2021 Ford Explorer seats problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seats on the 2021 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic seat back adjustment malfunctioned, causing the right side of the seat to rise while the left side failed to respond, resulting in extreme discomfort for the driver while operating the vehicle. No warning lights…”
filed Sep 15, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear seat unlocked and flipped forward independently. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included…”
filed Jul 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the…Campaign 26V451000 · Jul 14, 2026
- Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the…Campaign 25V393000 · Jun 13, 2025
Related service bulletins
For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is…
SSM 55100 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2026
Seats problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 5 | 2% |
| 2020 Explorer | 39 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 7 | 0% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 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.