2020 Ford Explorer Seat Trim

[sammyg]

New member here and trying to find a fix for the seat trim on my wife's 2020 Explorer Platinum. I just did replace it and it's already popped loose. Was wondering if anyone has come up with a fix/repair for this. Pardon my language but I think it's a pi$$poor design, and that's coming from a Ford Louisville Assembly plant retiree. I've been retired over 20 years, I was there when we launched the Explorer in 1990.

 

[Rick]

Is this the left side panel of the drivers seat you are having an issue with?

Very cool that you have been part of the Explorer scene since the beginning. Check this page:

The First Ford Explorer. Story by Derek Elliot Former Ford Engineer

 

[hbalek]

New member here and trying to find a fix for the seat trim on my wife's 2020 Explorer Platinum. I just did replace it and it's already popped loose. Was wondering if anyone has come up with a fix/repair for this. Pardon my language but I think it's a pi$$poor design, and that's coming from a Ford Louisville Assembly plant retiree. I've been retired over 20 years, I was there when we launched the Explorer in 1990.

My fix was black gaffer's tape! I had it replaced once under warranty then when it was in the shop for another repair, I noticed when picking it up that it was broken again. At that point it was out of factory warranty and would have to pay $100 deductible under my Ford PremiumCare plan. I opted for the black tape which holds it together. Obviously they haven't redesigned the part so I'm not willing to waste more time and money trying to get it repaired.

 

[Rick]

My fix was black gaffer's tape! I had it replaced once under warranty then when it was in the shop for another repair, I noticed when picking it up that it was broken again. At that point it was out of factory warranty and would have to pay $100 deductile under my Ford PremiumCare plan. I opted for the black tape which holds it together. Obviously they haven't redesigned the part so I'm not willing to waste more time and money trying to get it repaired.

Just wondering if this is the side panel on the left side of the seat you are both having issues with.

If so my fix was to secure it with a black trim screw which screws into the bracket behind the panel. I drilled the bracket for the screw.

This has held up for about 2 years now.

That side is filthy! Downside of living in an area with dirt roads.

 

[hbalek]

Just wondering if this is the side panel on the left side of the seat you are both having issues with.

If so my fix was to secure it with a black trim screw which screws into the bracket behind the panel. I drilled the bracket for the screw.

This has held up for about 2 years now.

View attachment 464034
That side is filthy! Downside of living in an area with dirt roads.

My 2020 also has several white cracks in the driver's seat leather! LOL

 

[sammyg]

Is this the left side panel of the drivers seat you are having an issue with?

Very cool that you have been part of the Explorer scene since the beginning. Check this page:

The First Ford Explorer. Story by Derek Elliot Former Ford Engineer

Yes, I'm talking about the panel that has the controls for the power seat.

 

[Rick]

Yes, I'm talking about the panel that has the controls for the power seat.

The issue is that when the seat is lowered fully it puts pressure on that panel. Outside of a redesign I don't see how it can be fixed using the stock components. That's why I added the screw.

 

[sammyg]

The issue is that when the seat is lowered fully it puts pressure on that panel. Outside of a redesign I don't see how it can be fixed using the stock components. That's why I added the screw.

Thanks to all that offered help, I had thought of drilling a hole and using a screw as a solution, did that solve the problem?

 

[Rick]

Thanks to all that offered help, I had thought of drilling a hole and using a screw as a solution, did that solve the problem?

My fix was to secure it with a black trim screw which screws into the bracket behind the panel. I drilled the bracket for the screw.

This has held up for about 2 years now.

View attachment 464034