2018-2023 Kia Stinger Front Headrest: A Guide to Nappa, GT-Line, and Color Options
This guide explains the critical differences in upholstery and features to help you find the exact matching front headrest for your Stinger GT, GT-Line, or GT2.
- Compatibility is critical: You must match the headrest to your Stinger's trim (GT-Line vs. GT2) and interior color (Black, Red, Beige) to ensure the leather type and shade are correct.
- All Stinger front headrests are 'Active Head Restraints' that can deploy forward in a crash. A deployed headrest can often be reset without needing replacement.
- There are no direct-fit aftermarket headrests; buying a used OEM part is the most cost-effective solution for a matching replacement.
- Replacement is a simple, tool-free, DIY job that takes less than five minutes.
Variant Differences: The Key to Compatibility
Choosing the correct used headrest for your Kia Stinger depends entirely on matching it to your vehicle's specific trim level and interior package. Using a headrest from a different trim may result in mismatched materials and colors. The primary differences are the type of leather and the color.
Warning: Before purchasing, carefully compare photos of the used part with your vehicle's existing headrests. Pay close attention to the leather's texture (smooth Nappa vs. standard leather grain) and the exact shade of the color.
| Trim Level | Upholstery Material | Available Colors | Key Identifying Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-Line (and base GT) | Standard Leather | Black, Red | Has a more noticeable grain texture compared to Nappa leather. The red is a vibrant color option. |
| GT1 / GT2 | Nappa Leather | Black, Red, Beige | Premium, smoother, and softer-feeling leather. The red Nappa leather was a signature option for GT2 models. |
Symptoms of a Faulty or Deployed Headrest
Failure of a Stinger headrest is typically related to its active safety system deploying or physical damage.
1. Headrest is Angled Sharply Forward and is Hard
This is the primary symptom of a deployed Active Head Restraint (AHR). The headrest is not broken, but has done its job in response to a perceived impact. In some cases, these systems can deploy without a collision. The headrest will be locked in its forward-most position, close to the occupant's head, and will feel solid.
Pro Tip: Before buying a new headrest, you can try to reset a deployed one. From the back seat, grip the cushioned part of the headrest firmly with both hands and press it down and back into the main shell of the headrest. It requires significant force, but it should click and lock back into its normal position. If it does not click back in, the internal plastic latch may be broken, and the headrest will need to be replaced.
2. Physical Damage or Wear
More common issues are related to physical condition, especially on used parts. These include:
- Torn or Cracked Upholstery: Seams splitting or leather cracking from sun exposure or use.
- Collapsed Foam: The internal foam cushioning has compressed and no longer provides support.
- Broken Adjustment Mechanism: The headrest will not stay in a raised position or the forward/backward adjustment no longer works.
- Rattling Noises: A loose internal component in the active headrest mechanism can cause rattling inside the seat.
Buying a Used 2018-2023 Stinger Front Headrest
A used OEM headrest is an excellent value, as aftermarket options that match factory interiors are generally not made. However, careful inspection is key.
- Verify the Part Number: If possible, get the part number from the seller and match it to the known variants. For example, 88700-J5110CKS is for a base model with black standard leather. 88700-J5120CPX is for a model with beige Nappa leather.
- Inspect the Upholstery: Scrutinize the photos for any tears, scuffs, stains, or seam separation. Pay special attention to the area where a head would rest, as this is where wear is most common.
- Check the Leather Type: Ask the seller to confirm if the headrest is from a GT-Line or a GT2. Compare the texture in the photos to your own seats. Nappa leather is visibly smoother than the standard leather.
- Examine the Color: Be aware that lighting can alter the appearance of colors in photos. A "red" headrest from a GT-Line may be a different shade than a "red" Nappa headrest from a GT2. When in doubt, ask for a picture of the part in natural light.
- Check the Guide Posts: Ensure the two metal posts are straight and free of rust or damage. Bent posts will make installation difficult or impossible.
- Confirm it is Not Deployed: Look at the headrest from the side. If it appears to be jutting extremely far forward, it may be a deployed active headrest. Ask the seller to confirm it is in its normal, reset position.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Kia or the NHTSA related to the front seat headrests for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger. While other recalls exist for the Stinger for issues like wiring harnesses or oil pipes, the headrests themselves have not been the subject of a safety campaign. Some owners have reported general discomfort due to the forward angle of the headrest, a common issue in modern cars designed for whiplash safety. Adjusting the headrest's fore-aft position often resolves this.
Replacement Guide
Replacing the front headrest is extremely easy and requires no tools.
- Difficulty: 1 out of 5
- Time: Less than 5 minutes
Step-by-step instructions:
- Raise the headrest to its highest position.
- At the base of the metal posts, you will see plastic collars. Press and hold the release button on one of the collars. Some models may have a second, smaller release button on the other collar that must be pressed simultaneously with a small tool or key.
- While holding the release button(s), pull the headrest straight up and out of the seat.
- To install the new headrest, simply align the posts with the holes in the seat and push it down until it clicks into the desired height position.
Cost Comparison
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $200 - $350 |
| Used OEM | $75 - $175 |
| New Aftermarket | Not typically available as a direct replacement. Upholstery kits are available for over $1,500. | 🎬 See this walkthrough on replacing seat covers
| Shop Labor | $0 (DIY recommended) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I upgrade my GT-Line headrest to a GT2 Nappa leather one?
Physically, it will fit, as the mounting posts are the same. However, the Nappa leather will not match the standard leather on your other seats in texture or sheen, which may be undesirable aesthetically.
How do I adjust the headrest forward and backward?
To move the headrest forward, simply pull the top of it toward the front of the car. It will click into several positions. To move it back to the rearmost position, pull it all the way forward until it can't go any further, then release it. It will spring back to the starting position.
Are the driver's side and passenger's side headrests interchangeable?
Yes, the front driver's side and front passenger's side headrests are the same part and can be swapped with each other.
Can I just remove the headrests if they are uncomfortable?
No. It is extremely dangerous and not recommended to operate the vehicle with the headrests removed. They are a critical safety device required to prevent serious neck injuries in a crash.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 88700-J5110CKS 88700-J5110CLH 88700-J5110CLT 88700-J5120CLZ 88700-J5120CNZ 88700-J5120CPX 89700-J5020CK4 88700-J5110CLX 88700-J5120CLG
Features Active Head Restraint (AHR) system. Available in standard leather or premium Nappa leather. Features multi-position height and fore-aft adjustment.
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.
- Kia Stinger:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Variant Differences: The Key to Compatibility
- Symptoms of a Faulty or Deployed Headrest
- 1. Headrest is Angled Sharply Forward and is Hard
- 2. Physical Damage or Wear
- Buying a Used 2018-2023 Stinger Front Headrest
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Replacement Guide
- Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off