1999 Ford Explorer Sport Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 15%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the seats of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, 15% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving around the city when I reach into my pocket to get my phone and hear a loud thump coming from the seat and the next thing I notice is the seat reclining all the way back. I was able to bring it back up by folding the exterior passenger seat to provide some sort of support. When I arrived home I tried inspecting what the issue was and saw a large fracture right next to the reclining mechanism. This is potentially a hazard that can one day cause a severe accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10515714, filed 2013-06, 200,000 miles“We were forced to take this vehicle from hansel Ford in santa rosa when they felt we wouldn't be able to afford the 2004 Ford f-150 we purchased they had sold my trade in hadn't made a deal with company for contract came a few day before first payment due and repoed it since we have had car nightmares the seat on driver side broke just regular time it does a lot of jerking and sputtering the light work when they want to etc..... Please get me a decent vehicle for after.”
NHTSA complaint #10135796, filed 2005-09, 95,265 miles“1999 Ford Explorer Sport drivers seat back unlatched itself while driving. Luckily only 20 MPH! Rear passenger drivers side seat is folded down forward to hold drivers seat in place, until I can find another used seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10521854, filed 2013-06, 95,000 miles“Recall repairs cannot be performed unless the reclining seat handle can be fixed. Although the initial recall problem caused the handle to be bent, the dealer wants the consumer to pay for it. Consumer feels he is being given the run around to get the vehicle fixed. Manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10042539, filed 2003-10, 80,000 miles“My driver's seat made a loud pop and proceeded to recline. The plastic shield later fell off the reclining mechanism, revealing that the frame for the seat had failed at the weld and buckled. The seat will not sit upright.”
NHTSA complaint #10023651, filed 2003-06, 70,000 milesSeats: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology