Driver Lower Seat Panel - Outboard Side

[Frank T.]

I just picked up a 2021 ST today, (10-08-21), and I do see that the outboard drivers side seat panel is a DIFFERENT design than my wife's 2020 ST which has broken 5 times already. As of this writing, it broke again last week, and I will once again bring it in for another repair. An awful design flaw that is very frustrating. I will say that the positive news here is that Ford "got the message" and did something about it here in late 2021. I literally looked at the seat design at the first glance of the vehicle to see if it is different, and sure enough, it is!

If only Ford would come up with a permanent fix for the faulty panel!

 

[jenimomof3]

I purchased a 2020 Explorer ST in November, 2020, and the panel clip on mine just broke for the 4th time. This is ridiculous.

 

[mckmak]

I've had my 2020 Explorer XLT since December 2019 and I am now on my 4th brake on this seat. This seat really needs a recall soon.

 

[ScottZL1]

We just had ours replaced on both sides for the first time 2 weeks ago. They broke about 6 months after we got the car. So far the new ones SEEM to be much more firmly attached to the seat...but could just be because I was so used to them being broken for so long. We will see how long these last. They are a terrible design though. At least a TSB with an improved part would be nice.

 

[minuteman3]

Thought I'd bump this to the top ... with some possible good news. My 2020 ST driver's seat outboard trim failed in about a year of use. We took delivery in June of 2020, and it was first replaced in July 2021. It failed again a couple of weeks ago, and was replaced a few days ago, Jun 2022; both repairs covered under warranty.

Here's the new cover in place.

But, here's the encouraging news ... on the service orders the part number is substantially different ... hoping this means it was redesigned or beefed up to not fail!!


Let's hope this resolves what was clearly a bad design!!

Ken

 

[Stinger]

Mine is broken also.

 

[66gt350ps]

Just had mine on the 2020 St replaced at no charge under warranty. Fairly common issue due to design and frail plastic materials.

 

[hbalek]

Mine just broke a few days ago for the first time. I will have to have it replaced soon under warranty. I'm at 30,500 miles and almost 3 years of ownership.

 

[Lightning Struck]

Mine also broke today. Early 2021. Ordered 2 MB5Z 7862187 EC for $29/ea.

 

[hbalek]

Mine also broke today. Early 2021. Ordered 2 MB5Z 7862187 EC for $29/ea.

Mine is still under warranty. Yours isn't?

 

[Cdubya]

Mine also broke today. Early 2021. Ordered 2 MB5Z 7862187 EC for $29/ea.

You ordered two so if it fails you have another one ready to go?

Even if it's under warranty, $60 out of pocket is worth it for the hassle and time spent for a warranty claim with the dealer.

 

[Lightning Struck]

Mine isn't covered under warranty. I've got 41k miles on mine.

 

[hbalek]

Mine isn't covered under warranty. I've got 41k miles on mine.

Does anyone know if they have to remove the seat to install the broken part or can it just be replaced while the seat is still mounted?

 

[Lightning Struck]

Does anyone know if they have to remove the seat to install the broken part or can it just be replaced while the seat is still mounted?

I'm guessing it just pop's on with the seat installed.. Probably pretty easy judging by how easy it just "pops off" when not even trying.

 

[Lightning Struck]

BTW: List on the part is $41.70. I shopped around and got it for $28 with $12 shipping and no tax.

 

[boosted_st]

I'm guessing it just pop's on with the seat installed.. Probably pretty easy judging by how easy it just "pops off" when not even trying.

https://www.foexplorer.com/ford_exp...tallation_front_seat_control_switch-1262.html

This shows how to remove it.

 

[UndercoverMopar]

I purchased a 21 ST with 12k miles on it in June, about 2 weeks back my drivers seat panel broke. Also having some issues with reverse camera and throwing codes.

 

[schaggatron]

Is there a TSB for this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kimmonia]

Just ordered as per the post above! Thanks, my 2021 ST has had this broken dangling piece for a hot minute now. I hate going to dealers.

1. Part # MB5Z-7862187-EC

 

[artista7463]

Yes, mine has broken twice.