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SeatsPart report

2013 Ford Explorer Seats Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
0%of 2,237 total for the year
Median mileage
50,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the seats of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 0% of the 2,237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,500 miles.

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.

“Exhaust fumes in cabin - since we have been without the Explorer for three months (it has been in the shop getting an updated turbo), my wife has not had any unexplained headaches after spending all day running errands in the Explorer.”

NHTSA complaint #11020478, filed 2017-08, 41,000 miles

“Ford Explorer limited with 2nd row captain's chairs. There is a button to push that lowers the seatback. The seatback comes forward with an excessive force that could possibly cause injury, especially to a child. This motion should be dampered to provide a safe lowering of the seatback. My adult daughter was in the process of lowering the seatback when she was struck in the head. She suffered a headache that lasted two days. I have contacted Ford motor company, but they have ignored my contact.”

NHTSA complaint #10497746, filed 2013-02, 25 miles

“Rain water leaking into the vehicles back hatch and coming through the seat belts, causing wet seat belts, seats, spare tire equipment, and personal and items in cargo area.”

NHTSA complaint #11195831, filed 2019-04, 60,000 miles

“The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The Rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my Vin and there are no recalls that's not right”

NHTSA complaint #11622082, filed 2024-10

“When it rains, water pours in from driver side 3rd row seat belt. Apparently this is a common problem on Ford explorers due to poor welding issues, yet nothing has been done about it. I am concerned about future mold and mildew issues in the car. I drive around 3 young children and do not want any health issues because of this flaw. Ford needs to step up and issue a recall so it can be fixed. I do not have thousands of dollars to fix their welding mistakes.”

NHTSA complaint #11143780, filed 2018-10

Related service bulletins

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026717%
202533%
2024210%
202311%
202252%
2021174%
2020413%
201931%
201871%
2017161%
2016321%
2015161%
201470%
2013100%
201220%
201171%
20102017%
200939%
20082718%
20072412%
2006112%
200531%
200460%
2003121%
2002301%
2001246%
2000394%
1999685%
1998704%
1997382%
1996292%
1995192%
1994202%
1993303%
1992203%
1991163%

Other parts of the 2013 Ford Explorer

Steering
836 complaints
Body and structure
439 complaints
Other or unknown
351 complaints
Engine
225 complaints
Electrical system
163 complaints
Fuel system
153 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
119 complaints
Suspension
79 complaints
Engine cooling
67 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaints
Electronic stability control
45 complaints
Brakes
40 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 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