Recall 19V651 covers 311,907 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles with sharp-edged power seat frames. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 311,907 2017 Explorer vehicles with power front seats because sharp seat frame edges can injure occupants who reach between the seat and center console. Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front power seat frame in a 2017 Ford Explorer is the metal structure under the seat cushion. It supports the seat, holds the power adjustment hardware, and keeps the seat fixed to the floor while the motor moves it forward, back, up, or down.
On affected Explorers, parts of that frame were not finished correctly during manufacturing. The supplier tooling that forms the edge was not properly maintained, so some seat frame edges were not smoothed or shaped as designed. A sharp edge can remain in the narrow space between the center console and the power seat.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is contact: if an owner or passenger reaches into that gap, a hand can strike the sharp seat frame edge and get cut.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 311,907 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 31 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Ford Explorer SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Sharp edges between the power front seat and center console can injure occupants reaching into that gap. Avoid putting your hand between the seat and console until the protective tape is installed, and keep passengers away from the exposed edge. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free protective-tape repair for the sharp power-seat frame edges.
- Bring the recall notice, if you received one, and reference recall number 19V651 when you call.
- Avoid reaching between the power front seat and center console until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician installs protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames. That covers the sharp seat-frame edges identified in this recall. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Ask Ford customer service or the service desk what documentation is required.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 11, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 12, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 14, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 8, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V651?
Recall 19V651 covers 311,907 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames have sharp edges that can injure occupants reaching between the front seat and center console. Ford dealers install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 19V651. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the seat-frame tape repair. Reference recall 19V651 or Ford recall number 19S29 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Ford dealers install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2017 Ford Explorer before the repair?
This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is injury from sharp seat-frame edges when someone reaches between the power front seat and center console. Until the repair is complete, avoid reaching into that gap and schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017 Explorer is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 19V651 or Ford recall number 19S29.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V651000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V651 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V651000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →