Recall 16V475 affects 5,280 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles for weak driver's seat-back welds. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 5,280 2016 Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat because of insufficient welds in the seat back frame. In a crash, the seat back can fail to restrain the driver properly and raise injury risk; Ford dealers will inspect and repair the seat back frame free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver's seat recliner in the 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 is the mechanism that lets the seat back tilt and lock into position. In normal use, the recliner and the seat back frame work together so the driver stays properly supported while sitting, braking, and moving with the vehicle.
On affected Ford vehicles, the weld between the seat back frame and the manual recliner mechanism was not made strongly enough. Ford traced the problem to excessive oil on stamped recliner parts during manufacturing. That contamination interfered with the weld, leaving the seat back frame and recliner connection weaker than intended.
Before the weld connection fails, the driver's seat back can look loose, twisted, or leaned to one side. The seat also can squeak or rattle, which is the warning sign to take seriously.
Who's affected?
The scope splits between an SUV and a pickup, both tied to the front seat recliner.
| 2016 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford F-150 | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 5,280 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
The concern is occupant restraint: a loose or damaged driver's seat back gives less support during a crash, increasing injury risk. If the seat back looks loose, twisted, leans to one side, or squeaks or rattles, schedule the recall inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ford Explorer or F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free driver's-seat-back-frame inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes insufficient welds that reduce crash restraint.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V475 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the appointment; the seat back can fail to adequately restrain the driver during a crash until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driver's seat back frame on affected 2016 Explorer and F-150 vehicles with a manual recline driver's seat. If the frame has the recalled weld condition, the technician replaces the seat back frame. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provided a free repair for this concern. If you have prior repair paperwork for the seat back frame, ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 15, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V475?
Recall 16V475 covers 5,280 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles with a manual recline driver's seat. The driver's seat back frame has insufficient welds and fails to meet federal seat and head-restraint standards. Ford dealers will inspect the frame and replace it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2016 Ford Explorer or F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V475. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the driver's seat back frame inspection. Reference Ford recall number 16C11 when you call. The inspection and needed repair are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the driver's seat back frame and replace it free of charge when the inspection shows the affected weld condition.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V475?
The safety risk is reduced occupant restraint in a crash. The driver's seat back frame has insufficient welds, so the seat back does not restrain the occupant as required by federal safety standards. That increases the risk of injury. The dealer repair fixes the seat back frame issue for free.
What if I bought my 2016 Ford Explorer or F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer or F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 16V475 or Ford recall number 16C11.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V475000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V475 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V475000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →