Ford/liftgate bracket welds
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. the liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.
Safety Consequence
The gas cylinder bracket may not properly support the liftgate increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Structure.
FAQ: Recall 97V137000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97V137000?
NHTSA recall 97V137000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on August 19, 1997. It addresses: Ford/liftgate bracket welds. The recall affects approximately 2,200 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V137000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.