Ford Explorer Recall R/2003/143: Drivers Seat May Recline Unexpectedly, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 13 Oct 2003
- Launched
- 3,011
- vehicles in the UK
- 3C899
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Explorer vehicles built between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002. Driver's side seat upper recliner to seat back frame attachment bolt may fracture forcing seat to fully recline unexpectedly. The dealer will fit new design spacer and bolt. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Driver's side seat upper recliner to seat back frame attachment bolt may fracture forcing seat to fully recline unexpectedly.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DRIVERS SEAT MAY RECLINE UNEXPECTEDLY Defect: Driver's side seat upper recliner to seat back frame attachment bolt may fracture forcing seat to fully recline unexpectedly. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and fit new design spacer and bolt.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: drivers seat may recline unexpectedly.
The Fix
The dealer will fit new design spacer and bolt.
Are You Affected?
Explorer built between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002 may be included. Ford estimates 3,011 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 3C899 or the DVSA reference R/2003/143. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExplorerPanoramic roof partial detachment | Low | R/2026/334 | |
| Capri, ExplorerTorque inspection on various joints | Book soon | R/2026/082 | |
| Capri, ExplorerFront seat back inspection | Low | R/2025/474 | |
| Ecosport, Edge, Explorer, Fiesta and 11 moreRear-View camera software update | Low | R/2025/359 | |
| Capri, ExplorerGround connection inspection | Urgent | R/2025/317 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2003/155 on 6 Oct 2003, for incorrect deployment of curtain airbag. The one launched after it was R/2004/009 on 26 Jan 2004, for rear brake hoses may chafe. You can also see every Ford recall and all recalls launched in 2003.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/143, launched 13 October 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.