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NHTSA Recall 97V180000: Hood (structure)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 769,000 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Mustang.

769,000
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
1997
owners notified (November 10)
NHTSA campaign97V180000
ComponentSTRUCTURE › BODY › HOOD
Report receivedOctober 20, 1997
Owner notificationNovember 10, 1997
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.

Safety risk

This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.

Notes

Owner notification began november 10, 1997. 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 1-800-424-9393.

Vehicles covered by recall 97V180000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Mustang1994, 1995, 1996
Ford Windstar1995, 1996

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.