Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On several occasions while driving during the past several months, the power seat has moved backwards on its own, causing problems in reaching the pedals safely. In several incidents when this occurred, the interior lights also turned on. Two of the times this happened, it was when I had to honk the horn, but has happened on other occasions as well. Tonight, while making a right turn, the interior lights came on and the seat moved backwards, then the vehicle died - all electrical components went dead. I could easily have been rear-ended while trying to get the vehicle re-started and this is a huge safety issue.
While in motion, the driver power seat will make un-commanded movement backwards and away from steering wheel and pedals. This scenario typically, but not always, occurs during a turn or acceleration. It has also occurred while at a steady speed in the city and on the highway. It appears to be related to the ignition located on the steering column. This has happened numerous times over the last several months and seems to be getting worse. Speeds at which this occurs range between initial acceleration up to highway speeds (70 MPH)
Driver's seat moves backward while driving resulting in driver's inability to reach gas/break pedals. Occurs at times when hit bumps, while turning, and/or unknown reasons when driving 70mph. Definitely a safety issue and can result in traffic accidents/fatalities. Does not happen all the time. Never know when to expect it to happen which makes it more dangerous. Started occurring after vehicle reached 125,000 miles approximately 6 months ago and has occurred at least 4x/month since started in October 2015.
Driver's seat moves backward while driving resulting in driver's inability to reach gas/break pedals. Occurs at times when hit bumps, while turning, and/or unknown reasons. Definitely a safety issue and can result in traffic accidents/fatalities. I can make this happen even when the vehicle is in park by tapping the key. Does not happen all the time. Never know when to expect it to happen which makes it more dangerous. Seems to be defective ignition switch.
My 2007 Explorer driver seat move at will, forward or backward even while driving. I am short and the power seat moves back to where my feet no longer reach the pedals. This happens consistently when driving or just stationary while changing gears and has become a safety issue. The car has only 40,000 miles. I took it to have repaired but the dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. A net search reveals I am not the only one with this problem.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the drivers side seat moved backward and forward without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the drivers seat began to move backwards without warning. The contact was able to move the seat back into place; however, the failure recurred on two other occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
While driving my vehicle, my driver side seat will move by itself. It's happened several times and is very scary knowing I cant reach the gas or brake pedal while driving when it happens. My heated seat doesnt work properly either I dont know if this is all part of the problem or not. The side airbag on my driver seat also is bulged out more then it should be I believe.
Driver seat moves backwards while driving on multiple occasions. This has started happening October 2017. Since then it has become more frequent and will happen at random so the cause is unknown. Speeds can range from 40 MPH to 70 MPH. Which results in not being able to reach the break or gas pedal. This can be very dangerous in an emergency breaking situation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back portion of the driver's seat failed and collapsed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Seat complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2007 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the seats of the 2007 Ford Explorer, 12% of the model year's 208 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Ford Explorer seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2007 Ford Explorer, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Ford Explorer seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.