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Recall campaign03V281000

Recall 03V281000: 1998–2001 Ford Explorer and 3 other models

Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Report received
Aug 5, 2003
Manufacturer
Ford motor company
Potentially affected
1,552,880vehicles
Model years
1998–2002

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

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.

Possible 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 began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.