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Vehicle recall 03V281000 · August 5, 2003

Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and 2 more models

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…

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 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 began on August 29, 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).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
03V281000
Reported to NHTSA
August 5, 2003
Filed by
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Manufacturer campaign
03S04
Owner notification
August 29, 2003
Vehicles potentially affected
1,552,880
Initiated by
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components
Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Recall 03V281000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

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