From the Associated Press...

Ford said it is recalling nearly 1.6 million Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers made between 1998 and 2001 and 2001-2002 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models for a defect in the seat backs. A smaller number of the same vehicles also are being recalled because of a problem with speed control cables. Ford said Friday that it knew of no injuries related to the three recalls.

On Explorers, Mountaineers and Explorer Sport and Sport Tracs equipped with high-back seats, the bolt that attaches the seat recliner to the seat frame could fracture and the seat could fall back, increasing the risk of a driver losing control. Dealers will replace the bolt with a metal one.

On nearly 500,000 Explorers, Mountaineers, Explorer Sport and Sport Tracs with optional speed control, the speed control cables could wear out prematurely and possibly increase braking distance. Dealers will inspect the cables and replace them if necessary.

 

Recalls Summary

Make: FORD
Model: EXPLORER
Year: 1999
Recall Number: 03V281000

Summary:
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.

Consequence:
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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Notes:
FORD RECALL NO. 03S04. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).


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Recalls Summary

Make: FORD
Model: EXPLORER
Year: 1999
Recall Number: 03V280000

Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

Consequence:
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Notes:
FORD RECALL NO. 03S03. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).