Recall 04V-442: 2002–2003 Ford Explorer, 2002–2003 Ford Mountaineer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for structure, reported to NHTSA on Sep 13, 2004, covering about 955,732 vehicles.

NHTSA number
04V-442
Report date
Sep 13, 2004
Vehicles affected
955,732
Owners notified
Sep 30, 2004

The problem

On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.

The risk

If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.

The fix

Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from august 1, 2000 through march 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from march 3, 2002 through june 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on september 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on december 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Notes

Ford recall no. 04s20.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
ComponentStructure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Recall started byNHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation)
NHTSA campaign number04V442000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Ford Explorer2002, 2003All years
Ford Mountaineer2002, 2003All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 04V-442?

On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.

How is recall 04V-442 fixed?

Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from august 1, 2000 through march 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from march 3, 2002 through june 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on september 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on december 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.