Investigation PE03020: 1998–2002 Ford Explorer

Status

CLOSED

Opened

May 21, 2003

Closed

Sep 5, 2003

Model years

1998–2002

Subject

Front seat back recliner attachment

Component: Seats › Front assembly › Recliner

Summary

By letter dated august 4, 2003, ford notified the agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 03v281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 ford explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 ford explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 ford explorer sport and sport trac vehicles equipped with high back seats.complaints allege that the driver's seat back reclined without warning.a bolt between the upper seat recliner attachment and the seat back frame may fracture.ford will replace the bolt that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame on the driver side seat.based on ford's safety recall action, this investigation is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2002 Ford Explorer3,295 complaints
• 2001 Ford Explorer375 complaints
• 2000 Ford Explorer952 complaints
• 1999 Ford Explorer1,348 complaints
• 1998 Ford Explorer1,959 complaints