2022-2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Front Headrest: A Buyer's Guide to Fitment and Inspection
This guide details how to inspect, identify, and replace the front cloth headrest for your 2022-2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, ensuring you get the right part the first time.
- The most critical step is to verify your vehicle's trim level (ES, LE, SE, SEL) to ensure you buy a headrest with the correct black cloth fabric, not suede or leather.
- A headrest is a crucial safety device. Never buy a used headrest with bent metal posts, as this indicates it came from a vehicle involved in an accident.
- Replacement is a tool-free, DIY job that takes less than two minutes by pressing the release button at the base of the post and pulling up.
- No specific recalls exist for the headrest, but a TSB for the 2022 model addresses an issue with the driver's seat height adjustment lever, which can be unintentionally pressed.
Symptoms of a Damaged Headrest
Unlike electronic or mechanical parts, headrest failures are almost always visible or physical. When inspecting a headrest, look for these common symptoms of damage:
- Visible Fabric Damage: This includes rips, tears, cigarette burns, and significant stains. Also, check for heavy discoloration or fading from sun exposure, which can make a used headrest a poor match for your existing interior.
- Unpleasant Odors: Cloth headrests easily absorb smells. A headrest from a smoker's vehicle or one that has been water-damaged can hold odors that are nearly impossible to remove.
- Collapsed Foam: The internal foam cushion should feel firm and supportive. If it feels crunchy, flat, or permanently compressed, it has lost its structural integrity and will be uncomfortable.
- Adjustment Mechanism Failure: The headrest should click securely into different height positions. If it slides up and down freely without locking, or the release button is stuck or broken, the mechanism has failed.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
As of early 2026, there are no specific safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the front headrests of the 2022-2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
However, Mitsubishi did issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that is relevant to the front seats. TSB-22-52A-004 was released for 2018-2020 and 2022 Eclipse Cross models to address an issue where the driver's seat could gradually lower on its own. This was caused by the driver unintentionally hitting the height adjustment lever when entering or exiting the vehicle. The TSB provides a procedure for dealers to replace the lever with a redesigned part. While this TSB does not directly involve the headrest, it is a known issue with the front seat assembly in this vehicle generation.
Warning: A headrest with bent posts is a major red flag. It indicates the vehicle was likely in a significant accident, and the headrest itself may have internal stress fractures, compromising its ability to protect you in a future collision.
Buying a Used 2022-2025 Eclipse Cross Headrest
Purchasing a used OEM headrest is a great way to save money, but careful verification is essential to avoid buying the wrong part. The biggest challenge is matching the fabric and color to your vehicle's specific trim level.
Step 1: Verify Your Vehicle's Interior Trim
The 2022-2025 Eclipse Cross was available in several trims, each with different seating materials. It is crucial to know which one you have before you start shopping. The OEM part number 6971A592XD corresponds to the black cloth headrests.
| Trim Level | Typical Seating Material |
|---|---|
| ES, LE | High Grade Knit Fabric (Typically Black) |
| SE | Premium Fabric with Pattern (High Grade Fabric) or Faux Suede |
| SEL | Faux Suede or Leather (Black or Gray) |
| SEL Touring | Leather |
Always confirm by visually inspecting your seats. An eBay listing for a used part from a 2025 ES model specifically notes the interior code as "QL (BLACK CLOTH)", which can be a helpful reference.
Step 2: Physical Inspection Checklist
When you find a potential used headrest, perform this checklist:
- Check the Posts: Ensure the two metal posts are perfectly straight and free of rust or damage.
- Test the Lock: Press the release button and slide the headrest up and down the posts. It should move smoothly and lock firmly into place when the button is released.
- Inspect the Fabric: Look at the cloth from all angles for stains, burns, or tears. Pay close attention to the seams.
- Squeeze the Cushion: The foam should feel firm and spring back into shape. Avoid any headrest that feels flat or lumpy.
- Confirm the Color: If possible, compare the headrest to your vehicle's interior in natural daylight to ensure the black cloth is not faded and is a perfect match.
Cost Comparison for Eclipse Cross Front Headrest
The cost for a replacement headrest can vary significantly. Since they are typically sold as a set, replacing just one can be difficult when buying new.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Part #6971A592XD) | $225 - $275 |
| New Aftermarket | Not commonly available. Aftermarket options are usually limited to universal seat covers. |
| Used OEM | $75 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $0 - $50 (This is a simple installation that can be done by the owner). |
Replacement Guide (Difficulty: 1/5)
Replacing the front headrest is an extremely simple task that requires no tools and can be completed in under two minutes.
- Locate the small release button on the plastic collar where one of the metal headrest posts enters the top of the seatback.
- Press and hold the release button firmly.
- While holding the button, pull the headrest straight up and out of the seatback. 🎬 Watch: Easy tutorial on how to remove a car seat headrest
- To install the replacement headrest, simply align the two metal posts with the holes in the seatback and push it down. It will click into place as it passes the locking positions.
- Adjust the headrest to the proper height for the occupant and give it a pull upwards to confirm it is securely locked.
Pro Tip: Some owners find the forward angle of modern headrests uncomfortable. While it may be tempting to reverse the headrest, this is extremely dangerous and defeats its whiplash-protection design. Never install a headrest backward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the driver and passenger side front headrests interchangeable?
Yes, for the 2022-2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the front driver and passenger headrests are identical and can be swapped with each other.
Can I use a leather headrest from an SEL on my cloth seats?
Physically, it will fit, as the post dimensions are the same. However, the material and color will not match your interior, which can negatively affect your vehicle's appearance and resale value.
How do I clean a used cloth headrest?
For light cleaning, use a quality automotive upholstery cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber towel (not directly on the headrest), gently agitate the fabric, and then wipe away the residue with a clean, damp cloth. Allow it to air dry completely. For heavy stains 🎬 See: How to shampoo car seats the right way or odors, a professional detailer may be required.
Is it safe to drive without a headrest?
No. Driving without a headrest is extremely dangerous and may be illegal in some areas. It dramatically increases the risk of severe neck injury (whiplash) or death in the event of a rear-end collision. Always ensure headrests are installed and properly adjusted for all occupants.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 6971A592XD
Fits front driver or passenger seat. Material: Black Cloth. For manually adjusted seats.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Symptoms of a Damaged Headrest
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Buying a Used 2022-2025 Eclipse Cross Headrest
- Step 1: Verify Your Vehicle's Interior Trim
- Step 2: Physical Inspection Checklist
- Cost Comparison for Eclipse Cross Front Headrest
- Replacement Guide (Difficulty: 1/5)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off