Check a VIN

1998-2002 Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport and others recall: recliner

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on August 5, 2003. It covers about 1,552,880 vehicles.

vehicles affected
1,552,880
reported
Aug 5, 2003
owners notified
Aug 29, 2003
related complaints
262

Seats: front assembly: recliner

What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.
Risk
The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. Owner notification began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 03V281000

Affected vehicles

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 262 complaints about seats problems.

1998 Ford Explorer1999 Ford Explorer2000 Ford Explorer2001 Ford Explorer2001 Ford Explorer Sport2002 Ford Explorer Sport2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac1998 Mercury Mountaineer1999 Mercury Mountaineer2000 Mercury Mountaineer2001 Mercury Mountaineer

Questions about recall 03V281000

Is there a recall on the 1998-2002 Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport and others recliner?

Yes. Recall 03V281000, reported on August 5, 2003, covers about 1,552,880 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 03V281000?

Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. Owner notification began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ford Explorer?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history