2016 explorer 2nd row bucket seats - dealer fraud?

[GRock]

I bought a new explorer, xlt, with bucket seats in the second row. When I showed up for the purchase a few days later, they said they had to get a different one since the one I agreed to buy sold. Everything looked the same, plus I got the upgraded engine, BUT

I noticed that when I got home the bucket seats were missing the arm on the aisle side (as in, the seats were never designed to have an arm there). I got home and emailed the dealer, arguing that this appeared to be the version with a console in the middle, and they removed the console, due to the seat design. Or maybe it was a bench and they removed the middle? They said no, it was the bucket design - anyone have insight on this? There is a box in the middle covering up hardware. I think I'm being lied to...

Is it easy to get them to change the seats out or would I have to completely switch cars - I'm going to fight this if I can get clarity on the seat design.

Love my explorer, pissed at the switch a roo...
Ginger

 

[1995E]

I bought a new explorer, xlt, with bucket seats in the second row. When I showed up for the purchase a few days later, they said they had to get a different one since the one I agreed to buy sold. Everything looked the same, plus I got the upgraded engine, BUT

I noticed that when I got home the bucket seats were missing the arm on the aisle side (as in, the seats were never designed to have an arm there). I got home and emailed the dealer, arguing that this appeared to be the version with a console in the middle, and they removed the console, due to the seat design. Or maybe it was a bench and they removed the middle? They said no, it was the bucket design - anyone have insight on this? There is a box in the middle covering up hardware. I think I'm being lied to...

Is it easy to get them to change the seats out or would I have to completely switch cars - I'm going to fight this if I can get clarity on the seat design.

Love my explorer, pissed at the switch a roo...
Ginger

Are you referring to the center console for the 2nd row that is missing? They can easily put that in for you. You should always double check at the dealership. Lots of times, the consumer would know more about the car than even the salesman.

 

[blwnsmoke]

I bought a new explorer, xlt, with bucket seats in the second row. When I showed up for the purchase a few days later, they said they had to get a different one since the one I agreed to buy sold. Everything looked the same, plus I got the upgraded engine, BUT

I noticed that when I got home the bucket seats were missing the arm on the aisle side (as in, the seats were never designed to have an arm there). I got home and emailed the dealer, arguing that this appeared to be the version with a console in the middle, and they removed the console, due to the seat design. Or maybe it was a bench and they removed the middle? They said no, it was the bucket design - anyone have insight on this? There is a box in the middle covering up hardware. I think I'm being lied to...

Is it easy to get them to change the seats out or would I have to completely switch cars - I'm going to fight this if I can get clarity on the seat design.

Love my explorer, pissed at the switch a roo...
Ginger

There are no arm rests on the bucket seats. If you have the center console, that is used for an arm rest. It is essentially just like the front row, the front row seats do not have a armrests on the seats, you need to use the center console... works the same way in the 2nd row. There have been many discussions on here about how it is somewhat awkward without the center console in the 2nd row because there is no place to put your inside arm relying only on the armrest on the doors.

That middle cover is there whenever the center console option isn't chosen. It covers up the hole area where it mounts to.

 

[chartquist]

My new 2016 Explorer Sport also has the 2nd row buckets but did not come from the factory with the center console. It was an easy addition that I installed myself, or the dealer will do for a hour's worth of work. The part is around $300 and it installs with four bolts. It offers lots of extra storage, cupholders, and a comfy arm rest. Some folks prefer not to have the console there so people (kids) can easily move back and forth from the 2nd row to the 3rd row.

BTW, I asked the dealer to cover the cost of the console at purchase and they agreed. I made it clear the moment I saw the vehicle I purchased that I wanted a console and would either special order, or they could just give me the part. Sounds like you had a bit of a bait and switch scenario, so you might be justified in asking them to provide and install the console.

 

[peterk9]

I bought a new explorer, xlt, with bucket seats in the second row. When I showed up for the purchase a few days later, they said they had to get a different one since the one I agreed to buy sold. Everything looked the same, plus I got the upgraded engine, BUT

I noticed that when I got home the bucket seats were missing the arm on the aisle side (as in, the seats were never designed to have an arm there). I got home and emailed the dealer, arguing that this appeared to be the version with a console in the middle, and they removed the console, due to the seat design. Or maybe it was a bench and they removed the middle? They said no, it was the bucket design - anyone have insight on this? There is a box in the middle covering up hardware. I think I'm being lied to...

Is it easy to get them to change the seats out or would I have to completely switch cars - I'm going to fight this if I can get clarity on the seat design.

Love my explorer, pissed at the switch a roo...
Ginger

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
As blwnsmoke mentioned, the 2nd row buckets do not have armrests.
This has been posted here in the forum several times. Did the vehicle you originally wanted to buy have the centre 2nd row console? If it did, then you may be able to work something out with the dealer to get one installed. If not, then what you have is no different than the initial one. The console can be ordered and self installed. There are threads on that as well. The bench seat is a 60/40 bench. There is no "middle" to remove. Good luck.

Peter

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Mine came without the center console but I installed and yes ZERO center arm rests.

 

[jmr061]

I bought a new explorer, xlt, with bucket seats in the second row. When I showed up for the purchase a few days later, they said they had to get a different one since the one I agreed to buy sold. Everything looked the same, plus I got the upgraded engine, BUT

I noticed that when I got home the bucket seats were missing the arm on the aisle side (as in, the seats were never designed to have an arm there). I got home and emailed the dealer, arguing that this appeared to be the version with a console in the middle, and they removed the console, due to the seat design. Or maybe it was a bench and they removed the middle? They said no, it was the bucket design - anyone have insight on this? There is a box in the middle covering up hardware. I think I'm being lied to...

Is it easy to get them to change the seats out or would I have to completely switch cars - I'm going to fight this if I can get clarity on the seat design.

Love my explorer, pissed at the switch a roo...
Ginger

That is how they are designed. The dealer is correct.

 

[GRock]

Thanks all. Glad to hear I wasn't completely taken advantage of and clearly I need to search the forum better. I think I must have first driven a higher end model that had armrests on the bucket seats.

I'll search on the forum and make an attempt to install a console-cwescape, yours looks awesome!
Ginger

 

[peterk9]

Thanks all. Glad to hear I wasn't completely taken advantage of and clearly I need to search the forum better. I think I must have first driven a higher end model that had armrests on the bucket seats.

I'll search on the forum and make an attempt to install a console-cwescape, yours looks awesome!
Ginger

None of the 5th gen Explorer models have buckets with arm rests. The Expedition maybe??

Peter

 

[Ryan02Stang]

No second row bucket seats on the newer Explorer will have arm rests. If you were in an Explorer with armrests, they had to be aftermarket.

Also look at your window sticker as second row bucket seats, and the center console are options that will be on there.

 

[boroboy135]

My new 2016 Explorer Sport also has the 2nd row buckets but did not come from the factory with the center console. It was an easy addition that I installed myself, or the dealer will do for a hour's worth of work. The part is around $300 and it installs with four bolts. It offers lots of extra storage, cupholders, and a comfy arm rest. Some folks prefer not to have the console there so people (kids) can easily move back and forth from the 2nd row to the 3rd row.

BTW, I asked the dealer to cover the cost of the console at purchase and they agreed. I made it clear the moment I saw the vehicle I purchased that I wanted a console and would either special order, or they could just give me the part. Sounds like you had a bit of a bait and switch scenario, so you might be justified in asking them to provide and install the console.

Question: new on the forum. Can you tell me if the bucket seats fold flat?

 

[peterk9]

Question: new on the forum. Can you tell me if the bucket seats fold flat?

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes, the bucket seats fold fairly flat but unless you get the 2nd row console you'll have quite a gap there between the seats. Although the picture isn't from an Explorer, I'm sure the seats are similar. No console in mine.

Peter

 

[boroboy135]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping for.
Regards
Joe

 

[Halwg]

Some people just have no clue...

 

[peterk9]

Some people just have no clue...

A valid question since there some vehicles that don't have fold flat seats. It is also one reason this forum exists so that members can help members.

Peter

 

[supr squirrel]

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes, the bucket seats fold fairly flat but unless you get the 2nd row console you'll have quite a gap there between the seats. Although the picture isn't from an Explorer, I'm sure the seats are similar. No console in mine.

Peter

View attachment 91904

Yep, they fold completely flat. About the only difference between the picture you posted and the seats in my '17 is there's a button on the side of the headrest to allow it to fold flat against the seat so it doesn't 'stick out' when you flip the seat up for easy entry into the third row.

 

[supr squirrel]

Sorry it's taken so long to get pictures posted. We've been remodeling a bathroom, had a car seat in this seat (that my parents are using today, so it gave me the opportunity) and have just been busy in general. I know you were asking about 'fold flat' but I went ahead and showed the headrest in the 'down' position for folding, the 'fold flat' and the seat up for easier entry. (And this a 2017.)

Also, sorry that it's a wreck in there. I haven't had the chance to clean it up since we got back from a 1,600 mile trip. As you can see having six people (with two of them being nearly two and nearly 4) in a vehicle for that long proves to be messy. :-/ It's getting detailed this weekend so all will be well. https://1drv.ms/i/s!Ar6C28xqT5INix_jUN1IW53xkjYq