VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Explorer seats problems

The 2016 Ford Explorer has 33 seats complaints filed with NHTSA — 1% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

33

Seats complaints

1%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Seats complaints by year

Related recalls

17V767000SeatsNovember 29, 2017 · 177,264 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.

16V475000SeatsJune 28, 2016 · 5,280 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.

Common questions

How many seats complaints does the 2016 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 33 complaints about the 2016 Ford Explorer seats — 1% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford Explorer seats?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the seats: 16V475000, 17V767000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.