What structure and body problems are reported on the 2010 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 19 Structure & Body complaints, 17% of all 113 complaints for the year. Most describe front headrests angled too far forward with no adjustment available.

Is there a recall for the 2010 Ford Explorer's structure and body issues?

Yes, recall 10V161000 covers front seat manual recliners on certain 2010 Explorer and related Ford/Mercury vehicles, but it does not address the headrest angle complaints. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this category is 4,000 miles.

Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these complaints?

No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 19 Structure & Body complaints for the 2010 Explorer.

2010 Ford Explorer Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Structure & Body complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer, 17% of its 113 total complaints. Nearly all describe front headrests tilted too far forward; a related recall (10V161000) covers front seat manual recliners, not the headrest angle itself.

Structure & Body complaints: 19; 17% of 113
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 4,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Front driver and passenger headrests tilt sharply forward, pushing the head and neck down into an uncomfortable, non-adjustable position.
Owners report no way to adjust the headrest angle, and dealers reportedly could not correct the design.
Some owners say the forward-leaning headrest causes headaches or neck strain after extended driving.
One owner reported the brake and accelerator pedals sit too close together, causing accidental contact with the accelerator while braking.
Reported mileage at failure ranged from very low figures up to a median of 4,000 miles, with several complaints filed at delivery or shortly after.

When 2010 Ford Explorer body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 16, 2010, latest Oct 27, 2015.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2010 to Oct 2015; peak Jul 2010 (4).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2010 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 10V161000Apr 20, 2010Structure & Body33,256 vehicles
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. 202, "head restraint." the recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
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.

Structure & Body complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201019 (17%)
2011116 (10%)
2012146 (18%)
2013455 (20%)
2014286 (17%)
2015425 (24%)
2016618 (25%)
2017675 (40%)
2018296 (40%)
2019154 (52%)
202089 (7%)
202138 (9%)
202217 (6%)
202312 (11%)
20243 (14%)
202510 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

What structure and body problems are reported on the 2010 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA lists 19 Structure & Body complaints, 17% of all 113 complaints for the year. Most describe front headrests angled too far forward with no adjustment available.
Is there a recall for the 2010 Ford Explorer's structure and body issues?: Yes, recall 10V161000 covers front seat manual recliners on certain 2010 Explorer and related Ford/Mercury vehicles, but it does not address the headrest angle complaints. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this category is 4,000 miles.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these complaints?: No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 19 Structure & Body complaints for the 2010 Explorer.