2010 Ford Explorer Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 21 Structure & Body complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer, 18% of that year's 115 total complaints. Nearly all describe front headrests that tilt too far forward, with a median mileage at failure of 4,000. One related recall (10V161000) covers front seat manual recliners, not the headrest angle itself.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 21
- 18% of 115 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 115
- 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 occupant's head down and forward even in a normal upright seating position.
- Owners report no adjustment mechanism exists to correct the headrest angle, and dealers say nothing can be done to fix it.
- Some owners describe removing the headrest entirely to relieve neck and head discomfort, which they say removes crash protection.
- Extended driving with the headrest in place reportedly causes headaches and neck discomfort on long trips.
- One owner reported the brake and accelerator pedals sit too close together, causing the foot to contact both pedals at once.
When 2010 Ford Explorer body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 3, 2009, latest Oct 27, 2015.
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What structure and body problems do 2010 Ford Explorer owners report?
- Most reports describe front headrests tilted so far forward that they push the driver's or passenger's head down, with no way to adjust the angle. NHTSA logged 21 such complaints for this year, 18% of all complaints filed for the 2010 Explorer.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Ford Explorer headrest issue?
- NHTSA lists one Structure & Body recall for this year, campaign 10V161000, but it covers front seat manual recliners on vehicles built between December 15, 2009 and February 3, 2010, not the headrest angle complaints.
- At what mileage do these structure and body problems show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 4,000 miles for Structure & Body complaints on the 2010 Explorer, meaning most owners noticed the issue very early in ownership.
- Did the headrest issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 21 Structure & Body complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer.