Ford is recalling nearly 1.7 million SUVs including 1998 through 2001
model-year Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models, and 2001-2002
Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models. The affected vehicles may have a
bolt on the driver’s seat that breaks, causing the seat to suddenly
recline.
Of the SUVs recalled, about 500,000 of the 1999 through 2001
model-year Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport and Mercury Mountaineer models,
and 2001 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6
engine, are also being recalled for a problem with the cruise control.
Ford said some customers had complained that the cruise control would
not shut off, due to a failing cable. No accidents or injuries have been
attributed to either problem, according to Ford, and both will be fixed
for free.