6.6
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
$397.00
Average Mileage:
63,963 miles
Total Complaints:
210 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace cracked panel (66 reports)
- not sure (50 reports)
- repair or replace liftgate (30 reports)
- ford should replace (21 reports)
- recall (19 reports)
- need a redesigned tailgate (18 reports)
body / paint problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer cracked panel below the rear window
2008Sep 27
Explorer LTD V8
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
My Explorer has been such a great, totally trouble-free vehicle, except for the 1-inch crack that my daughter discovered about a year ago and now has about 1-inch to totally crack across the back panel. We have (sadly) postponed my wife's purchase of an MKT Lincoln until Ford observes the simple courtesy and responds to such a simple "fix". It is the principle of this matter which should have been taken care of on day 1, or 2, or ... But please, Ford, do not abandon your customers.
2007Jul 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
2003 Ford Explorer XLT has cracked hatch. 40,000 miles and still under warranty and Ford would not replace. Told it was a common problem and would cost me 2,000-3,000 to replace.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Nov 01
Explorer Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
I was on line looking for a do-it -yourself fix to the long crack above my trunk and found it was a common thing for this vehicle. I found this crack a couple years ago. I started trying to fix it then let it go. It distracts from the look of my car. I also am afraid to use the back panel door because I thought opening and closing it was what may have caused it. I was also remembering the recall for the back window. Now I know this has to be a factory defect. Saying it isn't a danger doesn't make it right. I have always brought a ford and so had my parents. This will be my last one with this attitude. No wonder they are in trouble. People would always kid me about what they say about what F-O-R-D means (fix or repair daily or Ford backwards is D-R-O-F Drive-in return on foot). Now I am starting to agree. They dont need another bail-out They need to make better cars and take car of their customers.
2009Oct 16
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
"Cracked Rear Panel" I'm somewhat surprised at how many complaints about this same issue there are. I hope my posting will be the one to put it over the top for Ford to fix this problem. I like Ford products but as a warning this type of thing will keep people away from future purchases. Come on Ford do the right thing.
2009Sep 15
Explorer XLS 4.0L V
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
I am joining the club of Explorer owners with the crack issue in the rear plastic piece beneath the rear window.
Discovered it in a parking lot and was thinking that somebody had cut it with a sword, at that time was a 2-3" long and few days later cracked all the way.
Contacted a FORD body shop in Oregon and asked them how much the fix will be and response was about $450. One thing that I was worried, if water gets inside and causes corrosion to the rear windshield wiper motor or even more cracks or damage. The body shop told me that the glass goes all the way to the bottom. I visually inspected it and confirmed that the plastic appears to be just a decorative addition and water getting in the crack is not a big issue, since I will never pay for that to be fixed. Just as some people already mentioned the plastic peace expands when directly exposed to sun light (on warm days) and the crack becomes "thin" (see photo). On cold days it expands to 1/16" - 1/8" (2-3 mm) and therefore becomes wider and more visible.
Contacted Ford at 1-800-392-3673 and filed a complaint, they recommended dealer to take a look and evaluate and go from there. We will see.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 03
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,500 miles
I have a 2003 Explorer,and the lower panel below the rear window is cracked. I have seen four Explorers that have this same problem here in Georgia. I know this is not an isolated incident. Ford has a problem and should pay to replace this panel free of charge to customers.
2009Jun 27
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
We noticed our cracked rear window panel when rinsing car with water hose thought it was a piece of string while drying with cloth noticed that it was a crack in the fiberglass window panel.Tried to cover it with a God bless America sticker but found out it was fiberglass. Then tried to fill it in with bondo and broke loose both times filled in. Found out the panel was very costly and ford motors wont replace free of charge (no call backs on this) Noticed another one that has 1/2 of it missing don't know if wind blew it out. While in W. Va. noticed 2 more exact same cracks. We put pin stripping over it to cover and so far so good, but we know other 03 explorer drivers will know why the pin stripe is there. (looks pretty cool)
Last week we replaced the tires cause there was a loud humming sound, though we needed tires, although they looked fairly good. Sound still there. Today, Sept 30th, 2009 got worried and took into our mechanic and drove around the block and said the left front wheel bearing went out and had to be replaced and called us to say brakes & rotors were also needed. Cost a bunch unexpected and still have the crack! If only Henry Ford could see us now he'd be tossing in his grave.
2006May 10
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I have filed a complaint from everyone from the NHTSA to the BBB including the Consumer Affairs Dept. of the state Attorneys General office in La. I did get a reply from the attorney generals office today and they will notify the local dealer of my complaint. They are to get back with me when the dealer responds to the complaint. My next stop is to picket the dealer!!!!!!!!!!
2009Sep 05
Explorer SXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
The crack showed up approximately 2 inches to the left side of the ford emblem on the back trim panel. All of the 2003 explorers that I have seen have this problem. I thought I was a lucky one who had been able to avoid it. But, it showed up over the weekend 2 weeks ago. I think it is because the plastic is contracting at a different rate than the metal underneath. When it gets hot, the crack closes up, when it is cold it opens to as much as 1/8th of an inch.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 15
Explorer XLT Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Just came out to my car yesterday and it happened to me. Thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones and wouldn't have to deal with it. I called Ford customer service and the girl didn't even know what I meant by the back rear panel. So her answer was "let me look and see if I show any recalls on your vehicle". I tried to explain to her Ford won't recall it, but they should! She was very unhelpful! This sucks because you spend a lot of money to drive around in something that looks nice. And now I am driving a car that is obviously damaged. Wish Ford would step up and take responsibility for the defect!!!
2005Apr 15
Explorer XLT 4.OL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
Problem occurred between signing the deal and vehicle pick up. Dealer fixed before we took delivery.
2006May 15
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 37,279 miles
When I first noticed the crack I went to the dealer and was told that it was cosmetic and the warranty had expired so they would not repair it. They did mention that I could pay for the repair around $300. The rear panel has cracked numerous more times over the past three years and now the glass lift is showing door ajar continuously. My local dealer still claims it is cosmetic and not a defect in the manufacturing of the car. The price has also gone up in the past three years but it looks like I am going to have to have it fixed. The cracks have got so bad I think the glass will fall out of the lift gate.
2009Aug 13
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,900 miles
Like most of the other comments, it just occurred all by itself. I noticed it one morning. I wonder if it has to do with the heat of summer? I haven't yet gotten it fixed--still checking out prices and options. It sure looks terrible. I didn't realize it was such a common problem--seemed like a "fluke" as nothing had hit or damaged it....unitl just today I saw another Ford Explorer of the same year and color (red) with the EXACT same crack! It seems to me an obvious manufacture's defect. I really hope Ford takes responsibility--but won't hold my breathe on that one.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 23
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 117,348 miles
I don't understand all the complaints and Ford chooses to ignore the problem. This happened two years ago and I complaind to Ford for about 3 months and there answer was there was no recall an there probability wouldn't be.
2009May 29
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Same as many others, woke up one day to find the beneath my rear window cracked. Since then, I have noticed NUMEROUS explorers with the same defect. I will NEVER buy a Ford again.
2009Aug 18
Explorer UX Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 67,108 miles
I bought the car secondhand only 8 months ago. The car is in really good condition and I have enjoyed driving it. It was extremely disappointing to find the crack today. Even more so after finding all these complaints. I expected more from Ford. They should take responsibility for this obvious design fault.
2008Sep 10
Explorer XLT 4.0L Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 197,010 miles
JUST WOKE UP ONE DAY AND FOUND THE PANEL CRACKED UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. DON'T KNOW HOW IT GOT THERE, JUST SHOWED UP. IT IS DEFINITELY AN EYE SORE.
2005May 25
Explorer XLS 4.0L L6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Yet another example of something not caring about the product they offer. It's such a shame. No more Fords... EVER!
2007Dec 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L Ff V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
What can I say ? Broken engine, broken a/c after just 60,000 miles. Couldn't care less about cracked body work as am having to sell what's left of the car for a pittance and will never buy Ford again. Ford should be ashamed of treating people like this -when there are multiple common complaints for the same problems and yet they managed to fix these in later versions of the car - surely this admits liability and they owe Explorer owners of 2002/2003 versions recompense?
2009May 01
Explorer ES 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
The rear window panel has a crack below window in the middle FORD logo. Just came out and noticed it the other day. Oh did I mention the entire rear door assembly/tail gate fell off..... A hinge had come loose. Glad I had about 10 bungie cords in the car to hold it on. My electrical system is a mess on hot and humid days even with a new battery,cabin light stays on so I have to remove the bulb. About twice a week the system re-sets ??
2007Sep 10
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 137,000 miles
The panel between my rear glass is cracked completely. Afraid to use rear lift gate as I feel it may fall off.
2009Feb 03
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,999 miles
just pull workmanship !fading paint around the top doors, cracked tailgate ! ajar door alarm !
2009Apr 30
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
Ours has been cracked for a long time, so I'm not sure when it occurred. I think everyone who reads these posts, and has the same problem, needs to take the time to register on this site (although time consuming), and add their complaint. There is often power in numbers, and when this problem has thousands of posts on this site, maybe Ford will get the ball rolling.
2009Mar 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Returned from a deployment from Iraq to find that my back glass was cracked under the rear window which i have already had replaced once. I think ford should recall those windows from the manufacturer and replace them with new ones. and since it has cracked my door is open light will not go out and i have to manual turn off interior lights.
2009Feb 03
Explorer Limited 4.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
The back panel is cracked under the window. "Poor workmanship and inferior parts" that should be Ford's new slogan!!! This is a big hit to the resale value bu not worth fixing. I will never buy another Ford.
2007Apr 04
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Same as all the others. The magical Ford Fairy visited last week and... POOF!!- broken panel. No wonder they abandoned their slogan from a few years back- "Quality is Job #1". Riiiiiight. Good luck in finding another sucker, uhm, I mean customer to replace me. Trust me, it's not just over a $400 Band-Aid repair to fix this issue. I have a laundry list I can share with those with insomnia. Too bad I won't have the vehicle when they issue the recall so I can take it back to my oh so friendly Ford dealer. I won't miss that while cruising around town in my reliable Yugo.
2007Jan 22
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
Was happy with my Explorer until I noticed that the plastic panel below the rear window was cracked top to bottom just to the right of the Ford logo. At 44K miles the vehicle is beyond the original warranty but I hoped that it might be covered under the Ford ESP extended warranty that I had bought. with the car. The dealer told me that they had seen many similar cracks all near the Ford logo but that there was nothing they could do as it was not covered under the any warranty and Ford had not issued any service bulletins regarding this problem. I am very unhappy as it is going to cost me $600 to fix what is clearly a design flaw. This is the last Ford vehicle I will ever buy.
2008Mar 12
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
We noticed the crack soon after the warranty had expired, how convenient. We took the car to our local dealer who informed us that there was nothing that Ford could do, the vehicle was out of warranty - cost of repair, about $700.
We have since noticed many other Explorers with the same problem. The plastic is glued to the glass and the two materials expand and contract at different rates during heating and cooling, hence the crack is inevitable. Ford must know that this was a poor design that impacts the resale value of the vehicle. If they stood by their promises of claiming to support their customers, they would deal with this, but presumably it will cost them too much...They should realize that in the long run, they will lose out because customers will turn to other manufacturers - wake up Ford. We want to support a US product, but you seem to leave us little choice!
2009Apr 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
The rear window panel had a crack below window in the middle when I called Ford to complain. They told me that it was $700 to repair and wasn't covered by warranty and also that it wasn't their fault, and maybe I did something to break it. I told them I had seen a lot of Explorers with the same problem and they just said they had not heard of it and if I wanted it fixed I would have to pay.
2008Jan 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
After reading all the posts on this site, I started looking closely whenever I saw another 2002-2004 vintage Explorer on the road. I'd say about 50% of them have some kind of crack (some worse than mine) in the trim area below the rear window on the lift-gate either right through the Ford emblem or next to it.
We had a bad rear-end accident in late 2005 and surprisingly the only thing that survived on the rear end was the glass window/lift-gate assembly. The door was replaced, door-frame repaired, and the bumper replaced.
By late 2007 - early 2008 we started seeing a crack in the trim around the Ford emblem below the rear window. Until I saw the volume of complaints on this problem I assumed it was caused by the accident (even though this trim area was completely untouched).
Ours has become so bad that during a heavy rain water leaks in the crack and gets into the latch assembly. Sometimes if you open the window after it rains, when it closes, the sensor says it's still open because the sensor has water on it and is shorted out... so then you can't arm the alarm after you shut it off and close all the doors.
I'd love to see someone post a complaint that explains how to get Ford to fix this for free.
2009Mar 24
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 89,400 miles
This seems to be a common problem. Is there a way to get Ford to repair this obvious flaw with this body panel? We've spent our money on their product. They should treat us as I treat my customers and do whatever it takes to make things right. Especially when the problem is all theirs. I did nothing to break this panel, one day just noticed it had cracked. It is definitely a design flaw. Why should I have to pay to fix their mistake? This happened one week before the transmission went on this vehicle (see other complaint). I see a Toyota or Nissan in my future. Sorry American auto workers, but maybe someone should be looking out for your countrymen. It's unfortunate we have to look overseas for value for our dollar......
2006Oct 11
Explorer XL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
This is sad that you make your car payment as a consumer, and you are treated like you stole something. They replaced this part when I had my warranty on the vehicle. Now they act like this is something new. Went to same dealer same service dept at ford the manger tells me she has an explorer with the same problem They still want to fix their employee's trucks and they do know there is a problem. They want to look the other way, that's why they need a bailout, to continue to steal from American taxpayers
2008Jun 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
P.O.S. FORD! They would not stand by this KNOWN problem. Cost me $800 to fix. Went to three different dealers...they all suck. This is only one of the problems I've had with this Explorer. I am original owner and babied this thing. Paint on hood started chipping right around 50K miles, engine blew out a plug that cost me $1800 to fix. Transmission is slipping, and every single sensor on the thing has gone bad at one point or another.
NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A FORD. Quality is NOT job one.
2008Apr 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Well we bought the car and the dealer we bought it from promised it was under recall. Well it wasn't and now we are stuck with the issue. What can we do.
2009Jan 02
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
It appears from other posts that Ford "may" fix my problem. I'll let you know. I won't hold my breath.
2009Jan 09
Explorer EB 4.6L Litr
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
This is an update to a previous complaint that I posted on this site and i wanted to share with everyone the Technical service bulletin that i used to get my rear hatch crack repaired FREE of charge with my Ford dealer.
See this link for the PDF file that Ford has but will not share with us because it is a large problem:
http://www.2shared.com/file/4420709/4265a463/ford_tsb_crack.html
Hope this helps everyone as it did for me!
Danny Andrade
Livermore, CA.
eng289@comcast.net
2008Feb 22
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I was surprised to find that this is a common occurrence.
2008Feb 15
Explorer LX V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I have seen cracks under rear window get progressively worse over the last year. One of many Fords with this problem. Let me know if anyone gets Ford to pay for this.
2009Jan 29
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
Seems this is a major defect in manufacturing and should be fixed by Ford at cost, at least. The number of complaints on this issue speaks for itself. I would pay $50 bucks considering age of car. I would consider this perforation of the car like a rust warranty for ten years The paint has worn off the plastic pillars between the doors as well. Otherwise a great car.
2009Jan 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
I have the same crack as everyone else, and it appeared suddenly after a sub-freezing night. I talked to the local Ford dealership about it, and they said since it was cosmetic it would not be considered a recall issue. Coincidentally, the person parked next to me at the service center had the exact same crack on her Explorer, and while I was driving out of the dealership parking lot, I saw another Explorer with the exact same crack.
The dealership told me they don't do body work, and I should call a body shop for the repair. My concern is spending the money repairing the panel, and it reoccurring again next year. I could probably do the repair myself, but I'd need to have a body shop paint the part for me.
2008Dec 22
Explorer LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
Since I have seen over a hundred similar complaints I think FORD should recall and fix the faulty panel that is cracked.
2009Feb 25
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I just went to the grocery store tonight and when I came out I noticed that rear panel is cracked under the rear window when I got home I asked my husband if he knew what happend he said he didn't know so we were confused until he found this website and we read all these complaints...so I guess we are screwed...this blows!!
2005Feb 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
When I called the Ford dealer to ask about the problem, they acted like they never heard of this complaint before. I began to take notice of all the Explorers on the road with the exact same crack. I then brought it to the attention of the dealer when I had it in to have the hinges replaced. They told me Ford is not paying for the repair. Why are people sick of the American car companies again???? The same vehicle had the rear differential replaced 3 times due to another design issue.
2007May 20
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 25,000 miles
At first I thought we had gotten hit when I saw the crack next to the Ford emblem on the tail gate, but after further analyzing the crack I noticed it's a pressure crack and thought one of the kids closed the tail gate wrong. But then....a few weeks later my other SUV an 06' Lincoln Aviator cracked at the same spot, thank god that was a lease and was sent back as soon as the lease was up....Ford has to know of this design defect on this model and needs to make thing right!!!! shame on you FORD!!!!!
2008Jul 04
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
During the summer my granddaughter was helping to wash the car and I noticed a few days later that the panel beside the decal was cracked. I felt sure that she must have done something, but then just about a week ago I noticed that it was cracked on the other side, and nothing has hit it or anything. After reading other complaints about this, I feel that Ford should give us some relief when we have this repaired.
2009Jan 31
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 63,500 miles
Same problem as it seems everyone else is having, the tailgate cracked below the window. My fathers had just cracked the week before and my brother-in-law is a Sergeant for our local police department and they have one as a detective vehicle and it cracked about the same time as my dad's. I called Ford, they said we are on our own to fix it. I asked to speak to someone else and the guy basically just hung up on me. I am not giving up on this problem, I feel it is Ford's responsibility to fix it not mine. I hope everyone who complains about this contacts the BBB and continuously calls Ford everyday to bug the sh*t out of them. Ford is already in trouble I can't believe they feel they can lose the customers they already have. I will never buy another Ford,solely because of how I was treated on the phone, and I hope everyone who has had this problem with Ford will not either.
2008Dec 21
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
My son and myself have explorers. Both have cracks next to the emblems on the rear hatch. Nobody has hit the hatch. It just cracked on its own. This is a factory defect and should be rplaced by Ford. At this point we are sure we will NEVER go Ford again!
2008Nov 14
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
I felt my cracked rear window was just another example of my bad luck but after seeing all these complaints, I too feel that Ford owes us some compensation.
2008May 20
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 88,470 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
This is the icing on the cake. NO MORE FORD's!
We took this vehicle in every 3k miles to the local Oak Ridge, TN Ford dealership. Toward the end of our warranty the lifters started messing up. Took it back in and they said they'd replaced the oil, filters, etc, couldn't find anything wrong. We ended up taking the vehicle to another dealer because the Oak Ridge dealer wouldn't fix the problem. The new dealer found sludge in the oil pan! (Seems we paid for oil and filters years on end that weren't replaced.) They asked for our receipts, said if we didn't have them Ford wouldn't honor the warranty and we would have to pay to replace the engine. (I found this odd because each visit was to a certified Ford service center, and was entered into the Ford dealership database, which fed Ford because we always received information from corporate.) Thank God I kept the invoices, presented them, and the dealer/Ford replaced the engine.
After getting the vehicle back we find the back liftgate is cracked! Not only that, but we are seeing more and more of this make/model on the road with cracked liftgates. RECALL!!!!!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 01
Explorer XLT V6
Same story as everyone else on this subject. Crack down the rear hatch on my '03 Explorer. Called Ford Customer Service a month ago and asked if it was recalled yet, or if there was anything they could do. They said I had to have it checked at the local dealer before they could help. Knowing that most people weren't getting them to resolve anything, I specifically asked "If I go to the local dealer, and they tell me I have a cracked rear hatch, and I call you back...can you then do something for me? Otherwise, I won't waste my time going down there." She responded with yes. Well, after spending the 2 hours to take my car to the dealer, and then calling Ford customer service back...they responded with "Sorry, nothing we can do." Car is no longer under warranty.
I'm more than disappointed in Ford. As many others have stated, no wonder why they are having the problems they are. I can assure you, unless they resolve this issue to my satisfaction, my next car will NOT be a Ford.
Matt S.
Austin, TX, USA
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