Owner Letter
September 1997Serial Number: 1234567891234567 97S78
Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 model year Explorer and certain 1997 model year Mountaineer vehicles.
Safety Defect
The lower right hand liftgate cylinder attachment bracket may separate from the bodyside. This may occur when the liftgate is being opened or closed or when the liftgate is in an open position. Unexpected closing of the liftgate caused by a separated bracket could result in injury to someone in its path.
Warning
The vehicle should not be driven with its rear liftgate either fully or partially open. Harmful exhaust fumes could enter the passenger compartment if the liftgate were open. Also, cargo could fall out. Passengers may be at greater risk of injury, particularly in the event of an accident. Finally, damage to the liftgate cylinders and attaching hardware may result.
Repairs
At no charge to you, your dealer will reinforce the bracket with rivets. Dealers currently have instructions and parts ordering information.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for this service is less than one half day. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period. Please call your dealer for a service date
Call Your Dealer
Call your dealer without delay. Ask for a service date and whether parts are in stock for Safety Recall 97S78.
If your dealer does not have the parts in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.
When you bring your vehicle in, show the dealer this letter.
If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
Changed Address Or Sold The Explorer Or Mountaineer?
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the Explorer or Mountaineer.
If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P.0. Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 366-0123).
We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you, but we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built Explorer or Mountaineer.