The problem
Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
The risk
With a broken bracket weld, there is a potential for the liftgate bracket to gradually bend inward allowing the lift cylinder ball stud to disengage, unexpectedly allowing the liftgate to fall from an open position.
The fix
Dealers will install liftgate reinforcement brackets. Depending upon the condition of the liftgate sheet metal in the area of the bracket, dealers May also install a larger reinforcement.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V310001 (99V310001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 99S34 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut |
| Report date | November 3, 1999 |
| Owners notified | January 3, 2000 |
| Vehicles affected | 470,582 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V310001 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install liftgate reinforcement brackets. Depending upon the condition of the liftgate sheet metal in the area of the bracket, dealers May also install a larger reinforcement.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 470,582 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.