Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The part that keeps your rear liftgate shut is called the latch. In some cases, this latch can fail to hold the gate closed properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the latch fails and the gate is unlocked, it could swing open in a crash, which could lead to injury or damage.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the faulty latch and related parts with new ones, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →