at 285,000 miles
EL Sobrante, CA
SEATS
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE TO THE LOCK POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #11020608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1997 Ford Explorer seat problems
40 of the 2,150 complaints about the 1997 Ford Explorer are about the seats — 2% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 95,000 miles.
40
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Recliner
21
52.5%
Seats
15
37.5%
Mid/Rear Assembly
2
5.0%
Power Adjust
1
2.5%
Seat Heater/Cooler
1
2.5%
Seats across every Ford Explorer year
1991
16
2.5%
1992
22
3.5%
1993
30
4.7%
1994
20
3.1%
1995
20
3.1%
1996
30
4.7%
1997
40
6.3%
1998
71
11.2%
1999
69
10.9%
2000
40
6.3%
2001
25
3.9%
2002
30
4.7%
2003
12
1.9%
2006
11
1.7%
2007
24
3.8%
2008
27
4.3%
2010
20
3.1%
2013
10
1.6%
2015
16
2.5%
2016
33
5.2%
2017
16
2.5%
2020
39
6.1%
2021
14
2.2%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
at 120,000 miles
Altamonte Springs, FL
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BOLTS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V281000 (SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE AS 330,000.
NHTSA complaint #10504528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 miles
Anchorage, AK
Crash
1 injured
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DRIVER SEAT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SEAT WAS DETACHED FROM THE BASE AND CAUSED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 1/19/2012 *LN
NHTSA complaint #10398035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 miles
Marietta, GA
Fire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A LOCAL RESTAURANT WHEN I WAS ALERTED THAT THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CALLED. BLACK SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE SLIGHTLY OPENED WINDOWS WHEN I APPROACHED THE SUV AND ULTIMATELY PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. CLOSER EXAMINATION INDICATED THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE CAME FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. ONE OF THE FIREMEN ON THE SCENE SPECULATED THAT THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE POWER SEAT OVERHEATED AND STARTED THE FIRE. MY FIRST CALL WAS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WOULD SEND ME A LETTER IN THE MAIL. THIS LETTER CAME A WEEK LATER AND EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD REALLY LIKE TO ASSIST ME WITH MY LOSS , THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, SO THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK CARE OF ME AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL ALSO "TAKE CARE OF FORD" TO RECOUP THEIR LOSS . I AM FORTUNATE THAT A YOUNG CHILD OR ONE OF OUR FAMILY PETS WERE NOT IN THE CAR. ANY THOUGHTS I MAY HAVE HAD ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER FORD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THOUGHTS ABOUT THERE CUSTOMER DIS-SERVICE AND THE LACK OF CONCERN OVER A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEIR BEST SELLING SUV'S.
NHTSA complaint #10186815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 miles
Dacula, GA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO RECLINE/ADJUST THE SEAT. THE SEAT RECLINING HANDLE SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10063461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 miles
Dover, DE
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE AND IT IS NOT THE CHILD DETERRENT LEVER ON DOOR, HEATING SYSTEM OVERRIDES A/C HEATER SOMETIMES DOSEN'T WORK. RECLINE LEVER BROKE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10052552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 miles
Audubon, NJ
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK RECLINED BACKWARDS AFTER OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER HAD INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE SEAT WAS LOOSE AND ROCKED. THE DEALER PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. RECALL 03V281000 WAS ISSUED FOR THE HIGH BACK SEAT, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10048046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traverse City, MI
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FELL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER ACROSS THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10040494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
SEATS
NHTSA# 03-V-281-000 ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10039900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 miles
Blairstown, NJ
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SEAT RECLINER LEVERS BREAK OFF. BACK SEAT PASSENGER(S) MUST CLIMB OVER SEAT TO ENTER OR EXIT. IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY REAR SEAT PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY EXITING VEHICLE. THE CHEAP METAL PART THAT FRACTURED IS ATTACHED TO A $70.00 PART THAT WITH LABOR WOULD BE $240.00 FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSEENGER REPAIR. THIS IS MORE THAN INCONVENIENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10005010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midlothian, VA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR DOES NOT PRODUCE HEAT, HAD PANEL REPLACED STILL NO HEAT. TS
NHTSA complaint #10004594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holyoke, MA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
CONSUMER STATED AS HE LEANED BACK IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL ONTO THE REAR SEAT, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK UP BY USING THE SEAT HANDLE, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LATCH HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE HAD LET GO AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #564260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBACK LEVER WAS BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #562718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Plainfield, NJ
Crash
1 injured
SEATS
WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT,VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV GOING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. THE BACK SUPPORT FOR THE DRIVERS SEAT APPARENTLY BROKE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT AND WENT TO A FULLY RECLINED POSITION,PROVIDING NO SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, MY WIFE SUSTAINED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES (HERNIATED DISKS) AMONG OTHER INJURIES. HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS BEEN REPORTED REGARDING THE SEAT FAILING TO HOLD UP AND PROVIDE PROPER SUPPORT DURING A SEVERE REAR END COLLISION?
NHTSA complaint #761160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
SEATS
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT LEANS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. TOOK TO FORD, AND THEY WELDED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. *AK CONSUMER IS ASKING FOR REFUND.
NHTSA complaint #8008757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holyoke, MA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
CONSUMER STATED AS HE LEANED BACK IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL ONTO THE REAR SEAT, CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE SEAT BACK UP BY USING THE SEAT HANDLE, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LATCH HOLDING THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE HAD LET GO AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #564260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBACK LEVER WAS BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #562718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center, AL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HANDLE KEEPS BREAKING OFF. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOMATION.
NHTSA complaint #893083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delta, PA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. CONSUMER HAD TO USE SCISSORS TO CUT SEATBELT OFF. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK ALSO, THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY UNIT FAILED AND THE BACK SEAT LATCH WAS MISSING.
NHTSA complaint #890869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baldwin, NY
SEATS
HOLES IN THE SEAT AND THE LEVER IS BROKEN. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #556294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THIS BROKEN LEVER IS A DESIGN PROBLEM, NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #721911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blue Spring, MO
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FUEL VAPOR SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH, AND DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #857554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owosso, IA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
REAR BRAKES ARE SHOT AND THE SEAT HANDLE IS BROKEN. MY DEALER SAYS THAT VEHICLE IS NOT COVER UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. BUT, THERE IS A TSB # 98-25-15 FOR THE SEAT HANDLE, AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MY BRAKES OR REAR ROTORS ARE WARPED. ALREADY THEY DID REPLACETHE FRONT ONES AND THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THE REAR AT THE SAME TIME BUT THEY DID NOT. NOW I AM THE ONE WHO HAS TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THEM. THIS SHOULD BE A WARRANTY ITEM TAHT ALL THERE IS TO IT. HOPE I HERE FROM SOME ONE BUT I DOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #718602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SEAT RECLINER HANDLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND READJUSTING SEAT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #550134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlottesville, VA
Crash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AT 70MPH, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #853548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apalachin, NY
Crash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVER WAS REARENDED BY SMALLER VEHICLE THAT WAS DRIVING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, CAUSING DRIVER'S SEATBACK TO FALL BACK INTO A RECLINING POSITION, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #846493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CA
SEATS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #706478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angele, CA
SEATS
FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #606948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SEATS
ADJUSTMENT HANDLE SNAPPED OFF OF SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #543566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING GAS THE DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE SEAT ROCKS FORWARD. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #834249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.