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Vehicle recall 97V235001 · December 18, 1997

1991-1993 Ford Explorer

Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.
Consequence
Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and reinstallation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to the owners.
Notes
Owner notification began March 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the instruction booklet and warning label within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
97V235001
Reported to NHTSA
December 18, 1997
Filed by
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification
March 2, 1998
Vehicles potentially affected
185,000
Initiated by
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Recall 97V235001 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

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