Information on Front Seat Active Head Restraint Systems

The purpose of this bulletin is to announce a new front seat active head restraint system that is available on some 2008 Cadillac CTS models built on or after 12/17/2007.

On vehicles built with the active head restraint system in the front outboard seating positions, the head restraints automatically tilt forward to reduce the risk of neck injury if the vehicle is hit from behind.

Caution: The original head restraints should not be modified, reversed or removed from the vehicle. Head restraints that are not installed or not adjusted properly may contribute to a greater risk of occupants suffering a neck or spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive the vehicle until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.

Safety studies show that neck injuries may be reduced by minimizing the gap between the head and headrest during a rear impact. The front seat active head restraint is designed to move forward if the vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision. This may help reduce the risk of whiplash injury.

The best way to identify if your CTS is equipped with the active head restraint system is by removing the front seat back finish panel and visually inspecting the driver and/or passenger front seat back frame hardware. In some cases, a seat with non-active headrest may have the second design seat back panel installed.

The original first design panel and seat back frame (1) does not contain the front seat active head restraint system. The first design panel can be identified by the larger depression.

Important: This second design seat back panel will fit the first design seat back frame and may be used as a replacement.

The second design panel and seat back frame (2) is equipped with the front seat active head restraint system.