The problem
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.
The risk
The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-281 (03V281000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03S04 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Seats › Front assembly › Recliner |
| Report date | August 5, 2003 |
| Owners notified | August 29, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,552,880 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seats
- 1998 Ford Explorer seat problems 70
- 1999 Ford Explorer seat problems 68
- 2000 Ford Explorer seat problems 35
- 2001 Ford Explorer seat problems 24
- 2001 Ford Explorer Sport seat problems 15
- 2002 Ford Explorer Sport seat problems 8
- 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac seat problems 9
- 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac seat problems 5
- 1998 Mercury Mountaineer seat problems 9
- 1999 Mercury Mountaineer seat problems 4
- 2000 Mercury Mountaineer seat problems 7
- 2001 Mercury Mountaineer seat problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-281 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,552,880 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.