The 2011 Ford Explorer has gotten off to a hot start here in the States, with January retail sales up 244 percent. That's good news for Ford, but a recall for their new baby is not.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice on its website that Ford is recalling 1,658 new Explorers equipped with manual recline second row seats. The potential defect, which covers some Explorers built between July 15, 2010 and December 13, 2010, is the manual recliner mechanism on the 60 side of the 60/40 split second row bench seat. NHTSA says that the components are "out of dimensional specification," and that in the event of a crash the seat back may not provide the required strength to protect second row occupants.

Owners of the Explorers in question will be contacted by Ford and asked to bring their vehicle to the nearest Ford dealer for free of charge repairs. Ford dealers will reportedly be equipped to repair the compromised part beginning February 14, 2011. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer







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