2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 Rear Headrest: A Guide to Matching Black Leather and Inspection
This guide covers how to inspect, replace, and verify the correct black leather rear outer headrests for your 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, ensuring a perfect match and proper safety function.
- Compatibility is critical: This headrest set is only for 2024-2025 CX-90 models with a black LEATHER interior. Verify your trim, as leatherette and other colors (Greige, White, Tan) use different parts.
- Inspect used parts for safety: Never buy a used headrest with bent metal posts, as this indicates it came from a vehicle in a serious accident and is unsafe.
- Failure is usually physical: Look for torn leather, collapsed foam, or a faulty height-adjustment button.
- Installation is extremely easy: Replacement takes less than five minutes and requires no tools—just press the release button and pull the headrest out.
Symptoms of a Failing or Damaged Rear Headrest
Since headrests are passive components, "failure" almost always refers to physical damage rather than mechanical or electrical problems. Issues are typically easy to spot with a visual inspection.
- Visible Upholstery Damage: The most common issue is damage to the leather surface. This can include rips, tears, punctures, deep scratches, or severe stains that cannot be cleaned. Over time, sun exposure can also cause the black leather to fade or discolor.
- Internal Rattling: If you hear a rattling sound coming from within the headrest when you tap it or drive over bumps, it indicates that an internal component has broken loose. While this may not affect its primary safety function in all cases, it is a clear sign of a defect.
- Collapsed or Deformed Foam: The foam cushioning inside the headrest can degrade or collapse, creating a lumpy or uneven surface. This not only reduces comfort but can also compromise its ability to properly cushion an occupant's head in an impact.
- Bent or Damaged Posts: The two metal posts that mount the headrest to the seat should be perfectly straight and free of rust. If the posts are bent, it is a major red flag indicating the vehicle was likely in a significant accident where the headrest was subjected to extreme force. Such a part should never be used.
- Faulty Adjustment Mechanism: The headrest height is adjustable via a lock-knob on the seatback collar. If the headrest no longer clicks into place, slides down on its own, or is stuck in one position, the locking mechanism is faulty.
Warning: Never drive with a passenger in a seat that has a missing, damaged, or improperly installed headrest. The risk of serious neck injury in a collision is significantly increased.
Buying a Used Rear Outer Seat Headrest Set
Purchasing a used OEM headrest is an excellent way to save money while maintaining the original quality and fit of your vehicle. However, careful inspection is crucial to ensure you get a safe and cosmetically matching part. This is especially important for the CX-90, which offers multiple interior color and material options.
Inspection Checklist for Used Headrests:
- Verify Material and Color: This set is specifically for models with Black Leather. The CX-90 is also available with Black Leatherette, as well as Greige Leather, White Nappa Leather, and Tan Nappa Leather. 🎬 Watch: Take a detailed tour of the CX-90 interior Carefully compare the used headrest to your vehicle's interior in good lighting. Ask the seller for photos in natural light to confirm it is true black and not a different shade.
- Check the Stitching: Inspect all seams and stitching for any signs of fraying, unraveling, or broken threads. The stitching should be tight and consistent.
- Examine the Leather Surface: Look for tears, deep scratches, or chemical stains. Minor scuffs might be acceptable, but avoid any headrest with compromised upholstery that could worsen over time.
- Inspect the Metal Posts: Confirm both posts are straight, free of bends, and have no significant rust or corrosion. Any bend is a sign of accident damage, and the part should be rejected.
- Test the Adjustment Lock: While not possible until you have the part, ensure the seller guarantees the height adjustment mechanism works. Once received, confirm it locks securely into place.
- Check for Odors: A headrest from a smoker's car or one with water damage can hold unpleasant odors that are very difficult to remove.
Pro Tip: The left and right rear outer headrests are typically identical and interchangeable. However, they are specific to the outboard seats and should not be swapped with a center or third-row headrest, which may have a different design.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
As of mid-2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Mazda or the NHTSA that directly relate to the rear headrests of the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90.
The CX-90 has been subject to several recalls for software issues affecting systems like the instrument cluster, powertrain control module, and cameras, but none involve the physical seat components like headrests. One TSB mentions that stains on interior upholstery can be caused by skin oils or lotions, which is a general maintenance note rather than a defect.
Replacement Difficulty and Procedure
- Difficulty: 1 out of 5 (Very Easy)
- Estimated Time: Less than 5 minutes
- Tools Needed: None
Replacing a rear headrest on a CX-90 is a straightforward process that requires no tools.
- Locate the Release Button: At the top of the seatback, where the metal posts enter the seat, there is a plastic collar or guide. One of these guides will have a small push-button lock knob.
- Press and Pull: Press and hold the lock knob.
- Remove the Headrest: While holding the button, pull the headrest straight up and out of the seatback.
- Install the New Headrest: To install the replacement, simply align the posts with the holes in the seatback and push it down until it clicks into place. Ensure the front of the headrest is facing forward.
- Verify Installation: After installation, pull up on the headrest without pressing the button to confirm it is securely locked and will not come out.
Cost Comparison
Prices for auto parts can vary based on supplier and condition. The following is an estimate to help you understand the value of a used OEM part.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $150 - $250 per headrest |
| New Aftermarket | Not commonly available for this model |
| Used OEM | $75 - $150 per headrest |
| Shop Labor | $0 - $25 (Often installed for free or with minimal charge) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my CX-90 has the black leather interior?
Check your vehicle's original window sticker or sales documentation. You can also visually inspect the seats. Black leather was a common option on trims like the 3.3 Turbo Preferred, Turbo Premium Sport, and others. Be aware that the base 'Select' trim often comes with black leatherette, which has a different texture and sheen. 🎬 See: A close-up look at the premium cabin materials When in doubt, compare the material closely to a confirmed leather sample.
Are the left and right rear outer headrests the same part?
Yes, for the 2024-2025 CX-90, the rear outer (left and right) headrests are identical and can be used in either position. However, they are different from the center seat or third-row headrests.
Can I use a headrest from a cloth or different color leather interior?
Physically, it might fit, but it will not match your interior's color, material, or texture, which will significantly detract from the vehicle's appearance and resale value. It is always best to find a headrest that matches your specific interior trim.
Why would the posts on a used headrest be bent?
Bent posts are a strong indicator that the headrest was in a vehicle that suffered a significant rear-end collision. The force of the occupant's head against the headrest caused the metal supports to deform. A headrest from an accident-damaged vehicle should be considered compromised and unsafe for use.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: BDWP-88-240-39
Material: Black Leather Vehicle Placement: Rear Outer Left, Rear Outer Right
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.
- Mazda CX-90: