2001 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 6%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the seats of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 4 door Explorer is equipped with recliner high back seats. About a 2 months ago I was driving and the seat on the front left hand (driver side) it recline with out warning until is came in contacted with the second row seat cushion. I went to a Ford dealer ship and was informed that there was no recall for such problem. I have send and made calls and send letters to Ford, but they have fail to answer any of my letters.”
NHTSA complaint #10240307, filed 2008-08, 96,500 miles“While traveling 45-50 MPH the driver seat collapsed backwards without any indication. Dealer was contacted and repaired seat. Two months later the seat collapsed again. The pin on the driver's seat where the seat back attached to the pivot with the seat bottom had snapped twice which caused it to collapsed backwards 6-8 inches.”
NHTSA complaint #10021949, filed 2003-07, 24,000 miles“The consumer received a recall on the bolt under the driver's seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the problem was repaired. Three months later the popping noise started again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who indicated that the bolt was fine but that the lever failed. The manufacturer was notified but the refused any assistance because the lever was not part of the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10099242, filed 2004-12, 49,000 miles“The rear seats in the Explorer flip forward with my children in them when stopping fast. The seats do not lock down in any way. This is how they are built. Tried to return the Explorer 1 week after the lease Ford told me it's a design flaw, can't be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #752578, filed 2001-09“The seats do not have a seperate head rest that is adjustable according to size. Accordingly, a person of average height sitting in either the driver or passenger seat is to far from the top of the seat to get adequate protection in an accident. Given today's safety standards, I expect more from a 2001 limited edition automobile. My husband was involved in a car accident and the majority of his injuries could have been mitigated if these seats were designed properly.”
NHTSA complaint #743612, filed 2001-04Related recalls
- 03V281000Aug 5, 2003On 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…Covers: Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2020 | 41 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 0% |
| 2013 | 10 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 20 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 27 | 18% |
| 2007 | 24 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 0% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 30 | 1% |
| 2001 | 24 | 6% |
| 2000 | 39 | 4% |
| 1999 | 68 | 5% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 38 | 2% |
| 1996 | 29 | 2% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 20 | 2% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 20 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Explorer
62 complaintsSuspension
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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