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🩹 Injury riskNHTSA 04V442📅 Sep 15, 2004

2002–2003 Ford Explorer & 2002–2003 Ford Mountaineer recall: body & structure

⚠️ What's wrong

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.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
04V442000
Manufacturer recall #
04S20
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
955,732
Component
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Owner phone
1-800-392-3673
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Sep 30, 2004
Built
Aug 1, 2000 – Jun 23, 2003
Recall started by
ODI
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).

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 04V442 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 04V442?

2002–2003 Ford Explorer & 2002–2003 Ford Mountaineer. 955,732 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Ford dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-800-392-3673.