2013-2019 Ford Flex & Lincoln MKT Power Seat Track: Problems, Recall, and Replacement

Symptoms of a Failing Seat Track

When the power seat track in a 2013-2019 Ford Flex or Lincoln MKT begins to fail, the symptoms are usually obvious. Understanding these signs can help you distinguish between a simple issue, like a blown fuse, and a more complex mechanical or electrical failure.

• Seat Won't Move: The most common symptom is a seat that is completely unresponsive or will only move in some directions but not others. For example, the recline might work, but the forward/backward adjustment is dead.
• Clicking Without Movement: You press the switch and hear a 'click' from under the seat, but nothing happens. This usually means the motor is receiving power but is seized internally or the track is jammed.
• Grinding or Whirring Noises: Loud grinding sounds during adjustment suggest stripped or broken gears inside one of the motors.
• Twisting Seat: When you try to move the seat forward or back, only one side of the track moves, causing the seat to twist into a crooked position. This indicates one of the two slide motors has failed.
• Intermittent Operation: The seat works sometimes but not others. This often points to a failing switch, a loose electrical connection under the seat, or a problem with the seat control module.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins

These vehicles have a few documented issues related to the front seats that owners should be aware of. The most critical is a safety recall affecting 2014 models.

Safety Recall 14C10: Passenger Seat Airbag Sensor

Related Issue: Multi-Contour Seat Module Connectors

While not directly affecting the standard 8-way power seat track, Ford issued TSB 19-2390 for vehicles with optional multi-contour (massaging) seats where the feature would become inoperative. The cause was identified as microscopic corrosion (fretting) in an electrical connector under the seat, not a failure of the expensive control module itself. This is a valuable lesson for any power seat issue: always inspect the wiring and connectors under the seat for corrosion or damage before assuming a motor or module is bad.

Diagnosing the Problem: Track, Switch, or Module?

Before spending money on parts, follow these steps to narrow down the cause:

1. Check the Fuses: Your first step should always be to check the fuse box. A power seat system has dedicated fuses. A blown fuse can be the cause, but it can also be a symptom of a shorted motor drawing too much current.
2. Listen Carefully: As mentioned in the symptoms, the sounds (or lack thereof) are a big clue. No sound at all points toward a lack of power (fuse, wiring) or a bad switch. A click suggests a bad motor.
3. Isolate the Switch: If some seat functions work but one direction doesn't, the switch is a strong possibility. The contacts for that specific direction may have worn out.
4. Inspect Under the Seat: Look for anything obvious. Has an object jammed the track? Is the main electrical connector loose or disconnected? Are any wires frayed or cut? Wires can be damaged by items sliding under the seat or from the seat's own movement over time.

Buying a Used Seat Track Bracket: What to Inspect

Given that a new OEM seat track assembly can cost over $1,000, a used OEM part is an excellent value. However, you must verify compatibility and inspect the part carefully.

Compatibility Check

• Verify Seat Functions: The most important step. This guide covers the 8-way power track with lumbar. Confirm the donor vehicle had the exact same seat functions as yours.
• Memory, Heated, and Cooled Seats: If your vehicle has memory, heated, or cooled seats, you will likely need to transfer your original seat control module and wiring harness to the replacement track. The used track may not have the correct module for your vehicle's options. Be prepared for this extra step.
• Driver vs. Passenger: The tracks are side-specific and not interchangeable.

Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check for Rust and Corrosion: Inspect the metal tracks and motor housings for excessive rust, which can cause them to bind up.
• Examine Wiring: Look for any cut, spliced, or frayed wires. Pay close attention to the main connector plugs to ensure no pins are corroded, bent, or pushed out.
• Inspect Gears: If possible, look at the plastic and metal gears on the motors. Check for stripped or broken teeth.
• Test the Motors: If you have a 12V power source (like a car battery), you can briefly touch the leads to the pins for each motor to confirm they spin. This is the best way to ensure you're getting a functional part.

Cost to Replace a Seat Track Bracket (2013-2019 Flex & MKT)

Replacing the entire seat track is often more cost-effective than paying a shop to diagnose and replace individual components like a single motor or switch.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

Replacing the seat track is a manageable DIY job for someone with basic mechanical skills, but the seat itself is heavy and awkward.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 2 hours
• Process: The basic steps involve disconnecting the vehicle's battery, unbolting the four bolts holding the seat to the vehicle floor, carefully tilting the seat to disconnect all electrical connectors, and removing the entire seat assembly. Once out, the track is unbolted from the seat cushion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)