Ford Fiesta, Fusion Recall R/2003/038: Weld Seam On Rear Axle Is Not To Specification, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 7 Mar 2003
- Launched
- 1,311
- vehicles in the UK
- 3U874
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Fiesta, Fusion vehicles built between 14 August 2002 and 3 September 2002. The weld seam securing the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle may not be to specification on a small number of vehicles within the affected range. The dealer will check the production date code and replace the axle where found necessary. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The weld seam securing the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle may not be to specification on a small number of vehicles within the affected range.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: WELD SEAM ON REAR AXLE IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION Defect: The weld seam securing the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle may not be to specification on a small number of vehicles within the affected range.. Remedy: Check the production date code and replace the axle where found necessary.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: weld seam on rear axle is not to specification.
The Fix
The dealer will check the production date code and replace the axle where found necessary.
Are You Affected?
Fiesta, Fusion built between 14 August 2002 and 3 September 2002 may be included. Ford estimates 1,311 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 3U874 or the DVSA reference R/2003/038. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecosport, Edge, Explorer, Fiesta and 11 moreRear-View camera software update | Low | R/2025/359 | |
| Fiesta, Puma, Tourneo Courier, Transit CourierFuel line chafing | Urgent | R/2025/084 | |
| FiestaThe front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles | Book soon | R/2023/189 | |
| Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, PumaThe right-hand engine oil seperator may have been damaged prior to engine assembly | Low | R/2022/171 | |
| FiestaThe wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor may not be secured correctly into position | Low | R/2021/348 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2003/007 on 3 Feb 2003, for power steering pressure hose may chafe on engine inlet manifold. The one launched after it was R/2003/055 on 22 Apr 2003, for possible casting defect in front steering knuckles. You can also see every Ford recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/038, launched 7 March 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.