NHTSA Recall 04V442000: Hinge and attachments (structure)
FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 955,732 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Explorer.
| NHTSA campaign | 04V442000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 04S20 |
| Component | STRUCTURE › BODY › HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE › HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS |
| Report received | September 13, 2004 |
| Owner notification | September 30, 2004 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.
Remedy
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).
Vehicles covered by recall 04V442000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.