2020 Ford Explorer Seat Problems

Which parts fail

• Mid/rear assembly › Head restraint
  3

Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  744%
• 25k–50k
  319%
• 50k–75k
  213%
• 75k–100k
  00%
• 100k–150k
  425%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row driver's side seat independently shifted backwards. In addition, the contact stated that the contact's [redacted] child was in a car seat attached to the second-row driver's side seat. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer in April 2025. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The contact made multiple calls to the dealer and inquired about the delivery status of the ordered parts. The contact was informed that the parts had not been delivered and were not available. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the front driver's side seat shifted backwards. Due to the failure, the front driver's side seat was installed slanted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked seat assembly and the seat assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was informed of an unknown recall notification with the similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. In addition, the contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive until the repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while loading her children into the vehicle, the driver's, and passenger's side rear second row seats collapsed and remained locked in the upright position. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the "Easy Entry" switch was stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to engage the front driver's seat control buttons, he noticed that the seat control buttons housing was fractured internally. The contact stated that he replaced the part himself. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger's seat became detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer and determined that the failure was due to a design flaw which cause the plastic clips used to hold the seat together had fractured. The vehicle was repaired several times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was positioned in the third-row seat, the head restraint unexpectedly slammed down on the tip of his left index finger. As a result, he sustained a severe injury that required immediate medical attention. The injury required 6 to 8 stitches, and the child also required surgery. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear seat headrests failed to remain in the upright position. The contact stated that while attempting to adjust the headrest, the headrest failed to lock into the selected position. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, she observed the front driver's side seat control housing separating, hindering the use of the seat controls. The failure was later observed in the front passenger's side seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she became aware that the rear passenger's side head rest was fractured several months ago. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the head rest needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Driver side headrest does not properly lock in place. The headrest moves from the upright position to a forward angle position when jostled. While braking heavily in a car accident, my driver side headrest abruptly moved forward causing the headrest to slam into the back of my head.

Related recalls

Seat complaints in other Explorer years