2011 Ford Explorer Recalled for Defective Seats

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* Ford is recalling 1,658 2011 Explorer vehicles because of defective seatbacks that might not provide the required strength in a crash, according to NHTSA.
* Ford dealers have been told to stop demonstrating or delivering the affected vehicles until they are repaired.
* The recall is expected to begin on February 14.


WASHINGTON — Ford is recalling 1,658 2011 Explorer vehicles because of defective seatbacks that might not provide the required strength in a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford dealers have been told to stop demonstrating or delivering the affected vehicles until they are repaired.

The affected vehicles are equipped with second-row "60 percent seats with manual recliner mechanisms that may have components that are out of dimensional specification," said the NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "In the event of a crash, the seatback may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury."

In other documentation filed with the federal government, Ford said its dealers have been notified to stop demonstrating or delivering the affected vehicles until they are repaired. The automaker said it is "not aware of any reports of this condition on vehicles in customer service."

Ford said the problem was discovered on December 14, 2010 at its Chicago Assembly Plant when a 2011 Explorer was identified as having a noise in the second-row 60 percent seat. "This seat was removed from the unit and returned to the seat supplier," Ford said. "Upon inspection of the returned seat, there was unexpected observable movement of the center recliner/seatback during manual forward loading."

Ford dealers will repair the seats. The recall is expected to begin on February 14. Owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.