Body: roof and pillarsRecall 97V-235 · 1991–1993 Ford Explorer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 97V-235 covers 185,000 1991–1993 Ford Explorer for a body: roof and pillars problem, reported to NHTSA on December 18, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V235001 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.
The risk
UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 2, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET AND WARNING LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from January 5, 1990 to January 15, 1993. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- SUNROOF SHATTERING AND SEPARATIONNHTSA