The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut May become disengaged or the hinge May fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.
The risk
If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.
The fix
Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from August 1, 2000 through March 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from March 3, 2002 through June 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on September 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on December 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-442 (04V442000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04S20 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments |
| Report date | September 13, 2004 |
| Owners notified | September 30, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 955,732 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-442 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from August 1, 2000 through March 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 955,732 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.