Vehicle recall 03V280000 · August 5, 2003
Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and 2 more models
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…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- 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 began August 29, 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).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 03V280000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 5, 2003
- Filed by
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Manufacturer campaign
- 03S03
- Owner notification
- August 29, 2003
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 448,005
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Ford Explorer (1999-2001): 2001, 2000, 1999
- Ford Explorer Sport (2001): 2001
- Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001): 2001
- Mercury Mountaineer (1999-2001): 2001, 2000, 1999
Has your Ford been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.