1.   At www.safetyalerts.com, a site operated by Worldwide Alerts, consumers can search for recall information or find manufacturing lot numbers or codes.

2.   But Ford also has been busy protecting its reputation, sending out thousands of textured packets containing favorable literature about the Ford Explorer, along with recall information.

3.   Consumers who want to check regional recall information can do so with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

4.   For recall information on products for children, consumers may want to check www.safechild.net, operated by the Consumer Federation of America.

5.   Recall information is organized by vehicle name and year, which makes for easy checking.