1998 Ford Explorer Sport seats problems

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Seats · 140,000 miles · CA

Subject: defective seat frame caused by faulty seat recliner bolt comments: I have a 1998 ford explorer sport that was recalled by ford for a faulty drivers seat recliner bolt. On june 2nd 2010 I took my explorer to future ford of concord ca to have the recall repair work performed, which it was, but with a "note to the customer" from the ford mechanic that the seat frame was damaged as a result of the faulty drivers seat recliner bolt for which my explorer was recalled for. Upon being informed I asked my ford service advisor "d.t." how ford planned to repair the damaged seat frame, and he referred me to the future ford service manager j.h., who in turn said that his "computer said" the parts are not available, and that I was welcome to voice my concerns to ford motor company?!?! Can someone at the dot please evaluate my case and if warranted, approach ford motor co. With an order to replace the faulty part(s) at no cost to me since the damage to the seat frame was caused by the faulty drivers seat recliner bolt? Driving on a damaged drivers seat seat frame doesn't sound too safe to me! No doubt this is why the mechanic at future ford noted this on his work order, and the service advisor then notified me.

Filed Aug 3, 2010 · Locks, Seats · 121,895 miles · MS

I have had my driver's seat recliner mechanism repaired before, but the recliner driver's seat has broken again. Now the recliner driver's seat reclines totally, until it touches the back seat cushion. The dealership told me the part to repair the seat is no longer manufactured. I was told I could go to a salvage yard to look for the part. On researching the problem on the internet I came upon the recall notice for the exact problem I have had with this vehicle.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Seats · 157,000 miles · VA

Ford issued a recall for a bolt replacement in the seat. Safety recall 03s04 refers. Beach ford dealership has declined to conduct the repair due to time of the recall (5 years). The dealership stated that the bolt had already sheared and since the recall was so old they would not repair.

Filed May 2, 2007 · Seats · 95,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. Front driver seat lever will not stay in place. Driving on the road one afternoon, the seat reclined out of control. The seat must be reclined in a reasonable position when driving. However, it was unsafe for him to operate the vehicle. He stated that he is experiencing the same failure as listed in recall number 03v281000. The recall stated that on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats the upper bolt on the driver's side that attached the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash. The manufacturer stated that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN, and that there was nothing they could or will do to fix it. The manufacturer was advised to call the national highway safety administration (the federal safety agency). The contact did not know the name of the dealer where he purchased the vehicle. The current mileage was 116,000, and the failure mileage was 95,000. *ak updated 06/14/07.

Filed Feb 11, 2007 · Seats · 143,245 miles · CA

The federal safety agency campaign #03v281000 seats:front assembly:recliner I have a 1998 ford explorer sport, which was subject to the above recall. I took my vehicle into a ford dealer sometime in 2005 to have subject recall work performed. Although this SUV is used sparingly as it is my third vehicle (approximately 5,000 miles per year), the front seat has since failed as if the recall work was not performed at all, or the modification was inadequate. The failure nearly caused loss of control of the vehicle and has rendered the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Seats · 50,000 miles · VA

1998 ford explorer sport driver's seat back lever was always being bent down as driver would exit SUV, causing handle to jam against seat frame. Driver would straighten handle in order to change position of seat back from one driver to another. Upon pushing handle back up into original position, it snapped, breaking off at connection point, just above two rivets on cam of the seat back assembly. Seat was in the most forward up position (across drivers seat) while accessing space behind drivers seat, sport model is a 2-door. Had to use screwdriver as a lever to return seat back to upright position. If this had happen to my wife (or other person not mechanically inclined) she/they would not have been able to return seat back to its normal position, and therefore would not have been able to access seat or drive vehicle. This could very well constitute a safety hazard for drivers that are unable to return seat back to proper driving position when this lever breaks off. Part number 7862649-aaa, seat back assembly, is not available thought exhaustive search on-line. While going through scrap yards looking for lever assembly, found 2 other driver seat back levers broken in similar fashion. Have had recall number 03v281000 already service on this vehicle in fall 2003.

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Seats · CA

While driving the consumer's seat back collapsed almost causing an accident. The consumer received a recall related to this failure the day after this incident occurred. *la the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer indicated that they were only required to replace the bolt not the seat. The consumer would like to have the seat replaced at no cost to her (recall #03s04). * nm

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Seats, Visibility · CA

Consumer seeking reimbursement for repairs on a bolt that attached to the seat recliner mechanism. *la the ventilation system leaked.

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Seats · FL

The consumer felt that recall #03v281000 was not adequate enough to correct the defect. The problem remained. *ak *sc

Filed Sep 17, 2003 · Seats · 77,000 miles · GA

Drivers side seat recline lever broke off. The seat is unable to move forward, preventing access to the rear from the drivers side. The metal is too weak and at an awkward position. The dealer will not replace, even through this is an obvious faulty part as the replacement part is designed with a thicker metal.