How to Fold Down Rear Seat F150

What You’ll Need

No tools required
Clear rear floor area (remove items that may block the seat)

Step-by-Step

Clear the rear seat – Remove any objects, car seats, or cargo from the rear seat cushion and floor. Check that nothing is wedged between the seatback and the cushion.
Locate the release – Look for a pull strap, handle, or button near the top of the rear seatback (on the side, near the window). In most F-150 models, it’s a small loop or lever. Some models have a release on the seatback itself; others have it on the side trim.
Release the seatback – Pull the strap or handle firmly. You should hear a click or feel the seatback unlock. If your truck has a 60/40 split seat, release each section separately.
Fold the seatback forward – Push the top of the seatback toward the front of the truck. It should rotate down onto the seat cushion. If it doesn’t move, check that the release was fully engaged.
Secure the seatback (if needed) – Some models have a latch at the bottom that clicks into place when the seatback is fully down. Press down gently on the seatback to ensure it’s locked in the folded position.
Return to upright position – To put the seat back up, lift the seatback until it clicks into place. Push firmly near the top to ensure it’s locked. If the seat cushion was flipped forward, push it back down first.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to release the seatbelt – If the seatbelt is routed through the seatback, it may catch and prevent folding. Unclip the seatbelt from its guide if necessary.
Pulling the wrong lever – On some trims, the release is near the headrest, not the side. Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it.
Not clearing the floor – Large items under the seat can block the seatback from folding fully.
Forcing the seatback – If it won’t fold, don’t yank. Something is likely blocking it or the release isn’t fully pulled.

Tips

If your F-150 has a rear seat that flips up (not just folds), you may need to flip the cushion forward first. Look for a strap at the front edge of the cushion.
For the SuperCrew models, the seatback often folds flat to create a level load floor. Check that the headrests are lowered or removed if they hit the front seats.
When folding only one side (60/40 split), fold the smaller section first for easier access.
After folding, test that the seatback is locked by pulling on it gently before loading cargo.

Troubleshooting

Seatback won’t release: Pull the release harder or check if a child safety lock is engaged (some models have a key lock on the seatback). If it’s still stuck, look for a small lever near the base of the seat.
Seatback folds but won’t latch down: Ensure the seat cushion is in the correct position. If the cushion is flipped forward, the seatback may not reach the floor. Also check for debris in the latch area.
Seatback won’t go back up: Make sure the seatbelt isn’t tangled. Push the seatback firmly until you hear a click. If it still won’t lock, inspect the latch for damage.
Release strap is missing: Some models have a small handle on the side of the seatback, not a strap. Look for a plastic lever near the seat belt anchor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the headrests to fold the rear seat?

Usually not, but on some models the headrests may hit the front seats. If they do, lower them fully or remove them by pressing the release button.

Can I fold the rear seat while the truck is moving?

No. Always stop the truck and put it in park before folding or unfolding the rear seat.

How do I fold the rear seat in an F-150 with a bench seat?

The process is the same. The bench seat may have a single release on each side, or a center pull strap. Fold each side individually.

Why does my rear seat have a lever on the side?

That’s the release mechanism. Pull it forward and the seatback will unlock. It may be a handle or a strap depending on the trim.

Can I fold the rear seat if I have a car seat installed?

Yes, but you’ll need to remove the car seat first. Folding the seat with a car seat attached can damage the seat or the car seat.

Is it safe to carry cargo on the folded rear seat?

Yes, but ensure the seatback is locked in the folded position and that cargo is secured. Avoid placing heavy items directly on the seatback if it’s not designed for it.

Sources: Ford Owner's Manual. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.