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NHTSA Recall 97V235001: Roof and pillars (structure)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 185,000 vehicles. It affects 1991–1993 Ford Explorer.

185,000
vehicles potentially affected
1
model affected
1998
owners notified (March 2)
NHTSA campaign97V235001
ComponentSTRUCTURE › BODY › ROOF AND PILLARS
Report receivedDecember 18, 1997
Owner notificationMarch 2, 1998
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.

Safety risk

Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control.

Remedy

Owners will be provided with an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and reinstallation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to the owners.

Notes

Owner notification began march 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the instruction booklet and warning label 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 97V235001

Make and modelModel years
Ford Explorer1991, 1992, 1993

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.