Ford to fix more than 1.5 million SUVs.(recalls & safety alerts)

Potential problems with cruise control and seat recliners have prompted Ford to recall more than 1.5 million Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.

One action involves about 500,000 vehicles with cruise control that may not disengage completely, increasing the risk of an accident. A worn cable may be to blame. The other action involves approximately 1.6 million Explorers and Mountaineers with high-back seats. A bolt could fracture and cause the seatback to recline suddenly. Some vehicles are subject to both recalls.

Models: For the cruise-control recall: '99 01 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer four-door made 3/5/99 through 12/24/00; '99-00 Explorer two-door made 3/5/99 through 8/7/00; and '01 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac made 9/24/99 through 7/31/00. All have 4.0-liter V6 engine and optional cruise control. For seatback recall: '98-01 Explorer and Mountaineer four-door models made 4/25/97 through 12/24/00; '98-O0 Explorer two-door made 4/25/97 through 8/10/00; and '01-02 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac made 9/24/99 through 8/16/02.

What to do: For the cruise-control problem, have dealer inspect and, if necessary, replace speed-control cable. For the seatback problem, have dealer install new recliner-seatback bolts.

VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

* '02-03 Buick Rendezvous

Liftgate could open in crash and allow unbelted occupant to be ejected from vehicle.