Ford/high back seats
Defect Summary
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. if the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.
Safety Consequence
The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. in addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. owner notification began on august 29, 2003. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Seats.
FAQ: Recall 03V281000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03V281000?
NHTSA recall 03V281000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on August 5, 2003. It addresses: Ford/high back seats. The recall affects approximately 1,552,880 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seats component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V281000 or the manufacturer campaign number 03S04. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.