The problem
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.
The risk
The gas cylinder bracket May not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-137 (97V137000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut |
| Report date | August 19, 1997 |
| Owners notified | September 30, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 2,200 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-137 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 2,200 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.