Hatchback/liftgate: support device/strutRecall 99V-310 · 1993–1995 Ford Explorer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 99V-310 covers 470,582 1993–1995 Ford Explorer for a hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut problem, reported to NHTSA on November 3, 1999.
Source: NHTSA recall 99V310001 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
The risk
WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
FORD RECALL NO. 99S34.OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
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 April 1, 1993 to February 17, 1995. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURENHTSA