Sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. A wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven.

A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.

Dealers will replace the hood striker.

On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0-liter SOHC engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated.

The throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed control is disengaged. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased.

Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.