2010 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 17%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the seats of the 2010 Ford Explorer, 17% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,500 miles. 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.
“The headrests for the driver and front passenger seats in the Ford Explorer 2010 protrude into the back of the head at an extremely uncomfortable angle. I get headaches all the time if they are left in. The headrest angle is not adjustable. This is an agency fleet vehicle. I can't afford to risk a possible safety hazard by driving without the headrests in place.”
NHTSA complaint #10343264, filed 2010-07, 154 miles“I rented a 2010 Ford Explorer yesterday (1-sept-2010) while my car was being repaired--I immediately noticed that the front headrests are designed so they lean forward way too far, hitting the back of my head and preventing me from sitting in a comfortable driving position. Totally ridiculous! Glad I only will have it for a day or two; I would never buy such a vehicle, it hurts my back and neck.”
NHTSA complaint #10353596, filed 2010-09, 9,860 miles“The headrests lean so far forward that I have to either lean the back of the seat way back or pull the headrest out as it is so uncomfortable I get a neck ache. I have never had this problem with any other vehicle I have owned.”
NHTSA complaint #10378631, filed 2011-01, 6 miles“The head rests on our 2010 Ford Explorer limited have such a severe forward pitch to them that they make it very uncomfortable to sit for any length of time. Dealer says nothing can be done. Prior to purchase we test drove numerous other competitive vehicles and did not experience this same issue. After 11 months of ownership and almost 14,000 miles it is becoming a safety issue for us. I am seriously considering removing the head rests and driving without them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10345773, filed 2010-07, 100 miles“The active head restraint system in the 2010 Ford Explorer pushes my head forward when I sit straight in the seat. I cannot find a comfortable position where the active restraint is not actively pushing my head forward. I understand the necessity of minimizing space between the head and restraint when in a rear-end collision, but car manufacturers have overcompensated, causing severe neck pain for those who sit straight in their seats. This is a problem not only because it's uncomfortable and potentially causes neck pain but also because drivers have no other safe option. …”
NHTSA complaint #10394450, filed 2011-04, 20,150 milesRelated recalls
- 10V161000Apr 20, 2010Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, explorer, explorer sport trac, and mercury milan and mountaineer vehicles manufactured between december 15…Covers: Ford Explorer 2010, Fusion 2010, Explorer Sport Trac 2010 +2 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 2010 Ford Explorer
28 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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