2003 Ford Explorer seats problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seats on the 2003 Ford Explorer — 1% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The contact attributed the…”
filed Sep 17, 2025
“The problem with the forward seat head rest wrong angle causing the driver to get stiff neck and get you really tired driving long distances, there is no way to adjust but up and lower not enough to clear your head to be straight as proper posture, I understand it is to prevent neck injuries, my…”
filed Jul 21, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Seats problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 Explorer | 13 | 3% |
| 2020 Explorer | 38 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.