I was leaving the parking lot of the grocery store I had been shopping at, and the drivers side reclining seat latch assembly that controls the angle of, and locks the back of the seat into position, gave way and the back of the seat collapsed backwards causing me to go backwards as well. Fortunately I was able to stop my vehicle without causing a collision or injury. The vehicle is now at home, and with internet research it seems that the reclining seat latch assembly has been a weak point with Ford Ranger trucks and Ford Explorer SUV vehicles for years. The Ford dealer/service center that I do business with, now tells me that the replacement part is obsolete and they will have to contact various dealers still listing it in their inventory to see if they can get the part, as the parts supplier for Ford that made the replacement latches went out of business during the bad economy. I'm amazed that a recall has not been issued, given the potential for great harm and possible injury or death from the failure of this component.

- Omaha, NE, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 65 mph on normal road conditions, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained lit until the engine was turned off. When the speed was reduced, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. On a separate occasion, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop for inspection and the transmission was re-built replaced. The failure mileage was 59,099 and the current mileage is 126,431. Updated 05/08/09 the engine light illuminated and the seat broke loose. Updated 05/12/09. Updated 06/09/09.

- Millers Creek, NC, USA

Consumer states while driving his vehicle, the driver's seat collapsed backward.

- Dallas, TX, USA

My father was rear-ended at 55-65mph. As a result of the accident, my father's seat broke causing his seat to fly backwards and thus, his head to crashed through the back window of his pickup truck. My concern is that this seat should have withstood this kind of impact. Because of the seat breaking, my father has sustained numerous lacerations to his face and neck, and massive neck injuries. My father's injuries would not have been so severe if the seat withstood the impact. My father was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. Can you please provide me with a list of instances which a Ford Ranger's seat has broken in the past" also, who is the manufacturer of the seat in the Ford Ranger pickup truck" if you could investigate this matter, I would greatly appreciate it. My father weighs approximately 180-190pds and is 5'11" thank you, [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

Power steering had to be replaced, was making a noise like pump was not working properly. Air conditioner pump replaced. Right window is loose while going down. Transmission slips occasionally while taking off. There are loose bolts underneath seats. Fog light failed. Consumer states oil from master cylinder damaged hood. Door lock inside driver's door never worked and was replaced.

- Long Beach, CA, USA