Seat belt or seat problems

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the buckle (16 reports) and the module (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the seat belts cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 15 recalls on the 2016 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the seat belts on the Explorer

None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.

What owners paid

12 of the 72 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $261 to $1,100.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 35,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 45 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“The heated seats went out. Took to mechanic shop, the wires burned out and also melted the fuse box. All that has to be replaced. Ford Dealership only sells the whole wiring harness which is over $1,000. With the wires burning out and then melting fuse box, lucky my car didn't burn.”

Filed Jan 25, 2024

“Middle row, passenger side seat belt buckle is broken & will not latch. This is where my 9yr old sits & there is no reason or cause for this to break. My vehicle has the inflatable airbag seatbelts on this row.”

Filed Oct 27, 2023

“The seat belt buckle for the second row passenger-side broke, making it impossible for the seat belt buckle to lock. Ford said the part was back ordered. When the part arrived and the car was being fixed, we received a call from the service manager advising the second row driver-side buckle broke as well. This seems to be a recurring issue.”

Filed Jul 11, 2023

“Vehicle right passenger area receives no heat, either from front heat vent nor does the seat heater function. Dealer replaced seat heat mechanism(s) that required software update. Update failed to resolve the problem. Outside temp is now -13°F. Dealer states they are awaiting dealer engineers to determine how to repair the problem.”

Filed Dec 10, 2022

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 375 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 249 reports
• Windshield cracks or distorts 248 reports
• Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 142 reports
• Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 140 reports
• A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 110 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 99 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 81 reports
• Suspension noise, struts or alignment 73 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 65 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 54 reports
• Water leaks into the cabin 53 reports
• Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 50 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 48 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports