Hood Latch problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport

Two problems related to hood latch have been reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Hood Latch problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2006

Hood would not open. After 2 hours of working on the latch through the grille, I finally was able to open the hood. After buying a replacement from my local Ford dealer,$68. 00, and replacing the corroded latch, the new one worked fine. For now.

2 Hood Latch problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2004

The factory pressurized cylinders that hold the hood open have failed. I have narrowly averted injury when the hood came falling down. I feel that this is a safety issue and a possible design defect. I plan to replace them, but I am concerned that the manufacturer's replacement could be similarly unsafe.


Other Latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport



Fuel Economy of Explorer Sport Vehicles
Explorer Sport Service Bulletins
Explorer Sport Defect Investigations