Recall 10V161000: Front Seat Manual Recliner Replacement

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Ford/Explorer 2010

Ford/Explorer Sport Trac 2010

Ford/Fusion 2010

Mercury/Milan 2010

Mercury/Mountaineer 2010

MANUFACTURER: Ford mOtor Company

MFR'S REPORT DATE: April 16, 2010

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V161000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Seats: Front Assembly: Recliner

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 33256

SUMMARY:
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Fusion, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Milan and Mountaineer vehicles manufactured between December 15, 2009 through February 3, 2010 equipped with front seat manual recliners. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202, "Head Restraint." The recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.

REMEDY:
Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 30, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.