2001 Ford Explorer Sport

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire.  The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28).  This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail.  Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected.  As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.  If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion.  The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event.  Correction:  Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement.  Repeated instance of this may result in flaring the cover end causing a binding condition when speed control is disengaged.  Drivers may experience a high idle or a condition where it would appear speed control would not disengage.  Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased.  Correction: Dealer will replace the speed control cable.

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.  If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion.  The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event.  Correction:  Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures.  If the hood striker fractures, the hood may fly open while the vehicle is being driven.  A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated may result in resuced driver visibility and, potentially, a vehicle crash.  Correction:  Hood striker will be replaced with a revised hood striker.