1999–2001 Ford Explorer, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and 1 other model Recall: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L…
NHTSA campaign 03V280000 · Vehicle Speed Control · filed Aug 5, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
The risk
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD RECALL NO. 03S03.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford Explorer recalls
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- 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and 1 other model — Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind…
- 2018–2021 Ford Expedition and 4 other models — Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in…
- 2024 Ford Explorer — An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may…
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V280000 (manufacturer number 03S03). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.