The problem
The housing plates on the driver seat back latch recliner assemblies were manufactured with substandard material products. This tainted steel was used to produce seatback latches for both the right and left side seat assemblies. Under certain conditions, the defective housing plates may distort, allowing the locking teeth to disengage and tear off. This permits the seatback to pivot backwards.
The fix
Upon inspection, both driver and passenger seat latch/recliner assemblies, on vehicles exhibiting the suspect date codes, will be replaced.
Contacts
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.System: interior; seat back latch/recliner assembly housing plate.Consequences of defect: a backward pivoting of the driver"s seatback withoutprior warning may cause a loss of vehicle control and, possibly, an accident.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Ford, Mercury dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 81V102000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.