Ford Recalling SUVs, Police Cars and Taxis

Ford Motor Co. recalled more than 1.68 million sport utility vehicles Friday, including its top-selling Explorer, to fix speed-control cables and seat-frame bolts.

The recalls affect Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer models from 1998 through 2002 whose driver-seat bolts may fracture, causing the seats to recline unexpectedly, Ford said. The recalled vehicles include 499,988 of the same models from 1999 through 2001 whose speed-control cables may fail to disengage.

Some of the vehicles may be in both recalls, the Dearborn, Mich.-based company said. No accidents or injuries have been reported from either problem.

Ford also recalled 29,946 police and taxi versions of the Crown Victoria because some wheels may develop cracks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. That action covers 2003 models with wheels produced from Aug. 18, 2001, through Sept. 22, 2002.

Ford set up a toll-free phone line, (866) 436-7332, for customers to check whether their vehicles are affected.