The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and Mini vans. Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
The risk
This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-180 (97V180000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Structure › Body › Hood |
| Report date | October 20, 1997 |
| Owners notified | November 10, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 769,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-180 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 769,000 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.