2015-2017 Lexus NX200t Front Headrest Set: The Critical F-Sport Compatibility Guide

The Single Most Important Rule: F-Sport Only

Symptoms of a Damaged Headrest

Since these are passive components, they don't 'fail' in a mechanical or electrical sense. Instead, look for signs of physical damage or wear that can compromise both comfort and safety.

• Torn or Cracked Upholstery: The F-Sport seats use Lexus's NuLuxe synthetic leather. 🎬 See: How to repair damaged Lexus NuLuxe upholstery Look for rips, tears, or deep cracks in the material, especially along the seams. This is primarily a cosmetic issue but can worsen over time.
• Collapsed or Deformed Foam: If the headrest feels unusually hard, lumpy, or flat, the internal foam cushion has likely degraded. A compromised cushion will be uncomfortable and may not provide adequate support in a collision.
• Bent Mounting Posts: The two steel posts that slide into the seatback can become bent from an accident or improper removal. Bent posts will make installation impossible or cause the headrest to sit at an incorrect angle.
• Faulty Height Adjustment: The headrest should click securely into multiple height positions. If it slides freely, won't lock into place, or the release button is stuck, the internal locking mechanism is broken. An improperly adjusted headrest can increase the risk of whiplash.

Buying a Used Front Seat Headrest Set: What to Check

Purchasing a used OEM headrest set is a cost-effective way to replace a damaged or missing one. Because these are F-Sport specific, attention to detail is key to getting the right part.

1. Confirm F-Sport Origin

Before buying, confirm the donor vehicle was an F-Sport model. The F-Sport seats have significantly larger side bolsters on both the seat cushion and seat back compared to the flatter standard seats. If the seller provides the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a Lexus dealer or an online VIN decoder can be used to confirm the trim package.

2. Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check the Upholstery: Inspect the black NuLuxe material for any stains, rips, or sun fading. Pay close attention to the stitching; it should be tight and consistent, with no frayed ends.
• Squeeze the Foam: The foam should feel firm but pliable, and consistent throughout. There should be no hard spots or areas that feel empty.
• Examine the Posts: Look down the length of both steel posts to ensure they are perfectly straight and parallel. Check for any rust or corrosion.
• Test the Release Button: Press the plastic release button for the height adjustment. It should depress smoothly and spring back into position.
• Verify the Color: The part number 71910-78080-C4 corresponds to black. The F-Sport was also available with a red interior, which uses a different part number. Ensure the color matches your vehicle's interior.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

There are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Lexus or the NHTSA for the front headrests on the 2015-2017 NX200t.

However, owners should be aware of several important safety recalls for the vehicle in general:

• Fuel Pump Recall: A recall was issued for a low-pressure fuel pump that could fail, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving.
• Airbag Sensor Recall: Certain vehicles were recalled because faulty airbag sensors could prevent the side, curtain, or front airbags from deploying in a crash.
• ABS Actuator Recall: A defect in the ABS actuator could lead to a loss of vehicle stability control.

These recalls are not related to the headrests but are critical for vehicle safety. Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN on the NHTSA website.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used vs. Repair

Replacement Guide

Replacing the front headrests is extremely simple and requires no tools.

• Difficulty: 1 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 5 minutes

Steps:

1. To remove the old headrest, press and hold the small release button located on the plastic trim ring of one of the headrest posts.
2. While holding the button, pull the headrest straight up and out of the seatback.
🎬 Watch: Quick video tutorial on removing your headrest
3. To install the new headrest, simply align the posts with the holes in the seatback and push it down until it clicks into the desired height position.
4. Adjust the headrest height by pressing the same release button and sliding it up or down until it is positioned correctly behind your head.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)