Ford Explorer: Structure

Affects Ford Explorer · 1992–1993 — about 18K vehicles.

The hazard

DEFECT: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE BRACKET WELDS MAY FRACTURE DUE TO THE BRACKETS BEING INADVERTENTLY MISLOCATED RELATIVE TO THE LIFTGATE. THERE MAY BE A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD WHICH MIGHT ALLOW THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE. CORRECTION: REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational