Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% | 34,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 0% | 103,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 0% | 68,000 miles |
| 2013 | 27 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2012 | 11 | 0% | 89,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 0% | 48,000 miles |
| 2010 | 33 | 1% | 68,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% | 93,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 1% | 125,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I obtained my vehicle on Lease in 2017 with 40K miles from Ford of Branford CT. When off lease I purchased it outright. I still own the vehicle and am still having Two main problems, One since almost the beginning. The First is the automatic seat control(driver's). This system would periodically push the driver into the Steering Wheel. I brought it into that dealership several times for that reason, while still in CT. They did claim to get it to stop doing this with some resets, but over time it continued. Around 2020, the vehicle began going totally dead. Initially it was determined to be the Starting Battery. My concern was it to ba a Compiter or Power drain problem. Several batteries and Dealership visits didn't solve it. I moved to SC in May 2022. These problems continued there, where Cox Ford of Southern Pines took over. After more Service visits the only answer was a BAD BATTERY. …
The Ford "Sync 3" system, which seems to be the brains of nearly all interior controls and accessories has been malfunctioning in multiple Ford models for a few years now. Thing affected include all HVAC controls, audio controls, power seats, windows, remote start abilities and more. Ford aware of the malfunctions in current and previous models, yet they refuse to issue any recall or technical service bulletin. The dealerships insist they can't duplicate the issue even after having been shown videos of the cars malfunctions. A quick search through online Ford forums will this issue is widely experienced and that it's clearly a manufacturing defect and Ford should be liable.
On 11/6/2025 we were rear ended at a dead stop. The posted speed limit was 35mph. The Other driver that hit us did not see us or attempt to stop, this vehicle was a hummer. The car was totaled. The front passenger seat collapsed, tilted backwards in a laying down position during impact. Injuries did occur and are being treated. After the wreck I attempted to raise the electric seat , you can hear the motor trying to lift the seat but the seat would not move.
Rear passenger seat belt will not release lock/tension/broken. Will not allow rear occupants to buckle in. Safety issue. Seems to happen on most 2013+ ford vehicles specifically trims like titanium with a 'inflatable belt" This issue should be recalled free of charge, It is a major safety issue not to be able to use a seatbelt. The best remedy would be inspect and replacement of broken components. Both occurred over 80k miles one being a truck (entirely different vehicle)
On May 15, 2023 I got in my car, proceeded to drive off when I noticed that the airbag light was still illuminated on the instrument panel. I notified the dealership the next day and dropped my car off on May 17, 2023. On May 19 a diagnostics test was run and revealed that I had a faulty seat belt buckle. I declined service on the car. This was shocking to me since I took my car to them less than 4000 miles and less than a year ago for the airbag light staying on again in 2022. At that time it was revealed that it was the passenger seat position sensor & it was repaired. In 2020 my car was also a part of Recall 19S25 for the seat belt. In 2018 repairs were also done on my car due to the airbag light coming on as well. I'm driving the car but now don't know if it is safe to drive. When I picked up the car, the light was still on but about 4-5 days later the light went off by itself. …
Front passenger door stopped closing on the 10th of July without any warning so I am forced into driving with a partially closed door tied with rope and I see that multiple people have filed a complaint about the same problem.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to place the rear driver's side and center seat in the upright position, the seats failed to move. The contact removed the bottom half of the seat bracket to get the seat in the upright position. The contact was however unable to reconnect the seat belt back in the correct position. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 70,000.
Driver's climate fault. Temporary lost communication with the climate system When this happens the a/c goes out and the windows will not roll down. It it way too hot in Texas for me wife and kids to get stuck with the windows up and the a/c not working. We have it at the dealership several time it their fix does not last.
Related recalls (3)
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 27, 2016, to September 28, 2016. The left rear seat backs pivot pins may have been improperly welded.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left hand, second row seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28,…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, explorer, explorer sport trac, and Mercury milan and mountaineer vehicles manufactured between December 15, 2009 through February 3, 2010 equipped with front seat manual recliners. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (33), 2013 (27), 2011 (13), 2012 (11) and 2006 (10) model years. Seat complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion seat problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 16V-874 (mid/rear assembly, Dec 5, 2016); 14V-164 (recliner, Apr 2, 2014); 10V-161 (recliner, Apr 20, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › head restraint (6 mentions), followed by the front assembly › power adjust (1).
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.