up and down, to no avail. Finally, I ripped the headrest completely out and then I drove pain free for about a week. Now, the pain is back, even though the headrest is still facing backward. I have contacted my dealership but haven't heard back yet about a solution. I'm still in severe neck pain, and I currently have no whiplash protection, should I crash, because the head rest is tilted too far back. The forward-jutting headrests are supposed to be a whiplash safety feature, but what good is it if I remove it because I can't tolerate the pain I'm in every day? there is a ton of internet chatter out there about this problem. Thank you.

Purchased 4th Honda Civic this year. Love them! however I also (after I got home with the car) noticed how uncomfortable the head rest was. I also had some neck strain after I got to work because of the position it put my head and neck in. I was unable to drive it for long distances so my husband made a minor adjustment to the head rest. Now it is perfect. I hope they will correct this in future Hondas.

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the head rest is very uncomfortable and causes neck pain. She is only 5'1 and the head rest does not accommodate her height. The vehicle was test driven; however, she did not experience the full affect until after she brought the vehicle home. The head rest is tilted forward and cone shaped. Honda stated that there have only been three complaints for this feature. The dealer stated that the shape of the head rest was to prevent whiplash in the event of a crash. The dealer also stated that there was no way to upgrade or adjust the head rest for safety purposes due to liability. The contact stated that the dealer would not take the vehicle back or make any repairs whatsoever. The only deal that the dealer offered was to give her an upgrade of the Civic for $10,000 more of what her vehicle was worth. They then offered her a 2008 Honda accord that was $6,500 more due to the addendum. The dealer finally offered her a 2007 demo vehicle for $3,000 more. The contact felt that her intelligence was being insulted. The failure mileage was 5 and current mileage was 250. Updated 01-29-08.

Brand new 2007 with tilted head restraints which caused head, neck, back pain. Called dealership, and they stated nothing they could do. I called Honda corporation and awaiting call back. They did said had not had any problems, and in no way am I to modify head rest for any reason. . . Funny ,there were multi websites regarding Civic head rest problems. What am I to do?? a constant headache.

See all problems of the 2007 Honda Civic 🔎.