Driver's Headrest Too High for Petite Wife

[blackcoffee]

Hi, I just purchased a new 2010 Ford Fusion SE for myself (wife already has a nicer car ;) ). I drove the car during the test drive, so the first time my wife was able to drive the car was after we brought it home. Small problem is: my 5'1", 100lb wife's head is pushed forward by the active restraint headrest. The top of the head restraint, which given her short stature towers over her head, is inclined slightly forward. When she sits in the seat, the headrest doesn't allow her head to rest back in a comfortable position.

 

I've tried everything from adjusting the lumbar support to tilting the seat different directions.

 

I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and any solutions or suggest anything I'm overlooking? I suppose the easiest solution is for her to remove the headrest when she drives, but I'm not sure this is a good idea given that it is a safety device. The driver handbooks says the headrest should be in place and that the top of person's head should be level with the top of the headrest.

[Snowball 2010]

Hi, I just purchased a new 2010 Ford Fusion SE for myself (wife already has a nicer car ;) ). I drove the car during the test drive, so the first time my wife was able to drive the car was after we brought it home. Small problem is: my 5'1", 100lb wife's head is pushed forward by the active restraint headrest. The top of the head restraint, which given her short stature towers over her head, is inclined slightly forward. When she sits in the seat, the headrest doesn't allow her head to rest back in a comfortable position.

 

I've tried everything from adjusting the lumbar support to tilting the seat different directions.

 

I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and any solutions or suggest anything I'm overlooking? I suppose the easiest solution is for her to remove the headrest when she drives, but I'm not sure this is a good idea given that it is a safety device. The driver handbooks says the headrest should be in place and that the top of person's head should be level with the top of the headrest.

 

Hi blackcoffee, I know what you're talking about. I'm average height 5-9 and I was very upset with the headrest issue. Having said that, I've had my 2010 Fusion for over a year now and I am now

accustomed with the headrest and I don't notice it anymore. But, for your petite wife, I don't know if she will ever get used to the headrest. I guess time will tell, good luck with your wonderful choice

of ride. Ciao.

[akirby]

Take them off and flip them around backwards if she can't get used to them by leaning the seats back. Not as safe but definitely more comfortable.

[drolds1]

I think the first thing to consider is that they're not headrests. They're head restraints and as such, are intended t protect you from a whiplash injury in the event of a rear-ender. Larger and more forward-leaning head restraints were mandated by the government several years ago, not Ford.

 

I realize that this does nothing to alleviate your problem, but there is a solution arrived at by another member here. It just takes some cash. He had the restraints modified by a trim shop. They did a superb job. Read about it here.

 

You night have to shop around to find a place to do this. Our friend wanted a Toyota Solara convertible. She's 4'11' and weighs 90lbs. She couldn't see anything out the back b/c of the rear head restraints. Several dealers told then there was nothing they could do about it. They finally found one that said "no problem." They sent it out to their trim shop where they removed the restraints and reupholstered the rear seatback. They did a masterful job. It looks like it came from the factory that way and she's happy.

[Fuze-ion]

I read in another Fusion Forum, that someone went to their dealer and got a pair of the front headrest from a Taurus, that matched the interior color. Those headrest were not as forward as the ones in the Fusion. I guess you would need to see a set at your dealer. Let us know!