REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE

Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Support Device/Strut
Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear

Summary

This investigation was opened on June 23, 2008, based on 34 complaints involving eight injuries in which the rear liftgate glass hatch on model year 2004 Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer broke off and fell, usually while individuals were operating the glass hatch or loading or unloading items from the rear of the vehicle.Ford conducted recall 04V-442 in 2004 to address similar problems on model year 2002 and certain model year 2003 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer.the information Ford provided in response to ODI's information request letter indicated that failures with 2004 vehicles were primarily liftgate glass hatch hinge failures related to corrosion at the hinge pin, whereas the failures that prompted the recall with the earlier models were primarily related to problems with the glass hatch's struts or fracture of a prior hinge design at the boss/bolt connection at the glass.ODI's review of Ford's warranty, complaint, and injury data for the 2004 vehicles indicates that these rates are significantly lower than those for the recalled population.a potential defect trend has not been identified at this time.ODI will continue to monitor complaints and take appropriate action as necessary.this investigation is closed.

Documents (10)

• FORD RESPONSE DATA 08/15/2008 INFORMATION FROM CD, ENGINEERING REVIEW, ILLUSTRATIONS
• CLOSING RESUME APPROVED *10/24/08*P
• FORD RESPONSE 08/15/2008, TO TIS, ONE CD, APPENDIX A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J
• IR TO MFR *06/25/08*P
• FORD RESPONSE 08/15/2008 LETTET TO ODI
• FORD RESPONSE 08/15/2008 INFORMATION FROM CD, MISCELLANEOUS WARRANTY &OTHER
• OCC 5/27/2009 LETTER TO FORD GRANT CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT TO FORD 1/7/2009 LETTER TO OCC
• FORD 1/7/2009 LETTER TO OCC REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT
• FORD RESPONSE DATA 08/15/2008 INFORMATION FROM CD, APPENDIX B,D,E,F,I,J
• OPENING RESUME APPROVED *06/23/08*P

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