2003 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,676miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,676 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.
“1. While stopped on the interstate waiting for traffic to move, my 2003 Ford Explorer xlt was rear-ended by another SUV traveling at presumably highway speed. As a result, my SUV was propelled forward, hitting the rear of another vehicle. 2. **drivers side airbag did not deploy.** passenger's side airbag deployed (the driver was the only passenger). …”
NHTSA complaint #10181830, filed 2007-02, 60,100 miles“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 recommendation to have an adjustable head rest fwd and aft side and higher to adjust to your body properly. It is a big concern since lots of people get on the road and they get really tired and uncomfortable driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10466888, filed 2012-07, 185,935 miles“At 8000+ miles in january 2004, my driver's side seat heater broke. I turned the car in to the local dealer service shop for repair. Since the vehicle was still under warranty the dealer replaced the faulty component, a shorted switch. I used the seat heater for approximately two and a half more months until it got warm. Now it's november 2004 and I went to use the seat heater, and again it is broken. The dealer confirmed that it is the same problem that occurred in january. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100142, filed 2004-11, 39,100 miles“Hello. I have several complaints regarding my 2003 Ford Explorer including several safety issues. The first complaint is regarding the driver's seat which shifts routinely on acceleration and de-acceleration. This concerns me if I get into an accident and the seat malfunctions. The second complaint is regarding the gear shifter not going into park easily. I have to jiggle it to into park. I am concerned that this might not properly engage park and my vehicle might roll. Thirdly, my rear lift gate trim has had to be repaired at least 3 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161178, filed 2006-06, 12,000 miles“- the contact called about the 2003 Ford Explorer xlt. The contact stated that the air bag light stayed on, and when it was on, the airbag deactivated which was a safety problem. It happened all the time. The fuses have been changed under warranty, and now that it was not under warranty, it was no longer repaired free of charge. The contact stated that she was told by one service station that it was standard for the fuses to blow because of the fuse box location. …”
NHTSA complaint #10183996, filed 2007-03, 114,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014664Mar 7, 2005Front seat(s) slight movement when accelerating and/or decelerating.
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 2003 Ford Explorer
354 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
335 complaintsEngine cooling
69 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
62 complaintsWheels
56 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsSteering
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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