2015-2023 Dodge Charger Headrests: Front Active Restraint Failures and Rear Headrest Guide

Understanding Charger Headrests: A Tale of Two Systems

When discussing headrests for the 2015-2023 Dodge Charger, it's essential to separate the front and rear seats. The rear headrests are simple, passive safety components. The front headrests, however, feature a complex Active Head Restraint (AHR) system that is the source of a significant known issue.

Rear Headrests (Passive)

The rear headrests are straightforward components. Their primary purpose is to be in the correct position to protect a rear passenger in a collision. Failure is almost always cosmetic (torn leather, stains) or physical damage to the support posts, typically from an accident or misuse. There are no electronics or complex mechanical parts in them.

Front Headrests and the Active Head Restraint (AHR) System

The front headrests contain the AHR system. This is a safety feature designed to reduce whiplash. Inside the headrest, a spring-loaded mechanism is held in a 'ready' state by a small plastic bracket or sled. In a rear-end collision, the vehicle's safety sensors trigger a release, allowing the front half of the headrest to spring forward and support the occupant's head.

Symptoms of Failure

Front Active Headrest (AHR)

• Sudden, Loud Deployment: The most common failure is the headrest suddenly bursting open with a loud bang, often described as sounding like a gunshot. This can happen while driving, while parked, or even when the vehicle is off.
• Headrest Pushed Forward: After a spontaneous deployment, the front padded portion of the headrest will be separated from the rear portion and pushed forward, creating a large gap.
• Plastic Debris: You may find small, broken pieces of black plastic on the seat or floor. This is debris from the internal bracket that failed.
• Occupant Startled or Struck: The deployment force is strong enough to strike the back of an occupant's head, which can cause disorientation, headaches, or even a concussion.

Rear Passive Headrest

• Cosmetic Damage: Rips, tears, stains, or fading on the leather or cloth surface.
• Bent Posts: The metal support posts can become bent in an accident, preventing the headrest from seating correctly or adjusting properly.
• Stuck Adjustment Button: The button to adjust the headrest height may become stuck or broken, preventing movement.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

The dominant known issue is the spontaneous deployment of the front Active Head Restraints. This issue has been widely reported by owners of many Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles from this era. The root cause is believed to be the failure of the internal plastic bracket that holds the spring-loaded mechanism under constant tension. Over time, this plastic can become brittle and break, causing the headrest to deploy without an impact.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a lengthy investigation into this issue across millions of vehicles but ultimately closed it without issuing a formal recall, stating they could not find sufficient evidence of serious injuries. However, Stellantis (formerly FCA) has voluntarily extended the warranty for this component on some vehicles to 10 years. It is worth checking with a dealer to see if your vehicle is covered.

There are no major recalls or TSBs related to the passive rear headrests.

Buying a Used Dodge Charger Headrest

Purchasing a used headrest is a great way to save money, but what to check depends entirely on whether you are buying a front or rear unit.

When Buying a Used REAR Headrest:

• Verify the Part Number and Color: Dodge offered several black and dark-colored interiors with different leather grains and stitching colors. The provided OEM part numbers (5XZ34LR9AA, 5XZ34LV5AA, 5YB53DX9AA) are all for rear headrests, but may have subtle differences. Always compare photos of the used part to your existing headrests to ensure a perfect match.
• Inspect for Cosmetic Damage: Check for rips, tears, deep scratches, or sun fading. Pay close attention to the seams and stitching.
• Check the Posts: Ensure the metal posts are straight and free of rust or damage. Test the height adjustment lock button to make sure it moves freely.

When Buying a Used FRONT (AHR) Headrest:

• Confirm It Is Not Deployed: The front and rear halves of the headrest should be tightly joined together. If there is a large gap and it looks 'puffed out', it has been deployed. Do not buy it unless you are only salvaging the cover.
• Ask the Seller: Specifically ask the seller if the headrest was ever deployed and reset. A reset headrest may have a weakened internal mechanism. A new or non-deployed used unit is always a safer bet.
• Check for Reset Attempts: Look for pry marks or damage around the seams where someone may have tried to force it back together.
• Why Used OEM is Better: For a critical safety component like an AHR headrest, a used OEM unit that has not been deployed is preferable to a cheap, uncertified aftermarket copy that may not function correctly in a collision.

Cost Comparison

Prices vary significantly between the simple rear headrests and the complex front AHR units.

Replacement & Resetting

Rear Headrest Replacement (Difficulty: 1/5)

Replacing a rear headrest is extremely easy and requires no tools.

1. Press and hold the small button on one of the plastic guides at the base of the headrest posts.
2. While holding the button, pull the headrest straight up and out of the seatback.
3. To install the new headrest, simply align the posts with the holes and push it down until it clicks into place.

Front AHR Headrest Replacement (Difficulty: 1/5)

If you are replacing a deployed unit with a new or used non-deployed unit, the process is identical to the rear headrest removal. However, you must also disconnect and reconnect the electrical connector.

1. Lower the seatback cover or access panel to find the electrical connector for the headrest.
2. Disconnect the connector.
3. Press the adjustment button at the base of the post and pull the old headrest out.
4. Install the new headrest, feed the wire through, and reconnect the electrical connector.

Front AHR Headrest Reset (Difficulty: 3/5)

In some cases, if the internal bracket is not broken, a deployed headrest can be reset. This is often unsuccessful for spontaneous deployments where the bracket has failed. The procedure involves significant force to compress the springs and re-latch the mechanism. Some variations may require applying 12V power to the connector to unlock the latch mechanism before it can be reset. Due to the high chance of failure and the force required, most owners and shops opt for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)