7.4
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$322.00
Average Mileage:
76,547 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replacement hinges (5 reports)
- $1280 repair that ford says will reoccur (1 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
windows / windshield problem
Helpful Websites About 2004 Ford Explorer defective hinges on rear window
2009May 31
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,234 miles
rear glass hatch fell off today. At the grocery store, luckily my husband came with me or I have no idea how I would have made it home in one piece. Was just getting out my reusable bags from the back went to close the hatch with one hand and the hinges busted. the glass didn't fall to the ground and we managed to remove the arms and put the glass into the car but what a joke this car is 5 yrs old. I've been reading many other posts with the same problem fortunately there was no broken glass and this didn't happen to any of my children. I can't believe Ford is not taking care of this I will be pursuing all possible avenues and will post if I am able to get anywhere with this problem.
2008Feb 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
My wife picked up some groceries and when she shut the hatch it fell off halfway. The other hinge was still hanging on. All she could do was drive home; it was to heavy and to much of a pain for her to try and rig. She pulled in the driveway and it fell off and landed on the ground. It got chipped and scratched all up and then even more as I wrestled the thing to get it back up in order to get it to the auto shop. When I finally got it there it was $20 dollars for each hinge and the labor was free because it was a friend, but my hatch is all scuffed and chipped. I heard later about a recall on the hatch's hinges and looked into it but none really existed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Oct 06
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
I was initially told that there was a recall on the rear hinges. After visiting the dealership, I found out that Ford recalled the rear hinges in the 2003, 2002, and 2007 models but did not recall the hinges in the 2004 model? Is there any sense at all in this?
I am having my rear hinges replaced at a Ford dealership for 137.00 but the hazard this posed while having to drive for a week like this and the fact that Ford does not have a recall on an issue that they have acknowledged as being a problem is incredible.
2008Aug 11
Explorer Limmited 6
- Automatic transmission
- 42,595 miles
The rear hatch just came off as I was driving out out of a store, the hinge just broke off, as per the Ford dealer, this happen a lot due to the rear retaining water the hinges getting rotten due to the water
2008Aug 10
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
The 2002 and 2003 Ford Explorer models have a recall on defective rear window hinges but FORD would not honor the recall for 2004 when it was installed with the same defective hinges. Luckily my window did not break and it didn't fall on someones head when it fell. The replacement hinges (parts) cost $30 but the labor and disposal cost $200. My biggest gripe is that FORD continued to install the same defective hinges in 2004 but they would not extend the recall and take care of what was once a loyal customer.
2008Jun 25
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
About a year ago and at about 40,000 one of my hinges broke. Ford acknowledged this as a recurring problem on the explorer model but unlike ALL other years around it the 2004 had no recall, thus I had to pay for the hinges. Now fast forward to 2008 and the same hinges are not only breaking again but has now damaged the glass. The repair shop has again acknowledged a defect and refused to tighten the hinge for a temporary fix because the glass is already cracked and this would cause the blown out glass as mentioned above. Ford service stated that there was no recall on the 2004 but right outside the managers window was another explorer with the same hinge mechanism and a shattered back glass. Ford offered no warranty service because of the lack of a recall but I was advised that if I got it fixed to "avoid using the back glass because it WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN" Best quote so far on the repair is $1280.00
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your windows / windshield problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 27
Explorer XLT V6
Driving through the mountains and heard a loud "bang" from the rear of the SUV. I pulled over and saw no damage to the vehicle...I thought I'd hit some debris in the road. A few days later, I noticed that one of the rear window hinges was slightly crooked. Upon closer inspection, the pin sheared.
The dealer had a hinge repair kit in stock and said that this year for some reason was not covered by recall.
wva
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
SEND A COMMENT »