Four problems related to seats have been reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2003 Explorer.
The problem with the forward seat head rest wrong angle causing the driver to get stiff neck and get you really tired driving long distances, there is no way to adjust but up and lower not enough to clear your head to be straight as proper posture, I understand it is to prevent neck injuries, my recommendation to have an adjustable head rest fwd and aft side and higher to adjust to your body properly. It is a big concern since lots of people get on the road and they get really tired and uncomfortable driving.
Manufacturer latent defect - driver seat base frame track broken.
Ref Ford TSB 05416 Feb 06 - front passenger seat in 2003 Explorer begins to make noise when accelerating, slowing or going over bumps. Dealer hears problem, no parts available, agree to return when parts received. Mar 06 - parts received (retainer clips) and repairs made per TSB 05416 Aug 06 - same problem again, dealer recommends replacing seat track frame. Will not cover under TSB and claims "bumper-to-bumper" extended warranty also will not cover. Now in cat and mouse game with Ford regarding this obvious manufacturing defect that is possibly safety related as well.
2003 Ford Explorer's driver's seat shifted when the consumer accelerated or decelerated quickly. The seat was repaired once already. A local dealership has looked at the seat recently but indicated that they cannot guarantee the repair.