1999 Ford Explorer Recall

This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury.

The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

A failure of this component (seats and restraints) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement. Repeated instance of this may result in flaring the cover end causing a binding condition when speed control is disengaged. Drivers may experience a high idle or a condition where it would appear speed control would not disengage. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased. Correction: Dealer will replace the speed control cable.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. If this happens, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the 2nd row seat cushion. The occupant could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat upper bolt.

A failure of this component (seats and restraints) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the Powertrain Control Module may allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds. the vehicle may be capable of exceeding the speed rating of the tires. This could lead to tire failure and at these extreme speeds, may result in a crash. Correction: Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed with the latest calibration.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the generic electronic module (GEM) may experience a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the GEM controlled functions (front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4X4 system etc.) could not be turned ON or, in some cases if the function in ON, it could not be turned OFF. During this lock-up condition, these functions remain in their last known operating mode and do not respond to driver commands until electrical power is interrupted to the GEM. An inoperative front windshield wiper system could adversely affect driver visibility. Correction: Dealers will install a resistor in the GEM circuit which will prevent the electronic noise on the diagnostic link from affecting the GEM during vehicle operation.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position. If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up may occur. If this occurs, the driver's forward vision could be obstructed, which could result in a collision. Correction: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.

A failure of this component (structure) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the right front brake line attachment to the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) may separate from the HCU. This may be due to an incorrect seat angle on the flare nut that is part of the brake line assembly. If this occurs, it could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels and increased stopping distances which could in turn result in a vehicle crash. Correction: The flare nut on the brake line will be replaced with the correct nut.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the speed control cable may interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control. If the speed control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially cause an accident. By not using speed control, this condition will not occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and, if required, speed control cable will be replaced.

A failure of this component (engine) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).