All Investigations » Investigation RQ99016

  Defect Investigation of Liftgate Support Bracket Failure

Investigation of Liftgate Support Bracket Failure

Subject: Liftgate support bracket failure
Components covered:
  • Structure
Investigations Summary: Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall.
Summary:on August 22, 1995, Ford conducted safety recall, 95v-164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures. The rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop. The recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets. Ford also initiated a safety improvement campaign in October 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were not included in the recall, to install reinforcements on those bracket that were found to be loose or detached. This campaign ended in October 1996. Since November 1996, odi has received 51 consumer complaints alleging liftgate failures caused by the bracket separation, of which 19 reported the liftgate struck the occupant causing 12 injuries. One complaint was on 1992 model year vehicle, three complaints were on 1993 model year vehicles, and 47 complaints were on 1994 model year vehicles. This rq is to determine the extent of the problem experience and the scope of safety recall 95v-164.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 1991 Ford Explorer
  • 1992 Ford Explorer
  • 1993 Ford Explorer
  • 1994 Ford Explorer
  • 1995 Ford Explorer

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