Recall 17V332 affects 2,204 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, and Super Duty vehicles for inadequate driver-seat recliner welds. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2,204 2017 Explorer, F-150, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-550 Sd vehicles with manual driver's seat back recliner mechanisms because inadequate welds can keep the seat back frame from restraining an occupant in a crash. That raises injury risk, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The manual driver's seat back recliner in the 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-550 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-250 Sd, and F-450 Sd lets the driver set the seat back angle and holds that position during normal driving. The recliner mechanism is attached to the seat back frame, so the frame and recliner have to work as one structure when the seat is loaded.
On affected Ford vehicles, the weld between the seat back frame and the manual recliner was inadequate. Ford traced the problem to an improper manufacturing process at the seat supplier. If that welded joint does not hold in a crash, the seat back frame can fail to restrain the driver as designed.
What you notice comes from the driver's seat itself. The recliner can be inoperative or hard to move, the seat can squeak, one side can shift suddenly, or the seat back can look like it is leaning rearward on one side.
Who's affected?
The scope combines the Explorer SUV with F-Series truck lines, all tied to the same seat assembly.
| 2017 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-550 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-550 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-350 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-350 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-250 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-250 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-450 Sd | seat assembly |
| 2017 Ford F-450 Sd | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 2,204 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2017 Ford model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A poorly welded driver seat can leave the occupant inadequately restrained in a crash, increasing injury risk. Warning signs include a hard to operate recliner, seat squeaks, sudden movement on one side, or a backrest leaning rearward on one side. Schedule the inspection soon if you notice those signs. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-550 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-250 Sd, or F-450 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free seat-back-frame inspection and replacement if the welds are inadequate.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. Reference recall number 17V332 and Ford recall 17C08 when you call.
- Limit driving until the seat-back-frame inspection is complete, since an inadequate weld can reduce restraint in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driver's seat back frame on affected 2017 Explorer, F-150, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-550 Sd vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. If the frame is affected, the technician replaces the seat back frame. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says warranty coverage provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 22, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 5, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 7, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V332?
Recall 17V332 covers 2,204 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, and F-550 Sd vehicles with manual driver's seat back recliner mechanisms. In a crash, inadequate welds in the seat back frame can reduce occupant restraint and increase injury risk.
What should I do if my 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd, or F-550 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V332. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer for inspection of the driver's seat back frame. The dealer will replace the seat back frame if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will inspect and replace the seat back frame if needed for free. Reference Ford recall number 17C08 when you call the dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V332?
The safety risk is reduced occupant restraint in a crash. Ford reported that inadequate welds in the seat back frame can prevent the seat from properly restraining the occupant, increasing injury risk during a collision.
What if I bought the Ford vehicle 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 2017 Ford vehicle is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 17V332 or Ford recall number 17C08.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V332000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V332 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V332000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →